Approval of December 14, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the December 14, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested. Background: February 2018 revisions to the 2017-2020 TIP are provided as Electronic Item 2.1 for the Council’s consideration. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the TIP.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Metropolitan Planning Organization Certification for Three Urbanized Areas (Agenda Item 4) 2. Movement Towards More Electronic Meeting Materials and Less Paper Materials for Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Meetings 3. Upcoming Visit to the Texas Transportation Commission, January 25 4. Draft Environmental Impact Statement on High-Speed Rail from Dallas to Houston (Public Hearings in Dallas County on January 29 and in Ellis County on January 30) 5. High-Speed Rail from Fort Worth to Dallas and Fort Worth to Laredo 6. Federal Highway Administration Resilience and Durability to Extreme Weather Pilot Program (Electronic Item 3.1) 7. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 8. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (Electronic Item 3.3) 9. Alternative Fuel Corridor Update (Electronic Item 3.4) 10. Volkswagen Settlement Workshop in Austin, Texas, January 17 (Electronic Item 3.5) 11. United States Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Existing 10-County Nonattainment Area for the Revised 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone (Electronic Item 3.6) 12. December Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.7) 13. January Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.8) 14. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.9) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 18. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Lewisville-Denton and McKinney Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Certification Review Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Barbara Maley, Federal Highway Administration and Ronisha Hodge, Federal Transit Administration Item Summary: Representatives from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide information on the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Lewisville-Denton and McKinney Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Certification Review. Background: FHWA and FTA conducted a joint review of the metropolitan planning process in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area on June 13-15, 2017. The review included communication with Regional Transportation Council members, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff, and the public. The review is required at least every four years for all Transportation Management Areas, which are urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. Correspondence documenting the overall findings of the Certification Review is provided in Electronic Item 4.1. A copy of the final 2017 Federal Certification Review report is provided in Electronic Item 4.2.
2017-2018 CMAQ/STBG Funding Program: Federal/Local Funding Exchanges Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the proposed projects to be funded under the Federal/Local Funding Exchanges Program in the 2017-2018 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) Funding Program. Background: In April 2017, staff introduced the process to select projects using CMAQ and STBG funding through several funding programs. Staff has received requests from local agencies that wish to enter into partnerships with the RTC in which federal funds are spent on projects with some portion of exchange for local funding. Details on the funding swaps and the overall funding program can be found in Reference Item 5.1 and Electronic Item 5.2.
Equitable Transit Access Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of a program that reaches out to transportation authorities, local governments, and social service organizations to provide transit accessibility to people in need. The RTC will be requested to approve up to $1 million in revenue to be matched by other public and private-sector entities in developing a sustainable revenue system for access to work, job training, and related activities. Background: Several organizations and RTC members have requested the RTC consider developing a program to provide more equitable access to transit system capabilities. There appears to be a significant need undermined by financial capability. If approved, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff will initiate a program across the entire region to provide opportunities to advance quality of life opportunities through access to transit.
General Motors Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be requested to approve a process to engage public and private-sector parties to advance test track possibilities for the next generation of people mover systems. Background: Negotiations are underway with General Motors, the State of Texas, local governments, and the RTC in developing the next generation people mover test track between General Motors and the rail head. This distance is less than half of a mile. This project also includes the possibility of parts being delivered to the assembly plant in addition to vehicles being transported to the rail head.
Early Successes in Implementing the Collin County Action Plan Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be requested to approve a funding partnership for approximately $20 million among Collin County, Dallas County, the City of Sachse, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the RTC. The partnership is for improvements to Merritt/Woodbridge Parkway from SH 190/President George Bush Turnpike to Parker Road/ FM 2514. Final RTC approval will be requested once the detailed cost/revenue allocation is determined. Background: Last month, the RTC approved advancement of the US 75 technology lanes initiative. Also in December, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board approved advancing the next phase of the environmental work on the Regional Loop. This item advances the next of several north/south transportation improvements in Collin County. Other recommendations will be included in Mobility 2045.
"Big Projects": IH 635 East Update, IH 35W 3C Update, and Communication Program with the Texas Legislature Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on IH 635 East, IH 35W 3C, and "Big Projects" in the State of Texas. In addition, staff will present the "no tolls" scenario for Mobility 2045 as requested at the December 14, 2017, Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting. In addition, the RTC will be requested to approve $5 million to aid in the implementation of IH 35W 3C. Background: Funding for IH 635 East, IH 35W 3C, and implementing "Big Projects" in the region and the State of Texas have been discussed regularly. The IH 635 East Phase 3 project is escalating in cost by $5 million per month. IH 35W 3C (US 287 to Eagle Parkway) is currently being negotiated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the private-sector developer through existing contract mechanisms. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff is offering $5 million in contingency funds for the project to go to construction. It is likely that these contingency funds will not be needed. Electronic Item 9 contains copies of the three letters the RTC requested at its December 14, 2017, meeting. RTC members and staff will be attending the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on January 25, 2018.
Mobility 2045 Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Work continues on the region’s next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045. Staff will present a brief overview of the progress to date, including special initiatives. In addition, staff will present information regarding: • Major policy revisions from Mobility 2040 (including new technology policies and a tolled/managed lane policy) and draft Mobility 2045 policies • Major program revisions from Mobility 2040 and draft Mobility 2045 programs • Draft financial plan • Schedule for completion Background: The last comprehensive update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) occurred in 2016 with the adoption of Mobility 2040. Staff has continued MTP development with a variety of efforts. Development will continue over the next several months. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2045 in June 2018. Mobility 2045 will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives.
Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Fleet Recognition and Annual Survey Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will recognize fleets who earned Bronze or Silver Fleet levels through the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities (DFWCC) fleet recognition program for their 2016 activities. Staff will also highlight and request participation in the Clean Fleet Policy and the Clean Cities 2017 annual survey. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been the host organization for DFWCC, a United States Department of Energy (DOE) initiative to increase energy security and reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector since 1994. Clean Cities coalitions are required to complete annual reporting to DOE every March. In order to complete this reporting, DFWCC seeks information from local fleets about alternative fuel use and other fuel-saving activities. Three years ago, DFWCC began a recognition program to highlight fleets who demonstrate excellence in their fleet reporting. In December 2017, DFWCC staff announced fleets who had earned bronze or silver designation based on their 2016 reports. In preparation for the March 2018 submittal to DOE, staff is preparing to collect fleet reports describing 2017 activities. DFWCC has a goal to demonstrate a 15 percent increase in petroleum displacement each year as part of this report. Fleets must complete this reporting in order to earn fleet recognition and to comply with partnership elements of the Regional Transportation Council’s Clean Fleet Policy. Details can be found in Electronic Item 11.
12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Electronic Item 12.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 12.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.3) 13. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 14. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 8, 2018, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of December 14, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the December 14, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested. Background: February 2018 revisions to the 2017-2020 TIP are provided as Electronic Item 2.1 for the Council’s consideration. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the TIP.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Metropolitan Planning Organization Certification for Three Urbanized Areas (Agenda Item 4) 2. Movement Towards More Electronic Meeting Materials and Less Paper Materials for Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Meetings 3. Upcoming Visit to the Texas Transportation Commission, January 25 4. Draft Environmental Impact Statement on High-Speed Rail from Dallas to Houston (Public Hearings in Dallas County on January 29 and in Ellis County on January 30) 5. High-Speed Rail from Fort Worth to Dallas and Fort Worth to Laredo 6. Federal Highway Administration Resilience and Durability to Extreme Weather Pilot Program (Electronic Item 3.1) 7. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 8. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (Electronic Item 3.3) 9. Alternative Fuel Corridor Update (Electronic Item 3.4) 10. Volkswagen Settlement Workshop in Austin, Texas, January 17 (Electronic Item 3.5) 11. United States Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Existing 10-County Nonattainment Area for the Revised 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone (Electronic Item 3.6) 12. December Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.7) 13. January Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.8) 14. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.9) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 18. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Lewisville-Denton and McKinney Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Certification Review Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Barbara Maley, Federal Highway Administration and Ronisha Hodge, Federal Transit Administration Item Summary: Representatives from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide information on the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Lewisville-Denton and McKinney Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Certification Review. Background: FHWA and FTA conducted a joint review of the metropolitan planning process in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area on June 13-15, 2017. The review included communication with Regional Transportation Council members, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff, and the public. The review is required at least every four years for all Transportation Management Areas, which are urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. Correspondence documenting the overall findings of the Certification Review is provided in Electronic Item 4.1. A copy of the final 2017 Federal Certification Review report is provided in Electronic Item 4.2.
2017-2018 CMAQ/STBG Funding Program: Federal/Local Funding Exchanges Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the proposed projects to be funded under the Federal/Local Funding Exchanges Program in the 2017-2018 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) Funding Program. Background: In April 2017, staff introduced the process to select projects using CMAQ and STBG funding through several funding programs. Staff has received requests from local agencies that wish to enter into partnerships with the RTC in which federal funds are spent on projects with some portion of exchange for local funding. Details on the funding swaps and the overall funding program can be found in Reference Item 5.1 and Electronic Item 5.2.
Equitable Transit Access Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of a program that reaches out to transportation authorities, local governments, and social service organizations to provide transit accessibility to people in need. The RTC will be requested to approve up to $1 million in revenue to be matched by other public and private-sector entities in developing a sustainable revenue system for access to work, job training, and related activities. Background: Several organizations and RTC members have requested the RTC consider developing a program to provide more equitable access to transit system capabilities. There appears to be a significant need undermined by financial capability. If approved, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff will initiate a program across the entire region to provide opportunities to advance quality of life opportunities through access to transit.
General Motors Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be requested to approve a process to engage public and private-sector parties to advance test track possibilities for the next generation of people mover systems. Background: Negotiations are underway with General Motors, the State of Texas, local governments, and the RTC in developing the next generation people mover test track between General Motors and the rail head. This distance is less than half of a mile. This project also includes the possibility of parts being delivered to the assembly plant in addition to vehicles being transported to the rail head.
Early Successes in Implementing the Collin County Action Plan Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be requested to approve a funding partnership for approximately $20 million among Collin County, Dallas County, the City of Sachse, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the RTC. The partnership is for improvements to Merritt/Woodbridge Parkway from SH 190/President George Bush Turnpike to Parker Road/ FM 2514. Final RTC approval will be requested once the detailed cost/revenue allocation is determined. Background: Last month, the RTC approved advancement of the US 75 technology lanes initiative. Also in December, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board approved advancing the next phase of the environmental work on the Regional Loop. This item advances the next of several north/south transportation improvements in Collin County. Other recommendations will be included in Mobility 2045.
"Big Projects": IH 635 East Update, IH 35W 3C Update, and Communication Program with the Texas Legislature Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on IH 635 East, IH 35W 3C, and "Big Projects" in the State of Texas. In addition, staff will present the "no tolls" scenario for Mobility 2045 as requested at the December 14, 2017, Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting. In addition, the RTC will be requested to approve $5 million to aid in the implementation of IH 35W 3C. Background: Funding for IH 635 East, IH 35W 3C, and implementing "Big Projects" in the region and the State of Texas have been discussed regularly. The IH 635 East Phase 3 project is escalating in cost by $5 million per month. IH 35W 3C (US 287 to Eagle Parkway) is currently being negotiated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the private-sector developer through existing contract mechanisms. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff is offering $5 million in contingency funds for the project to go to construction. It is likely that these contingency funds will not be needed. Electronic Item 9 contains copies of the three letters the RTC requested at its December 14, 2017, meeting. RTC members and staff will be attending the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on January 25, 2018.
Mobility 2045 Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Work continues on the region’s next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045. Staff will present a brief overview of the progress to date, including special initiatives. In addition, staff will present information regarding: • Major policy revisions from Mobility 2040 (including new technology policies and a tolled/managed lane policy) and draft Mobility 2045 policies • Major program revisions from Mobility 2040 and draft Mobility 2045 programs • Draft financial plan • Schedule for completion Background: The last comprehensive update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) occurred in 2016 with the adoption of Mobility 2040. Staff has continued MTP development with a variety of efforts. Development will continue over the next several months. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2045 in June 2018. Mobility 2045 will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives.
Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Fleet Recognition and Annual Survey Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will recognize fleets who earned Bronze or Silver Fleet levels through the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities (DFWCC) fleet recognition program for their 2016 activities. Staff will also highlight and request participation in the Clean Fleet Policy and the Clean Cities 2017 annual survey. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been the host organization for DFWCC, a United States Department of Energy (DOE) initiative to increase energy security and reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector since 1994. Clean Cities coalitions are required to complete annual reporting to DOE every March. In order to complete this reporting, DFWCC seeks information from local fleets about alternative fuel use and other fuel-saving activities. Three years ago, DFWCC began a recognition program to highlight fleets who demonstrate excellence in their fleet reporting. In December 2017, DFWCC staff announced fleets who had earned bronze or silver designation based on their 2016 reports. In preparation for the March 2018 submittal to DOE, staff is preparing to collect fleet reports describing 2017 activities. DFWCC has a goal to demonstrate a 15 percent increase in petroleum displacement each year as part of this report. Fleets must complete this reporting in order to earn fleet recognition and to comply with partnership elements of the Regional Transportation Council’s Clean Fleet Policy. Details can be found in Electronic Item 11.
12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Electronic Item 12.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 12.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.3) 13. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 14. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 8, 2018, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.