Approval of January 10, 2019, Minutes Presenter: Gary Fickes, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the January 10, 2019, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Michael Morris will summarize the latest transit Regional Toll Revenue balance.
FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Vickie Alexander, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will be requested. Direction for staff to also amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other administrative/planning documents, as appropriate, to reflect the approved modifications will also be sought. Background: The Unified Planning Work Program is required by federal and State transportation planning regulations and provides a summary of the transportation and transportation-related air quality planning tasks to be conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. The FY2018 and FY2019 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2019. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect project updates and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments have been posted on the NCTCOG website for public review and comment and are also included as Electronic Item 2.1.1. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 2.1.2. Comments received as a result of the public outreach process, if any, will be provided as a handout at the meeting. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its January 2019 meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval of the modifications.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Results of Financial Cash Flow Stress Test Due to Partial Federal Government Closure 2. Potential of September 12 Regional Transportation Council Meeting being Integrated with Irving Transportation Summit 3. US 75 Technology Lanes 4. Pete Kamp and Marcus Knight Join the North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors 5. Regional Energy Survey (Electronic Item 3.1) 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources/fundingvehicle) 7. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean- cities-meetings) 8. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Annual Survey Deadline, February 15, 2019 (www.dfwcleancities.org/annualreport) 9. Celebrating Leadership in Development Excellence Awards Applications Launched February 4, 2019 (Electronic Item 3.2) 10. East/West Equity Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 11. High-Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy Report (Electronic Item 3.4) 12. January Online Comment Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 3.5) 13. February Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.6) 14. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.7) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.8) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.9) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.10) 18. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Performance Measures Setting: Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management Targets for 2019-2022 Presenters: Sonya Landrum and Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) reaffirm support of the 2018 Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management performance targets and establish 2019-2022 performance targets. These goals are consistent with the Roadway Safety performance measures transmitted by the Texas Department of Transportation. The federally required Roadway Safety targets are focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities for motorized and non-motorized travelers. Transit Asset Management targets are focused on ensuring that public transportation vehicles, rail lines, and other capital assets are in a state of good repair. Background: In December 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law. The FAST Act requires certain performance measures be included in the long-range metropolitan transportation planning process. These measures were established by a series of four rulemakings: Safety, Infrastructure Condition, System Performance/Freight/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, and Transit Asset Management. In December 2017, the RTC adopted 2018 targets for Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management performance measures. In November 2018, the RTC adopted the targets for Infrastructure Condition and System Performance/Freight/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality required measures. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the North Central Texas region, the RTC is required to set targets annually for Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management. These targets will be used to track and report on the region’s performance through existing documents such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, and the State of the Region report. Reference Item 4.1 includes a copy of the RTC support resolution for the Safety performance targets. Reference Item 4.2 includes a copy of the RTC support resolution for the Transit Asset Management performance targets. Additional details can be found in Electronic Item 4.3.
2019 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Discretionary Grant Program Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects to be submitted for award consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance. Projects recommended have project need, early timeframe constructability, and a strategic construction phasing. Background: In December 2018, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the solicitation of project applications for the 2019 INFRA Discretionary Grant Program regarding surface transportation initiatives that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Electronic Item 5.1 is a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $855-902.5 million discretionary grant program for FY2019, as well as the application requirements. Applications are due to the US DOT by March 4, 2019. Reduced timing between the solicitation announcement and submittal deadline did not enable an opportunity to present this item for information purposes during the January 2019 RTC meeting. A program overview, list of possible project candidates, and methodology for consideration was presented to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee for information purposes during its January 2019 meeting. The presentation is included in Electronic Item 5.2.
Legislative Update Presenter: Rebekah Hernandez, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on federal and State legislative actions related to transportation and air quality issues affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Background: Transportation issues continue to be a focus for both the United States (US) Congress and the Texas Legislature. The 1st session of the 116th US Congress convened on January 3, 2019. The 86th Texas Legislature convened on January 8, 2019. This item will allow staff to provide updates on key positions of the Regional Transportation Council and allow any additional positions to be taken, if necessary.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety and Integration Task Force Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety and Integration Task Force and Working Groups. Background: In October 2018, NCTCOG initiated a UAS Safety and Integration Task Force to mitigate reckless UAS operations and promote the acceleration of safe and efficient integration of UAS into the Dallas-Fort Worth regional airspace. This Task Force focuses on education, training, legislation, public awareness, strategic planning, and innovation. Both public-and private-sector partners participate on the Task Force, and Working Groups have been established to identify and recommend resolutions for issues and challenges. Additional information regarding the Task Force can be found at the www.nctcog.org/trans/plan/aviation/uas.
Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program Grant 10 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council on the funding opportunity for the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program. Background: In November 2018, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the funding opportunity for the State of Good Repair, dedicated for capital projects across the United States to repair, replace, or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets to reduce the state of good repair backlog and improve intercity passenger rail performance. Electronic Item 8.1 is a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $272.25 million in federal funds available, as well as project application requirements. Applications are due to the FRA by March 18, 2019. A program overview and possible project candidates will be discussed. More detailed information can be found in Electronic Item 8.2.
Policy Position on Communication with Tribal Nations Presenter: Jeff Neal, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information on a draft policy position to support communication with tribal nations. Background: Tribal nations have interests in North Central Texas. Infrastructure projects may alter or damage the integrity of sites with historical or current cultural importance. Disturbance of human remains is of particular concern for tribal nations. Infrastructure projects also could damage, destroy, or limit access to culturally significant natural resources. Tribal nations are interested in raising the Texas public’s awareness of Native history and current issues and interests. Tribal nations also are interested in the welfare of their members who are living outside of currently recognized tribal territories. A substantial number of Native people have moved to Dallas-Fort Worth since the 1970s. Electronic Item 9.1 contains a presentation with background information. Electronic Item 9.2 contains the draft Regional Transportation Council Policy Position to Support Communication with Tribal Nations.
AirCheckTexas Vehicle Repair and Replacement Program Update Presenter:Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary:Staff will provide an update on the AirCheckTexas Vehicle Repair and Replacement Program closeout resulting from funding shortfalls due to Governor Abbott’s veto and highlight efforts to have these dedicated funds reinstated. Background:The AirCheckTexas Drive A Clean Machine Program offers repair or replacement financial assistance to qualified owners of vehicles which meet certain requirements. Funding for AirCheckTexas was line-item vetoed by Governor Abbott during the 85th Legislative session in 2017. Previously appropriated funding has been carried over and used to keep the program operational. These carryover funds expire June 28, 2019, and all unused funding will be returned to the State. Staff will provide a program summary, including a historical perspective, as well as an update on current funding status and program statistics. Staff will also outline efforts moving forward to reinstate the appropriation of dedicated revenues.
Approval of January 10, 2019, Minutes Presenter: Gary Fickes, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the January 10, 2019, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Michael Morris will summarize the latest transit Regional Toll Revenue balance.
FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Vickie Alexander, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will be requested. Direction for staff to also amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other administrative/planning documents, as appropriate, to reflect the approved modifications will also be sought. Background: The Unified Planning Work Program is required by federal and State transportation planning regulations and provides a summary of the transportation and transportation-related air quality planning tasks to be conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. The FY2018 and FY2019 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2019. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect project updates and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments have been posted on the NCTCOG website for public review and comment and are also included as Electronic Item 2.1.1. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 2.1.2. Comments received as a result of the public outreach process, if any, will be provided as a handout at the meeting. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its January 2019 meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval of the modifications.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Results of Financial Cash Flow Stress Test Due to Partial Federal Government Closure 2. Potential of September 12 Regional Transportation Council Meeting being Integrated with Irving Transportation Summit 3. US 75 Technology Lanes 4. Pete Kamp and Marcus Knight Join the North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors 5. Regional Energy Survey (Electronic Item 3.1) 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources/fundingvehicle) 7. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean- cities-meetings) 8. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Annual Survey Deadline, February 15, 2019 (www.dfwcleancities.org/annualreport) 9. Celebrating Leadership in Development Excellence Awards Applications Launched February 4, 2019 (Electronic Item 3.2) 10. East/West Equity Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 11. High-Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy Report (Electronic Item 3.4) 12. January Online Comment Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 3.5) 13. February Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.6) 14. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.7) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.8) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.9) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.10) 18. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Performance Measures Setting: Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management Targets for 2019-2022 Presenters: Sonya Landrum and Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) reaffirm support of the 2018 Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management performance targets and establish 2019-2022 performance targets. These goals are consistent with the Roadway Safety performance measures transmitted by the Texas Department of Transportation. The federally required Roadway Safety targets are focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities for motorized and non-motorized travelers. Transit Asset Management targets are focused on ensuring that public transportation vehicles, rail lines, and other capital assets are in a state of good repair. Background: In December 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law. The FAST Act requires certain performance measures be included in the long-range metropolitan transportation planning process. These measures were established by a series of four rulemakings: Safety, Infrastructure Condition, System Performance/Freight/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, and Transit Asset Management. In December 2017, the RTC adopted 2018 targets for Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management performance measures. In November 2018, the RTC adopted the targets for Infrastructure Condition and System Performance/Freight/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality required measures. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the North Central Texas region, the RTC is required to set targets annually for Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management. These targets will be used to track and report on the region’s performance through existing documents such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, and the State of the Region report. Reference Item 4.1 includes a copy of the RTC support resolution for the Safety performance targets. Reference Item 4.2 includes a copy of the RTC support resolution for the Transit Asset Management performance targets. Additional details can be found in Electronic Item 4.3.
2019 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Discretionary Grant Program Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects to be submitted for award consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance. Projects recommended have project need, early timeframe constructability, and a strategic construction phasing. Background: In December 2018, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the solicitation of project applications for the 2019 INFRA Discretionary Grant Program regarding surface transportation initiatives that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Electronic Item 5.1 is a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $855-902.5 million discretionary grant program for FY2019, as well as the application requirements. Applications are due to the US DOT by March 4, 2019. Reduced timing between the solicitation announcement and submittal deadline did not enable an opportunity to present this item for information purposes during the January 2019 RTC meeting. A program overview, list of possible project candidates, and methodology for consideration was presented to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee for information purposes during its January 2019 meeting. The presentation is included in Electronic Item 5.2.
Legislative Update Presenter: Rebekah Hernandez, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on federal and State legislative actions related to transportation and air quality issues affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Background: Transportation issues continue to be a focus for both the United States (US) Congress and the Texas Legislature. The 1st session of the 116th US Congress convened on January 3, 2019. The 86th Texas Legislature convened on January 8, 2019. This item will allow staff to provide updates on key positions of the Regional Transportation Council and allow any additional positions to be taken, if necessary.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety and Integration Task Force Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety and Integration Task Force and Working Groups. Background: In October 2018, NCTCOG initiated a UAS Safety and Integration Task Force to mitigate reckless UAS operations and promote the acceleration of safe and efficient integration of UAS into the Dallas-Fort Worth regional airspace. This Task Force focuses on education, training, legislation, public awareness, strategic planning, and innovation. Both public-and private-sector partners participate on the Task Force, and Working Groups have been established to identify and recommend resolutions for issues and challenges. Additional information regarding the Task Force can be found at the www.nctcog.org/trans/plan/aviation/uas.
Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program Grant 10 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council on the funding opportunity for the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program. Background: In November 2018, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the funding opportunity for the State of Good Repair, dedicated for capital projects across the United States to repair, replace, or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets to reduce the state of good repair backlog and improve intercity passenger rail performance. Electronic Item 8.1 is a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $272.25 million in federal funds available, as well as project application requirements. Applications are due to the FRA by March 18, 2019. A program overview and possible project candidates will be discussed. More detailed information can be found in Electronic Item 8.2.
Policy Position on Communication with Tribal Nations Presenter: Jeff Neal, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information on a draft policy position to support communication with tribal nations. Background: Tribal nations have interests in North Central Texas. Infrastructure projects may alter or damage the integrity of sites with historical or current cultural importance. Disturbance of human remains is of particular concern for tribal nations. Infrastructure projects also could damage, destroy, or limit access to culturally significant natural resources. Tribal nations are interested in raising the Texas public’s awareness of Native history and current issues and interests. Tribal nations also are interested in the welfare of their members who are living outside of currently recognized tribal territories. A substantial number of Native people have moved to Dallas-Fort Worth since the 1970s. Electronic Item 9.1 contains a presentation with background information. Electronic Item 9.2 contains the draft Regional Transportation Council Policy Position to Support Communication with Tribal Nations.
AirCheckTexas Vehicle Repair and Replacement Program Update Presenter:Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary:Staff will provide an update on the AirCheckTexas Vehicle Repair and Replacement Program closeout resulting from funding shortfalls due to Governor Abbott’s veto and highlight efforts to have these dedicated funds reinstated. Background:The AirCheckTexas Drive A Clean Machine Program offers repair or replacement financial assistance to qualified owners of vehicles which meet certain requirements. Funding for AirCheckTexas was line-item vetoed by Governor Abbott during the 85th Legislative session in 2017. Previously appropriated funding has been carried over and used to keep the program operational. These carryover funds expire June 28, 2019, and all unused funding will be returned to the State. Staff will provide a program summary, including a historical perspective, as well as an update on current funding status and program statistics. Staff will also outline efforts moving forward to reinstate the appropriation of dedicated revenues.