Approval of January 9, 2020, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Andy Eads, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the January 9, 2020, minutes contained in Reference Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. McKinney Avenue Trolley Funding Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval for funding to McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) to continue enhanced connectivity between Uptown and Downtown Dallas will be requested. Background: In spring 2018, Uptown Dallas, Inc. Public Improvement District commissioned a community survey for residents, local businesses, and trolley riders that found more frequent service was needed for riders. As a result, MATA tested ridership using an additional railcar during weekdays in October and November 2019. With ridership increasing 30 percent, MATA reached out to the North Central Texas Council of Governments seeking support to implement its Improved Service Frequency Plan, including funding to increase the number of railcars during weekdays in 2020. Funding will support operational functions for the first two years of increased service while MATA secures additional long-term funding. Action will be requested to utilize existing Regional Toll Revenue funds previously authorized by the Regional Transportation Council for transit projects in an amount not to exceed $650,000 to support MATA’s Improved Service Frequency Plan and ensure enhanced connectivity between Uptown and Downtown Dallas. More details can be found in Electronic Item 3.1. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.2. FY2020 and FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Vickie Alexander, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2020 and FY2021 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 FY2020 and FY2021 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect new initiatives, project updates and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments were posted on the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) website for public review and comment, and are also included as Electronic Item 3.2.1. No public comments were received. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 3.2.2. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its January 24 meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval of the modifications. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.3. Future Transportation Alternative Call for Projects Presenter: Kevin Kokes, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action will be requested on the recommended eligible project categories, process, scoring criteria, and schedule for the upcoming 2020 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Call for Projects for the North Central Texas Region. Background: Approximately $20 million is anticipated to be available to fund TA projects, including Safe Routes to School projects, in the North Central Texas Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Area. Projects eligible under this program are proposed to include onand off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, multimodal connections to public transportation, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure associated with Safe Routes to School projects that will substantially improve safety and the ability for students to walk and bicycle to school. A meeting to obtain comments and feedback from the public occurred at the November 2018 meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and a workshop was held on January 21, 2020. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 3.3. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.4. Endorsement of Projects Submitted for the 2020 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Discretionary Grant Program Presenters: Jeffrey C. Neal and Jeff Hathcock, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects submitted for award consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance will be requested. Background: In January 2020, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the solicitation of project applications for the 2020 INFRA Discretionary Grant Program regarding surface transportation initiatives that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Applications were due to the US DOT by February 25, 2020. RTC action to endorse the projects proposed for INFRA Grant funding by North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff will be requested due to reduced timing between the solicitation announcement and submittal deadline and the rescheduling of the February 13, 2020, RTC meeting. Proposed projects recommended by NCTCOG staff are the Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center and an updated iteration of the North Texas Multimodal Operations, Velocity, Efficiency, and Safety (MOVES) Program, which was previously submitted in 2019. Information on the MOVES Program is provided in Electronic Item 3.4.1. The application developed on behalf of the Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center represents an advocacy position that innovative initiatives pursued through the US DOT Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology Council are strongly compatible with key program objectives outlined for discretionary funding opportunities like INFRA. This position is reinforced by RTC comments provided to the United States Secretary of Transportation in the January 10, 2020, letter included in Electronic Item 3.4.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Short Director of Transportation Report to meet the time requirements. 1. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) New Member Orientation Held on February 13, 2020, and Attended by a Significant Number of Members 2. Cost Overruns and Partnership Program on the Fort Worth Trinity River Bridges to be Presented to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee in February and the RTC in March 3. Jeff Neal, NCTCOG Senior Program Manager, has returned from a Series of Seminars with the United States Department of Transportation in Indonesia
Mega-Development Program: Collin Creek Mall Redevelopment Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is formalizing a new program to combine new large developments coming to the region with redevelopments within the region. These redevelopments are most likely mixed use, multimodal, and need to be eligible throughout the region. Action will be sought on the redevelopment of Collin Creek Mall in Plano. Background: Reference Item 5 contains the proposed funding for this project, the grant/loan shares, and deal points. Transit electric, battery-powered vehicles are proposed connecting the new development with Downtown Plano and Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail. A $30 million parking garage is proposed with 50 percent as a grant and 50 percent as a loan. The loan repayment deal points are included in the reference item. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Next Steps with the Texas Department of Transportation and 2021 Unified Transportation Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 20 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Regional Transportation Council on the latest schedule and process to formulate the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) for this year. Background: Discussions continue with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) districts on the schedule to develop new projects for the 2021 UTP. August 2020 is the deadline for Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) action. Electronic Item 6.1 contains information from the last TTC meeting. Electronic Item 6.2 contains the latest funding targets from TxDOT. A summary presentation, included in Electronic Item 6.3, provides the foundation for a partnership. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center Request for Proposals Response Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 30 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide for consideration an overview of the resolution and funding proposal for the response to Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) regarding its Request for Proposals for a Certification Center. Background: On November 14, 2019, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved submittal of a response to the VHO Request for Proposals. A copy of the previously approved resolution is provided in Electronic Item 7.1. Since that time, an Open Records request was received by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Legal staff requested an opinion from the Attorney General, provided in Electronic Item 7.2. Electronic Item 7.3 contains information regarding the hyperloop technology, proposed Certification Center route, implications to the existing and future Mobility plans, and proposed funding. The RTC will be asked to take action on the draft resolution provided in Reference Item 7.4 and proposed letter to the Secretary, provided in Reference Item 7.5. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Approval of January 9, 2020, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Andy Eads, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the January 9, 2020, minutes contained in Reference Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. McKinney Avenue Trolley Funding Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval for funding to McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) to continue enhanced connectivity between Uptown and Downtown Dallas will be requested. Background: In spring 2018, Uptown Dallas, Inc. Public Improvement District commissioned a community survey for residents, local businesses, and trolley riders that found more frequent service was needed for riders. As a result, MATA tested ridership using an additional railcar during weekdays in October and November 2019. With ridership increasing 30 percent, MATA reached out to the North Central Texas Council of Governments seeking support to implement its Improved Service Frequency Plan, including funding to increase the number of railcars during weekdays in 2020. Funding will support operational functions for the first two years of increased service while MATA secures additional long-term funding. Action will be requested to utilize existing Regional Toll Revenue funds previously authorized by the Regional Transportation Council for transit projects in an amount not to exceed $650,000 to support MATA’s Improved Service Frequency Plan and ensure enhanced connectivity between Uptown and Downtown Dallas. More details can be found in Electronic Item 3.1. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.2. FY2020 and FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Vickie Alexander, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2020 and FY2021 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 FY2020 and FY2021 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect new initiatives, project updates and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments were posted on the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) website for public review and comment, and are also included as Electronic Item 3.2.1. No public comments were received. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 3.2.2. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its January 24 meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval of the modifications. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.3. Future Transportation Alternative Call for Projects Presenter: Kevin Kokes, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action will be requested on the recommended eligible project categories, process, scoring criteria, and schedule for the upcoming 2020 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Call for Projects for the North Central Texas Region. Background: Approximately $20 million is anticipated to be available to fund TA projects, including Safe Routes to School projects, in the North Central Texas Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Area. Projects eligible under this program are proposed to include onand off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, multimodal connections to public transportation, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure associated with Safe Routes to School projects that will substantially improve safety and the ability for students to walk and bicycle to school. A meeting to obtain comments and feedback from the public occurred at the November 2018 meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and a workshop was held on January 21, 2020. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 3.3. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.4. Endorsement of Projects Submitted for the 2020 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Discretionary Grant Program Presenters: Jeffrey C. Neal and Jeff Hathcock, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects submitted for award consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance will be requested. Background: In January 2020, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the solicitation of project applications for the 2020 INFRA Discretionary Grant Program regarding surface transportation initiatives that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Applications were due to the US DOT by February 25, 2020. RTC action to endorse the projects proposed for INFRA Grant funding by North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff will be requested due to reduced timing between the solicitation announcement and submittal deadline and the rescheduling of the February 13, 2020, RTC meeting. Proposed projects recommended by NCTCOG staff are the Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center and an updated iteration of the North Texas Multimodal Operations, Velocity, Efficiency, and Safety (MOVES) Program, which was previously submitted in 2019. Information on the MOVES Program is provided in Electronic Item 3.4.1. The application developed on behalf of the Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center represents an advocacy position that innovative initiatives pursued through the US DOT Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology Council are strongly compatible with key program objectives outlined for discretionary funding opportunities like INFRA. This position is reinforced by RTC comments provided to the United States Secretary of Transportation in the January 10, 2020, letter included in Electronic Item 3.4.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Short Director of Transportation Report to meet the time requirements. 1. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) New Member Orientation Held on February 13, 2020, and Attended by a Significant Number of Members 2. Cost Overruns and Partnership Program on the Fort Worth Trinity River Bridges to be Presented to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee in February and the RTC in March 3. Jeff Neal, NCTCOG Senior Program Manager, has returned from a Series of Seminars with the United States Department of Transportation in Indonesia
Mega-Development Program: Collin Creek Mall Redevelopment Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is formalizing a new program to combine new large developments coming to the region with redevelopments within the region. These redevelopments are most likely mixed use, multimodal, and need to be eligible throughout the region. Action will be sought on the redevelopment of Collin Creek Mall in Plano. Background: Reference Item 5 contains the proposed funding for this project, the grant/loan shares, and deal points. Transit electric, battery-powered vehicles are proposed connecting the new development with Downtown Plano and Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail. A $30 million parking garage is proposed with 50 percent as a grant and 50 percent as a loan. The loan repayment deal points are included in the reference item. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Next Steps with the Texas Department of Transportation and 2021 Unified Transportation Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 20 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Regional Transportation Council on the latest schedule and process to formulate the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) for this year. Background: Discussions continue with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) districts on the schedule to develop new projects for the 2021 UTP. August 2020 is the deadline for Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) action. Electronic Item 6.1 contains information from the last TTC meeting. Electronic Item 6.2 contains the latest funding targets from TxDOT. A summary presentation, included in Electronic Item 6.3, provides the foundation for a partnership. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center Request for Proposals Response Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 30 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide for consideration an overview of the resolution and funding proposal for the response to Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) regarding its Request for Proposals for a Certification Center. Background: On November 14, 2019, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved submittal of a response to the VHO Request for Proposals. A copy of the previously approved resolution is provided in Electronic Item 7.1. Since that time, an Open Records request was received by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Legal staff requested an opinion from the Attorney General, provided in Electronic Item 7.2. Electronic Item 7.3 contains information regarding the hyperloop technology, proposed Certification Center route, implications to the existing and future Mobility plans, and proposed funding. The RTC will be asked to take action on the draft resolution provided in Reference Item 7.4 and proposed letter to the Secretary, provided in Reference Item 7.5. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ