Opportunity for the Public to Speak on Today's Agenda: Consistent with HB 2840 Information Minutes: 10 Item Summary: This item provides an opportunity for the public to comment on today’s meeting agenda items. Members of the public wishing to comment on an agenda item may do so during this item by calling toll free 1-855-965-2480 and entering meeting ID 990 1712 1376# when prompted. Speakers should state their name, city of residence, the agenda number they are speaking on, and whether they are speaking on/for/against the item. Members of the public are not permitted to provide comments after the conclusion of this agenda item; therefore, the audio line will be disconnected and members of the public may view the livestream of the meeting at www.nctcog.org/video. Background: N/A
Approval of July 9, 2020, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Roger Harmon, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the July 9, 2020, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. National Highway System Review Presenter: Berrien Barks, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the revised National Highway System (NHS) for roadways will be requested. Background: The NHS is a designated network of nationally significant roadways in the United States. The network supports the movement of people and goods between population centers, major military installations, and intermodal facilities. Beginning in early 2019, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) participated in a collaborative effort with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and local governments to perform a complete evaluation of the NHS for the first time since its inception in 1996. Staff recommendations from this evaluation were presented to the RTC and transmitted to the FHWA in June 2019. The Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT returned with a set of suggested changes. Staff worked with both partners to review the suggested changes and arrived on a revised list of modifications on July 17, 2020. Electronic Item 3.1 contains a detailed listing of the proposed modifications to the NHS. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.2. Endorsement of State of Good Repair Grant Application Submitted on behalf of Trinity Railway Express, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and Trinity Metro Presenter: Jeff Hathcock, NCTCOG Item Summary: Endorsement for the Grant Application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the Federal-State Partnership for the State of Good Repair Program, submitted on behalf of Trinity Railway Express, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and Trinity Metro will be requested. Background: In June 2020, the FRA announced the Federal-State Partnership for the State of Good Repair Program. The Notice of Funding Opportunity indicated availability of funding 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. The grant submittal deadline was July 27, 2020. Staff requests endorsement for the submittal of a grant application in partnership with Trinity Railway Express, DART, and Trinity Metro that will help the region improve the state of good repair of transit assets, enhance passenger/freight rail service performance, and improve overall freight/passenger integration. The total grant budget requests approximately $58 million ($30 million in federal and $28 million in local match) with BNSF Railway, DART, and Trinity Metro providing the required local match. More information is available in Electronic Item 3.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.3. Approval of Application for Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative Grant Program: S.M. Wright Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to support and provide funding for the City of Dallas application for the 2020 Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative Grant Program will be requested. This is for the S.M. Wright Corridor. Background: In July 2020, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued the announcement for the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative to develop model deployment sites for large-scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment. The Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $60 million grant program for Fiscal Year 2020, as well as the application requirements are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327953. Applications are due to the USDOT by August 31, 2020. Details are provided in Electronic Item 3.3. 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: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Presentations on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) COVID-19 #00X Program 2. Conduct of Future RTC Meetings 3. Thank You to Loyl Bussell, P.E., TxDOT Fort Worth District Engineer for Service to the Region and Congratulations on Retirement 4. Comments on the 2021 Unified Transportation Program 5. Denton County Transportation Authority Withdrawal of Transit Survey Request/Participation with Statewide Effort 6. Agreement Approval Reducing the Amount of RTC Local Funds Needed in the $300,000 Program 7. 2020 TxDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program Call for Projects – Submittal Deadline for Applications Due to District Offices October 1, 2020 (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/safety/transportation-safety/statewide-safety-initiatives) 8. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Upcoming Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean-cities-meetings) 9. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources/fundingvehicle) 10. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.1) 11. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes to Retain Existing National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/ozone-pollution-continues-decline-under-president-trump-epa-proposes-retain-existing) 12. Update on Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding (Electronic Item 4.2) 13. August Online Input Opportunity Notice (Electronic Item 4.3) 14. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.4) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.5) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.6) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.7)
COVID-19 Infrastructure Program Funding (COVID-19 #00X Program) Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of COVID-19 Infrastructure Program projects in Electronic Item 5.1, a proposed federal/Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funding exchange with Denton County, and the ability to amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other planning/administrative documents to incorporate the projects. Background: Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the economies of the United States, Texas, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region have suffered large setbacks and there is an urgency to stimulate the economy. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff recommends funding projects that need expedited action and meet one or several of the RTC policies outlined in Mobility 2045, such as better school integration, improved freight connections, and new regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities. These projects will also inject much needed money into the local and state economies. In order to facilitate expedited implementation of several projects, a federal/RTR funding exchange is proposed with Denton County as well. Electronic Item 5.2 contains additional details about the program and projects being requested. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
High-Speed Rail and Hyperloop Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present recent progress by Texas Central Partners on high-speed rail from Dallas and Houston. In addition, staff will provide an update on the Hyperloop Certification Center. Staff has been informed that North Central Texas Council of Governments will not be considered in Phase 3 of the Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center. Background: Texas Central Partners has made significant progress on high-speed rail between Dallas to Houston. In addition, the Tier II high-speed rail environmental is underway between Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Regarding the Hyperloop Certification Center, Electronic Item 6.1 contains correspondence from Virgin Hyperloop One indicating the region will not be included in the Phase 3 competitive selection. The North Central Texas Council of Governments appreciates the hard work by former Regional Transportation Council Chair Andy Eads, Denton County Judge, and Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. Also included in Electronic Item 6.1 is information regarding Virgin Hyperloop One’s interest to go from Fort Worth to Laredo. Electronic Item 6.2 contains correspondence requesting a presentation by these six impacted Metropolitan Planning Organizations to the Texas Transportation Commission. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Metropolitan Transportation Plan Policy Bundle and Transportation Development Credits Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on results from the fourth round of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Policy Bundle survey, including the plan to distribute available Transportation Development Credits (TDCs). The RTC will be briefed on TDC distribution for successful policy bundle participants. Background: The MTP Policy Bundle Program was created to encourage entities like local governments, school districts, and transportation agencies to voluntarily adopt a minimum of 50 percent of the list of policies identified in Mobility 2045. By voluntarily adopting these policies, participating entities will receive TDCs to offset local funds for federal transportation projects. Recommendations in Mobility 2045 consist of policies, programs, and projects reflecting the region’s priorities and support Mobility 2045 goals. As construction of infrastructure projects alone cannot achieve the goals of Mobility 2045, a voluntary list of policies available for adoption by local agencies was designed to encourage the development of alternative, strategic solutions. By voluntarily adopting 50 percent of these policies, participating agencies are slated to receive TDCs to offset local funds for federal transportation projects. MTP Policy Bundle applications have been reviewed and staff will present a draft recommendation for distributing TDCs to successful entities. Electronic Item 7 includes a draft recommendation of TDC distribution for successful policy bundle participants. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Changing Mobility: Data, Insights, and Delivering Innovative Projects During COVID Recovery Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on performance metrics to help understand the impacts of COVID-19 to the transportation system. Background: Four performance metrics have been developed that will be tracked through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery process: 1) travel behavior response to COVID-19, 2) financial implications to traditional revenue sources, 3) benefits of travel behavior responses to areas of RTC responsibility, and 4) prioritization of infrastructure improvements that offset unemployment increases. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 8. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Federal Highway Administration Measure Target Reaffirmation or Revisions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on latest activities related to regional transportation targets for federally required performance measures. 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 2018, the RTC adopted 2020 and 2022 targets for a subset of these measures related to infrastructure condition, congestion, and air quality. Each performance measure rulemaking consists of several specific performance measures. This fall, the RTC will have an opportunity to adjust 2022 targets for these measures. Analysis considering observed trends, project implementation, and the unprecedented effects of COVID-19 will impact the decision on whether target adjustments will be recommended. RTC action is anticipated on September 10, 2020. Please refer to Electronic Item 9 for more details. This effort will generate financial and policy discussions on resources needed in current and future transportation planning. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Regional Trails Videos (Postponed from the March 12, 2020, Meeting) Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will highlight the series of “Trail of the Month” videos. Background: The Sustainable Development team developed a series of videos highlighting various regionally significant shared-use trails within the Dallas-Fort Worth region through a series of “Trail of the Month” videos. These videos detail benefits of the trail facilities including economic development, regional connectivity, increased mode share for active users, and improved quality of life within the community. Staff will provide a brief description of the videos developed to date. The videos are posted to North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) website and local governments are encouraged to share them with the public through social media platforms. Visit NCTCOG’s Local Trails webpage, https://www.nctcog.org/trans/plan/bikeped/bikeweb, to view the Trails of the Month videos. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
11. Clear PathTM Technology Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Jeff Hathcock, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council on the Clear PathTM Technology Program. Background: North Central Texas Council of Governments staff has been coordinating with each of the freight and transit rail agencies in the North Central Texas region to identify the benefits associated with implementation of the Clear PathTM technology system. As outlined in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Mobility 2045, passenger rail service is anticipated to increase with the planned implementation of new and expanded service on existing freight rail corridors throughout the region. Increasing the rail networks’ operational efficiency is key to expanding passenger service on existing corridors. The Clear Path™ system is a technology solution that monitors and forecasts train traffic conditions in critical transportation gateways, such as Chicago, to help reduce train congestion. Clear Path™ is enabled by continuous real-time feeds of railroad train dispatching and infrastructure status data used to maximize the efficiency of the freight and passenger rail network. Clear Path™ technology will increase capacity of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) rail network and allow DFW metroplex rail system agencies to exchange timely, accurate, and actionable information on train movements throughout the region, by facilitating inter?carrier operations. Implementation of Clear Path™ technology would advance transit operation opportunities as designated in Mobility 2045. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2020.
Opportunity for the Public to Speak on Today's Agenda: Consistent with HB 2840 Information Minutes: 10 Item Summary: This item provides an opportunity for the public to comment on today’s meeting agenda items. Members of the public wishing to comment on an agenda item may do so during this item by calling toll free 1-855-965-2480 and entering meeting ID 990 1712 1376# when prompted. Speakers should state their name, city of residence, the agenda number they are speaking on, and whether they are speaking on/for/against the item. Members of the public are not permitted to provide comments after the conclusion of this agenda item; therefore, the audio line will be disconnected and members of the public may view the livestream of the meeting at www.nctcog.org/video. Background: N/A
Approval of July 9, 2020, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Roger Harmon, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the July 9, 2020, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. National Highway System Review Presenter: Berrien Barks, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the revised National Highway System (NHS) for roadways will be requested. Background: The NHS is a designated network of nationally significant roadways in the United States. The network supports the movement of people and goods between population centers, major military installations, and intermodal facilities. Beginning in early 2019, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) participated in a collaborative effort with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and local governments to perform a complete evaluation of the NHS for the first time since its inception in 1996. Staff recommendations from this evaluation were presented to the RTC and transmitted to the FHWA in June 2019. The Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT returned with a set of suggested changes. Staff worked with both partners to review the suggested changes and arrived on a revised list of modifications on July 17, 2020. Electronic Item 3.1 contains a detailed listing of the proposed modifications to the NHS. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.2. Endorsement of State of Good Repair Grant Application Submitted on behalf of Trinity Railway Express, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and Trinity Metro Presenter: Jeff Hathcock, NCTCOG Item Summary: Endorsement for the Grant Application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the Federal-State Partnership for the State of Good Repair Program, submitted on behalf of Trinity Railway Express, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and Trinity Metro will be requested. Background: In June 2020, the FRA announced the Federal-State Partnership for the State of Good Repair Program. The Notice of Funding Opportunity indicated availability of funding 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. The grant submittal deadline was July 27, 2020. Staff requests endorsement for the submittal of a grant application in partnership with Trinity Railway Express, DART, and Trinity Metro that will help the region improve the state of good repair of transit assets, enhance passenger/freight rail service performance, and improve overall freight/passenger integration. The total grant budget requests approximately $58 million ($30 million in federal and $28 million in local match) with BNSF Railway, DART, and Trinity Metro providing the required local match. More information is available in Electronic Item 3.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 3.3. Approval of Application for Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative Grant Program: S.M. Wright Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to support and provide funding for the City of Dallas application for the 2020 Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative Grant Program will be requested. This is for the S.M. Wright Corridor. Background: In July 2020, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued the announcement for the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative to develop model deployment sites for large-scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment. The Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $60 million grant program for Fiscal Year 2020, as well as the application requirements are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327953. Applications are due to the USDOT by August 31, 2020. Details are provided in Electronic Item 3.3. 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: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Presentations on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) COVID-19 #00X Program 2. Conduct of Future RTC Meetings 3. Thank You to Loyl Bussell, P.E., TxDOT Fort Worth District Engineer for Service to the Region and Congratulations on Retirement 4. Comments on the 2021 Unified Transportation Program 5. Denton County Transportation Authority Withdrawal of Transit Survey Request/Participation with Statewide Effort 6. Agreement Approval Reducing the Amount of RTC Local Funds Needed in the $300,000 Program 7. 2020 TxDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program Call for Projects – Submittal Deadline for Applications Due to District Offices October 1, 2020 (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/safety/transportation-safety/statewide-safety-initiatives) 8. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Upcoming Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean-cities-meetings) 9. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources/fundingvehicle) 10. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.1) 11. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes to Retain Existing National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/ozone-pollution-continues-decline-under-president-trump-epa-proposes-retain-existing) 12. Update on Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding (Electronic Item 4.2) 13. August Online Input Opportunity Notice (Electronic Item 4.3) 14. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.4) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.5) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.6) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.7)
COVID-19 Infrastructure Program Funding (COVID-19 #00X Program) Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of COVID-19 Infrastructure Program projects in Electronic Item 5.1, a proposed federal/Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funding exchange with Denton County, and the ability to amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other planning/administrative documents to incorporate the projects. Background: Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the economies of the United States, Texas, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region have suffered large setbacks and there is an urgency to stimulate the economy. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff recommends funding projects that need expedited action and meet one or several of the RTC policies outlined in Mobility 2045, such as better school integration, improved freight connections, and new regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities. These projects will also inject much needed money into the local and state economies. In order to facilitate expedited implementation of several projects, a federal/RTR funding exchange is proposed with Denton County as well. Electronic Item 5.2 contains additional details about the program and projects being requested. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
High-Speed Rail and Hyperloop Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present recent progress by Texas Central Partners on high-speed rail from Dallas and Houston. In addition, staff will provide an update on the Hyperloop Certification Center. Staff has been informed that North Central Texas Council of Governments will not be considered in Phase 3 of the Virgin Hyperloop One Certification Center. Background: Texas Central Partners has made significant progress on high-speed rail between Dallas to Houston. In addition, the Tier II high-speed rail environmental is underway between Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Regarding the Hyperloop Certification Center, Electronic Item 6.1 contains correspondence from Virgin Hyperloop One indicating the region will not be included in the Phase 3 competitive selection. The North Central Texas Council of Governments appreciates the hard work by former Regional Transportation Council Chair Andy Eads, Denton County Judge, and Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. Also included in Electronic Item 6.1 is information regarding Virgin Hyperloop One’s interest to go from Fort Worth to Laredo. Electronic Item 6.2 contains correspondence requesting a presentation by these six impacted Metropolitan Planning Organizations to the Texas Transportation Commission. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Metropolitan Transportation Plan Policy Bundle and Transportation Development Credits Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on results from the fourth round of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Policy Bundle survey, including the plan to distribute available Transportation Development Credits (TDCs). The RTC will be briefed on TDC distribution for successful policy bundle participants. Background: The MTP Policy Bundle Program was created to encourage entities like local governments, school districts, and transportation agencies to voluntarily adopt a minimum of 50 percent of the list of policies identified in Mobility 2045. By voluntarily adopting these policies, participating entities will receive TDCs to offset local funds for federal transportation projects. Recommendations in Mobility 2045 consist of policies, programs, and projects reflecting the region’s priorities and support Mobility 2045 goals. As construction of infrastructure projects alone cannot achieve the goals of Mobility 2045, a voluntary list of policies available for adoption by local agencies was designed to encourage the development of alternative, strategic solutions. By voluntarily adopting 50 percent of these policies, participating agencies are slated to receive TDCs to offset local funds for federal transportation projects. MTP Policy Bundle applications have been reviewed and staff will present a draft recommendation for distributing TDCs to successful entities. Electronic Item 7 includes a draft recommendation of TDC distribution for successful policy bundle participants. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Changing Mobility: Data, Insights, and Delivering Innovative Projects During COVID Recovery Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on performance metrics to help understand the impacts of COVID-19 to the transportation system. Background: Four performance metrics have been developed that will be tracked through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery process: 1) travel behavior response to COVID-19, 2) financial implications to traditional revenue sources, 3) benefits of travel behavior responses to areas of RTC responsibility, and 4) prioritization of infrastructure improvements that offset unemployment increases. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 8. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Federal Highway Administration Measure Target Reaffirmation or Revisions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on latest activities related to regional transportation targets for federally required performance measures. 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 2018, the RTC adopted 2020 and 2022 targets for a subset of these measures related to infrastructure condition, congestion, and air quality. Each performance measure rulemaking consists of several specific performance measures. This fall, the RTC will have an opportunity to adjust 2022 targets for these measures. Analysis considering observed trends, project implementation, and the unprecedented effects of COVID-19 will impact the decision on whether target adjustments will be recommended. RTC action is anticipated on September 10, 2020. Please refer to Electronic Item 9 for more details. This effort will generate financial and policy discussions on resources needed in current and future transportation planning. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Regional Trails Videos (Postponed from the March 12, 2020, Meeting) Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will highlight the series of “Trail of the Month” videos. Background: The Sustainable Development team developed a series of videos highlighting various regionally significant shared-use trails within the Dallas-Fort Worth region through a series of “Trail of the Month” videos. These videos detail benefits of the trail facilities including economic development, regional connectivity, increased mode share for active users, and improved quality of life within the community. Staff will provide a brief description of the videos developed to date. The videos are posted to North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) website and local governments are encouraged to share them with the public through social media platforms. Visit NCTCOG’s Local Trails webpage, https://www.nctcog.org/trans/plan/bikeped/bikeweb, to view the Trails of the Month videos. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
11. Clear PathTM Technology Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Jeff Hathcock, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council on the Clear PathTM Technology Program. Background: North Central Texas Council of Governments staff has been coordinating with each of the freight and transit rail agencies in the North Central Texas region to identify the benefits associated with implementation of the Clear PathTM technology system. As outlined in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Mobility 2045, passenger rail service is anticipated to increase with the planned implementation of new and expanded service on existing freight rail corridors throughout the region. Increasing the rail networks’ operational efficiency is key to expanding passenger service on existing corridors. The Clear Path™ system is a technology solution that monitors and forecasts train traffic conditions in critical transportation gateways, such as Chicago, to help reduce train congestion. Clear Path™ is enabled by continuous real-time feeds of railroad train dispatching and infrastructure status data used to maximize the efficiency of the freight and passenger rail network. Clear Path™ technology will increase capacity of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) rail network and allow DFW metroplex rail system agencies to exchange timely, accurate, and actionable information on train movements throughout the region, by facilitating inter?carrier operations. Implementation of Clear Path™ technology would advance transit operation opportunities as designated in Mobility 2045. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2020.