Approval of August 13, 2020, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Roger Harmon, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 13, 2020, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. Metropolitan Transportation Plan Policy Bundle Round Four Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval of the fourth round of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Policy Bundle funding opportunity, including the plan to distribute available Transportation Development Credits (TDCs), will be requested. Background: Recommendations in Mobility 2045 consist of policies, programs, and projects reflecting the region’s priorities and supporting 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 strategic alternative solutions. By voluntarily adopting 50 percent of these policies, participating agencies may receive TDCs to offset local funds as matching funds for federal transportation projects. MTP Policy Bundle applications have been completed and reviewed. A recommendation for distributing available TDCs to successful applicants is provided in Electronic Item 3.1. 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. New Format for Noting Performance Measures Addressed on Meeting Agendas: Deadline October 1, 2020 2. New TxDOT Fort Worth District Engineer, Carl L. Johnson, P.E., Graduate of Texas Tech University and Reassignment from the TxDOT Abilene District 3. Alan Clark, Director of Transportation Planning at Houston-Galveston Area Council Retiring 4. Remembering Wick Allison, D Magazine and Urbanist 5. Chair Approval of Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Legislative Workshop: October 8, 2020, 11:30 am 6. International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Awards Certificate of Merit to NCTCOG for the Automated Occupancy Detection and Verification Project (GoCarma) 7. Status Report on the Advancement of Engineering Funds for the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) on the SH 360/SH 161 Connector and the George Bush Extension South of IH 30 8. Approval for Transportation Director to Explore the Possibility of a Partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation and NTTA on Extending SH 360 and Chisholm Trail to the South 9. Approval of Letter on the City of Fort Worth Bypass Channel (Electronic Item 4.1) 10. Staff Response to Last Month’s Agenda Item 1: Opportunity for the Public to Speak (Electronic Item 4.2) 11. East/West Equity Report (Electronic Item 4.3) 12. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Upcoming Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean-cities-meetings) 13. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-andresources/ fundingvehicle) 14. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding from Volkswagen Settlement (Electronic Item 4.4) 15. National Drive Electric Week Virtual Event (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/ndew) 16. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.5) 17. August Online Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 4.6) 18. September Online Input Opportunity Notice (Electronic Item 4.7) 19. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.8) 20. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.9) 21. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.10) 22. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.11)
Federal Highway Administration Performance Measures Target Reaffirmation or Revisions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request action to adopt a resolution approving adjustment to 2022 regional targets for federally required performance measures. A copy of the resolution is provided in Electronic Item 5.1. Background: In 2018, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) adopted 2020 and 2022 federal performance measure targets related to infrastructure condition, congestion, and air quality. The RTC has an opportunity to adjust 2022 targets for these measures, if appropriate, based on new data and methodologies. Draft proposed adjustments were presented to RTC members on August 13, 2020, and the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended RTC adoption of the proposed target adjustments at its August 28, 2020, meeting. This effort will generate financial and policy discussions on resources needed in current and future transportation planning. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 5.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Response to Members of the Texas House of Representatives House Committee on Transportation on Request for Information Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval on four letters in response to information requested by the House Committee on Transportation. This information is requested to assist the Committee on their interim charges. Background: In lieu of holding public hearings, the House Committee on Transportation recently made formal requests for written information on select interim charges. Comments on each interim charge must be submitted by September 18, 2020. RTC positions are related to funding, COVID-19, safety and technology. Electronic Item 6 contains correspondence to the Committee. The request can be found at https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/schedules/pdf/C4702020081700001.pdf. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Optimized Freight Movement Project Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Thomas Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval of a project to improve goods movement from freight hubs in the region to nearby expressways using connected vehicle and related technologies to optimize truck traffic through intersections will be requested. Background: The Optimized Freight Movement project will use connected vehicle and related technologies to optimize the flow of trucks between freight hubs and expressways in the region. The freight industry has identified this initiative as a top priority. The Value of Time for goods movement approaches $75 per hour. There are safety, operational, and environmental benefits from reducing the number of truck stops/starts at intersections. The project will focus on intersections with high volumes and proportions of freight traffic. It will use the optimal mix of technologies and data sharing to reduce the number of stops trucks make at signalized intersections. Deployment locations will be selected based on an assessment of potential benefits and costs and after consultation with the responsible local jurisdictions and freight companies. The project will include continual performance monitoring and adjustment to deliver the maximum net benefits. The project budget is $5 million. Electronic Item 7 contains additional details about the project and action requested. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Regional Cotton Belt Veloweb Trail: Action Plan Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request approval regarding funding for the Cotton Belt Regional Veloweb Trail in partnership with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line rail project from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Grapevine to Shiloh Station in Plano. Background: The DART Silver Line rail project is coordinating a parallel regionally significant Cotton Belt Regional Veloweb Trail corridor that will connect seven cities across three counties. Accommodations for the approximate 26-mile regional trail have been included as part of DART’s planning for the commuter rail corridor. Additional funding is needed for the engineering of the trail. A two-contractor approach will be recommended for construction, partnering with DART for only one of the trail bridges in the corridor to be constructed with the current rail contractor. A second expedited phase to be implemented within six to nine months with a second contractor to be procured that can construct various crossings and location before the trains are operative. Funds will also be requested to provide safety walls near two schools along the corridor. Staff will provide an overview of funding recommendations to implement various sections of this priority regional trail corridor. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 8. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects Project Selection Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Kokes, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Transportation Alternatives Program applications received and evaluation process. A recommendation of projects to select for funding will also be provided and action requested. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments opened the Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects on March 2, 2020, and applications were due on May 15, 2020. Projects eligible for funding included active transportation and Safe Routes to School projects that will substantially improve safety and provide opportunities to walk and bicycle. Project scoring was based on project eligibility and a methodology for project evaluation as previously approved by the Regional Transportation Council. Electronic Item 9.1 provides additional information on project scoring. Electronic Item 9.2 reflects project recommendations. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
10. 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. This program continues to receive national recognition. 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 10. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 14. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 8, 2020.
Approval of August 13, 2020, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Roger Harmon, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 13, 2020, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. Metropolitan Transportation Plan Policy Bundle Round Four Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval of the fourth round of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Policy Bundle funding opportunity, including the plan to distribute available Transportation Development Credits (TDCs), will be requested. Background: Recommendations in Mobility 2045 consist of policies, programs, and projects reflecting the region’s priorities and supporting 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 strategic alternative solutions. By voluntarily adopting 50 percent of these policies, participating agencies may receive TDCs to offset local funds as matching funds for federal transportation projects. MTP Policy Bundle applications have been completed and reviewed. A recommendation for distributing available TDCs to successful applicants is provided in Electronic Item 3.1. 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. New Format for Noting Performance Measures Addressed on Meeting Agendas: Deadline October 1, 2020 2. New TxDOT Fort Worth District Engineer, Carl L. Johnson, P.E., Graduate of Texas Tech University and Reassignment from the TxDOT Abilene District 3. Alan Clark, Director of Transportation Planning at Houston-Galveston Area Council Retiring 4. Remembering Wick Allison, D Magazine and Urbanist 5. Chair Approval of Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Legislative Workshop: October 8, 2020, 11:30 am 6. International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Awards Certificate of Merit to NCTCOG for the Automated Occupancy Detection and Verification Project (GoCarma) 7. Status Report on the Advancement of Engineering Funds for the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) on the SH 360/SH 161 Connector and the George Bush Extension South of IH 30 8. Approval for Transportation Director to Explore the Possibility of a Partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation and NTTA on Extending SH 360 and Chisholm Trail to the South 9. Approval of Letter on the City of Fort Worth Bypass Channel (Electronic Item 4.1) 10. Staff Response to Last Month’s Agenda Item 1: Opportunity for the Public to Speak (Electronic Item 4.2) 11. East/West Equity Report (Electronic Item 4.3) 12. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Upcoming Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean-cities-meetings) 13. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-andresources/ fundingvehicle) 14. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding from Volkswagen Settlement (Electronic Item 4.4) 15. National Drive Electric Week Virtual Event (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/ndew) 16. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.5) 17. August Online Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 4.6) 18. September Online Input Opportunity Notice (Electronic Item 4.7) 19. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.8) 20. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.9) 21. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.10) 22. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.11)
Federal Highway Administration Performance Measures Target Reaffirmation or Revisions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request action to adopt a resolution approving adjustment to 2022 regional targets for federally required performance measures. A copy of the resolution is provided in Electronic Item 5.1. Background: In 2018, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) adopted 2020 and 2022 federal performance measure targets related to infrastructure condition, congestion, and air quality. The RTC has an opportunity to adjust 2022 targets for these measures, if appropriate, based on new data and methodologies. Draft proposed adjustments were presented to RTC members on August 13, 2020, and the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended RTC adoption of the proposed target adjustments at its August 28, 2020, meeting. This effort will generate financial and policy discussions on resources needed in current and future transportation planning. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 5.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Response to Members of the Texas House of Representatives House Committee on Transportation on Request for Information Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval on four letters in response to information requested by the House Committee on Transportation. This information is requested to assist the Committee on their interim charges. Background: In lieu of holding public hearings, the House Committee on Transportation recently made formal requests for written information on select interim charges. Comments on each interim charge must be submitted by September 18, 2020. RTC positions are related to funding, COVID-19, safety and technology. Electronic Item 6 contains correspondence to the Committee. The request can be found at https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/schedules/pdf/C4702020081700001.pdf. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Optimized Freight Movement Project Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Thomas Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval of a project to improve goods movement from freight hubs in the region to nearby expressways using connected vehicle and related technologies to optimize truck traffic through intersections will be requested. Background: The Optimized Freight Movement project will use connected vehicle and related technologies to optimize the flow of trucks between freight hubs and expressways in the region. The freight industry has identified this initiative as a top priority. The Value of Time for goods movement approaches $75 per hour. There are safety, operational, and environmental benefits from reducing the number of truck stops/starts at intersections. The project will focus on intersections with high volumes and proportions of freight traffic. It will use the optimal mix of technologies and data sharing to reduce the number of stops trucks make at signalized intersections. Deployment locations will be selected based on an assessment of potential benefits and costs and after consultation with the responsible local jurisdictions and freight companies. The project will include continual performance monitoring and adjustment to deliver the maximum net benefits. The project budget is $5 million. Electronic Item 7 contains additional details about the project and action requested. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Regional Cotton Belt Veloweb Trail: Action Plan Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request approval regarding funding for the Cotton Belt Regional Veloweb Trail in partnership with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line rail project from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Grapevine to Shiloh Station in Plano. Background: The DART Silver Line rail project is coordinating a parallel regionally significant Cotton Belt Regional Veloweb Trail corridor that will connect seven cities across three counties. Accommodations for the approximate 26-mile regional trail have been included as part of DART’s planning for the commuter rail corridor. Additional funding is needed for the engineering of the trail. A two-contractor approach will be recommended for construction, partnering with DART for only one of the trail bridges in the corridor to be constructed with the current rail contractor. A second expedited phase to be implemented within six to nine months with a second contractor to be procured that can construct various crossings and location before the trains are operative. Funds will also be requested to provide safety walls near two schools along the corridor. Staff will provide an overview of funding recommendations to implement various sections of this priority regional trail corridor. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 8. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects Project Selection Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Kokes, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Transportation Alternatives Program applications received and evaluation process. A recommendation of projects to select for funding will also be provided and action requested. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments opened the Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects on March 2, 2020, and applications were due on May 15, 2020. Projects eligible for funding included active transportation and Safe Routes to School projects that will substantially improve safety and provide opportunities to walk and bicycle. Project scoring was based on project eligibility and a methodology for project evaluation as previously approved by the Regional Transportation Council. Electronic Item 9.1 provides additional information on project scoring. Electronic Item 9.2 reflects project recommendations. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ
10. 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. This program continues to receive national recognition. 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 10. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety Pavement and Bridge Condition Transit Asset System Performance/Freight/CMAQ 14. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 8, 2020.