Approval of February 11, 2021, Minutes ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Roger Harmon, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the February 11, 2021, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
3.1. 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 administratively 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 have been posted on the North Central Texas Council of Governments website for public review and comment, and are also included as Electronic Item 3.1.1. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 3.1.2. Public comments received as a result of the public outreach process, if any, will be provided. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its February 26 meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Approval of Letter to the Secretary of Transportation (Electronic Item 4.1) 2. Strategic Plan for the North Central Texas Council of Governments: 2020-2025 (www.nctcog.org/executive-director/nctcog-strategic-plan) 3. Development of FY2022 and FY2023 Unified Planning Work Program: Project Ideas 4. Section 214/United States Army Corps of Engineers Update (Electronic Item 4.2) 5. Changing Mobility: Data, Insights, and Delivering Innovative Projects During COVID Recovery (Electronic Item 4.3) (www.nctcog.org/pm/covid-19) 6. Initial Discussion of Regional Transportation Council Meetings in Person 7. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Upcoming Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean-cities-meetings) 8. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-andresources/ fundingvehicle) 9. Status of Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding Programs (Electronic Item 4.4) 10. Recipient of the SolSmart Bronze Award (Electronic Item 4.5) 11. February Online Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 4.6) 12. March Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 4.7) 13. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.8) 14. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.9) 15. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.10) 16. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.11)
Previously Approved COVID-19 Infrastructure Program #015: Transit Partnership Funding ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the COVID-19 Transit Partnership projects within this program will be requested. Background: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, transit ridership in the United States, Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth region has suffered declines and stagnation. There is an urgency to support transit agencies and coordinate efforts to address ridership concerns. In the fall of 2020, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee and the RTC approved the third round of the COVID-19 Infrastructure Program, including a $25 million placeholder for investments in transit. Since then, discussions have occurred about how this funding could be utilized across various transit initiatives to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transit and advance transit in the region. The details of the specific partnership programs and projects being proposed are provided in Electronic Item 5.1. Electronic Item 5.2 contains additional details about the partnership and programs/projects being requested. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit, Safety
Federal Transit Administration Funding Allocations in Response to COVID Relief 2.0 Funding Authorization ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff is requesting Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval for US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding allocations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Background: FTA announced January 11, 2021, a total of $14 billion nationwide in federal funding to help alleviate funding shortfalls for the nation’s largest public transportation systems due to COVID-19. Funding is provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA). The primary objective is to ensure public transit agencies receive sufficient funding, when combined with Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act apportionments, to equal at least 75 percent of the Urbanized Areas’ (UZA) public transit operating costs based on 2018 expenses. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is the designated recipient for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (DFWA) UZA and the Denton-Lewisville (DL) UZA. The DFWA UZA will receive $129,172,478 and the DL UZA was allocated $41,938. Funding will be provided at a 100 percent federal share and prioritizes the use of funds for operational and payroll needs but also supports expenses traditionally eligible under the Urbanized Area Formula Program and the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The DFWA UZA is receiving Urbanized Area Formula Program funds only because Dallas Area Rapid Transit falls below the 75 percent threshold. Congress did not provide any Urbanized Area Formula Program funds to the DFW UZA for Trinity Metro, but assistance may occur through other methods. Staff is requesting RTC approval of funding allocations based on FTA’s methodology for Urbanized Area Formula Program funds under CRRSAA and for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program funds to be distributed based on eligibility and need. Details can be found in Electronic Item 6. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit
2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Discretionary Grant Program ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Jeff Neal, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects proposed for submittal in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance will be requested. Background: In February 2021, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the solicitation of project applications for the 2021 INFRA Discretionary Grant Program regarding surface transportation initiatives that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Electronic Item 7.1 is a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $1.039 billion discretionary grant program for FY2021, as well as the application requirements. Applications are due to the USDOT by March 19, 2021. Electronic Item 7.2 details NCTCOG’s most recent discretionary grant program efforts in the Dallas-Fort Worth region which were not previously awarded. Given the short timeframe for application development, NCTCOG will work with the Regional Transportation Council to identify previously approved projects for resubmittal. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation has requested us to cosponsor a project with them. Below are the three projects being proposed for INFRA funding: • East Lancaster Ave. Complete Streets & Transit Technology • Enhancing Mobility within the Southern Dallas Inland Port • IH 30 Downtown (Co-Sponsor) For agencies in the region submitting projects, please be aware that you must complete the www.grants.gov registration process before submitting the application and that this process usually takes two-four weeks to complete. In addition, if an agency would like to receive a letter of support from the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), requests must be submitted to Kyle Roy by Friday, March 12, 2021, at kroy@nctcog.org. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Goods Movement
Air Quality Calls for Projects Recommendations ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council approval of funding recommendations for the Clean Fleets North Texas 2020 Call for Projects (CFP) and North Texas Emissions Reduction Project 2020 CFP. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments opened three different Calls for Projects, under three separate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards, North Texas Emissions Reduction Project 2020 CFP, North Texas Freight Terminal Electrification 2020 CFP, and Clean Fleets North Texas 2020 CFP. These CFPs award grant funds for diesel vehicle or equipment replacement projects and installation of EPA verified electrified parking spaces and related infrastructure in North Central Texas. The most recent application deadline was January 8, 2021. Staff has completed review and emissions quantification and developed recommendations regarding projects to be funded. These CFPs were funded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. This initiative is an extension of clean vehicle efforts listed as Weight-of-Evidence in the current State Implementation Plan. Electronic Item 8.1 provides an overview of the call for projects and staff recommendations. Electronic Item 8.2 and Electronic Item 8.3 provide detailed project listings. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality
Legislative Update ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 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. Legislative actions to be covered include the following: • Federal Stimulus Bill Update • Texas Legislative Committee Actions • Update on Bills of Interest Background: Transportation issues continue to be a focus for both the United States Congress and the Texas Legislature. The 1st session of the 117th US Congress convened on January 3, 2021. The 87th Texas Legislature convened on January 12, 2021. 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. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
10. Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study Update ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update regarding the Dallas to Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation (DFWHST) Connections Study. Currently the project is proceeding through the first phase, including analysis of route and mode alternatives. Background: In April 2020, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff began work on the DFWHST Connections Study with consultant assistance. The project is divided into two phases, the first being an alternatives analysis effort. The second phase will be a National Environmental Policy Act effort resulting in a federal government action identifying the project’s next steps. Since April 2020, staff and the consultant have been analyzing alternatives while engaging the public and stakeholders. Phase 1 efforts are designed to reduce the number of alternatives to a minimum for more detailed analysis in the Phase 2 effort. The following items will be presented: • Draft preliminary project purpose • Potential route alternatives • Potential mode alternatives • Technology update • Engagement opportunities • Project schedule Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit, Safety 14. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 8, 2021.
Approval of February 11, 2021, Minutes ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Roger Harmon, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the February 11, 2021, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
3.1. 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 administratively 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 have been posted on the North Central Texas Council of Governments website for public review and comment, and are also included as Electronic Item 3.1.1. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 3.1.2. Public comments received as a result of the public outreach process, if any, will be provided. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its February 26 meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Approval of Letter to the Secretary of Transportation (Electronic Item 4.1) 2. Strategic Plan for the North Central Texas Council of Governments: 2020-2025 (www.nctcog.org/executive-director/nctcog-strategic-plan) 3. Development of FY2022 and FY2023 Unified Planning Work Program: Project Ideas 4. Section 214/United States Army Corps of Engineers Update (Electronic Item 4.2) 5. Changing Mobility: Data, Insights, and Delivering Innovative Projects During COVID Recovery (Electronic Item 4.3) (www.nctcog.org/pm/covid-19) 6. Initial Discussion of Regional Transportation Council Meetings in Person 7. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Upcoming Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/dfw-clean-cities-meetings) 8. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-andresources/ fundingvehicle) 9. Status of Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding Programs (Electronic Item 4.4) 10. Recipient of the SolSmart Bronze Award (Electronic Item 4.5) 11. February Online Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 4.6) 12. March Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 4.7) 13. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.8) 14. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.9) 15. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.10) 16. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.11)
Previously Approved COVID-19 Infrastructure Program #015: Transit Partnership Funding ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the COVID-19 Transit Partnership projects within this program will be requested. Background: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, transit ridership in the United States, Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth region has suffered declines and stagnation. There is an urgency to support transit agencies and coordinate efforts to address ridership concerns. In the fall of 2020, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee and the RTC approved the third round of the COVID-19 Infrastructure Program, including a $25 million placeholder for investments in transit. Since then, discussions have occurred about how this funding could be utilized across various transit initiatives to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transit and advance transit in the region. The details of the specific partnership programs and projects being proposed are provided in Electronic Item 5.1. Electronic Item 5.2 contains additional details about the partnership and programs/projects being requested. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit, Safety
Federal Transit Administration Funding Allocations in Response to COVID Relief 2.0 Funding Authorization ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff is requesting Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval for US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding allocations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Background: FTA announced January 11, 2021, a total of $14 billion nationwide in federal funding to help alleviate funding shortfalls for the nation’s largest public transportation systems due to COVID-19. Funding is provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA). The primary objective is to ensure public transit agencies receive sufficient funding, when combined with Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act apportionments, to equal at least 75 percent of the Urbanized Areas’ (UZA) public transit operating costs based on 2018 expenses. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is the designated recipient for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (DFWA) UZA and the Denton-Lewisville (DL) UZA. The DFWA UZA will receive $129,172,478 and the DL UZA was allocated $41,938. Funding will be provided at a 100 percent federal share and prioritizes the use of funds for operational and payroll needs but also supports expenses traditionally eligible under the Urbanized Area Formula Program and the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The DFWA UZA is receiving Urbanized Area Formula Program funds only because Dallas Area Rapid Transit falls below the 75 percent threshold. Congress did not provide any Urbanized Area Formula Program funds to the DFW UZA for Trinity Metro, but assistance may occur through other methods. Staff is requesting RTC approval of funding allocations based on FTA’s methodology for Urbanized Area Formula Program funds under CRRSAA and for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program funds to be distributed based on eligibility and need. Details can be found in Electronic Item 6. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit
2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Discretionary Grant Program ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Jeff Neal, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects proposed for submittal in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance will be requested. Background: In February 2021, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the solicitation of project applications for the 2021 INFRA Discretionary Grant Program regarding surface transportation initiatives that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Electronic Item 7.1 is a copy of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that details the $1.039 billion discretionary grant program for FY2021, as well as the application requirements. Applications are due to the USDOT by March 19, 2021. Electronic Item 7.2 details NCTCOG’s most recent discretionary grant program efforts in the Dallas-Fort Worth region which were not previously awarded. Given the short timeframe for application development, NCTCOG will work with the Regional Transportation Council to identify previously approved projects for resubmittal. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation has requested us to cosponsor a project with them. Below are the three projects being proposed for INFRA funding: • East Lancaster Ave. Complete Streets & Transit Technology • Enhancing Mobility within the Southern Dallas Inland Port • IH 30 Downtown (Co-Sponsor) For agencies in the region submitting projects, please be aware that you must complete the www.grants.gov registration process before submitting the application and that this process usually takes two-four weeks to complete. In addition, if an agency would like to receive a letter of support from the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), requests must be submitted to Kyle Roy by Friday, March 12, 2021, at kroy@nctcog.org. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Goods Movement
Air Quality Calls for Projects Recommendations ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council approval of funding recommendations for the Clean Fleets North Texas 2020 Call for Projects (CFP) and North Texas Emissions Reduction Project 2020 CFP. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments opened three different Calls for Projects, under three separate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards, North Texas Emissions Reduction Project 2020 CFP, North Texas Freight Terminal Electrification 2020 CFP, and Clean Fleets North Texas 2020 CFP. These CFPs award grant funds for diesel vehicle or equipment replacement projects and installation of EPA verified electrified parking spaces and related infrastructure in North Central Texas. The most recent application deadline was January 8, 2021. Staff has completed review and emissions quantification and developed recommendations regarding projects to be funded. These CFPs were funded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. This initiative is an extension of clean vehicle efforts listed as Weight-of-Evidence in the current State Implementation Plan. Electronic Item 8.1 provides an overview of the call for projects and staff recommendations. Electronic Item 8.2 and Electronic Item 8.3 provide detailed project listings. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality
Legislative Update ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 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. Legislative actions to be covered include the following: • Federal Stimulus Bill Update • Texas Legislative Committee Actions • Update on Bills of Interest Background: Transportation issues continue to be a focus for both the United States Congress and the Texas Legislature. The 1st session of the 117th US Congress convened on January 3, 2021. The 87th Texas Legislature convened on January 12, 2021. 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. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
10. Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study Update ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update regarding the Dallas to Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation (DFWHST) Connections Study. Currently the project is proceeding through the first phase, including analysis of route and mode alternatives. Background: In April 2020, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff began work on the DFWHST Connections Study with consultant assistance. The project is divided into two phases, the first being an alternatives analysis effort. The second phase will be a National Environmental Policy Act effort resulting in a federal government action identifying the project’s next steps. Since April 2020, staff and the consultant have been analyzing alternatives while engaging the public and stakeholders. Phase 1 efforts are designed to reduce the number of alternatives to a minimum for more detailed analysis in the Phase 2 effort. The following items will be presented: • Draft preliminary project purpose • Potential route alternatives • Potential mode alternatives • Technology update • Engagement opportunities • Project schedule Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit, Safety 14. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 8, 2021.