Approval of September 9, 2021, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Theresa M. Daniel, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the September 9, 2021, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested, along with the ability to amend the Unified Planning Work Program and other planning documents with TIP-related changes. Background: November 2021 revisions to the 2021-2024 TIP are provided as Electronic Item 3.1.1 for the Council’s consideration. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination and financial constraint of the TIP. Additionally, Electronic Item 3.1.2 includes changes made to the Grouped Projects listing proposed by the Texas Department of Transportation. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit 3.2. Call for Projects to Reduce Diesel Emissions Presenter: Jason Brown, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval to open a new, competitive Call for Projects (CFP) to award rebates through the North Texas Clean Diesel Projects 2021 funding initiative will be requested. Background: Over the past few years, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has been successful in receiving grant funding for multiple proposals submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program authorized by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. The latest award based on NCTCOG’s proposal submitted in February 2020 identifies open and competitive CFPs to distribute funds. The North Texas Clean Diesel Projects 2021 funding initiative provides rebates to replace older, high-emitting diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and equipment in addition to locomotive engine idle-reduction technology owned by public and private fleets in the ten-county ozone nonattainment area. A schedule and project selection criteria for the CFPs is proposed. These initiatives are an extension of clean vehicle and technology efforts listed as Weight-of-Evidence in the current State Implementation Plan. Electronic Item 3.2 provides additional details. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality 3.3. SH 121 Wrecker Service Funding Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action to utilize RTC Local funds to pay for the staging of wreckers along SH 121 technology lane will be requested. Background: In November 2020, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff requested RTC action to adjust Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Project 11668 limits to allow this funding to be utilized on other needed corridors. This project was originally utilized to provide for the staging of wreckers along the SH 161 corridor during the activation of the SH 161 peak-period shoulder lanes. The peak-period shoulder lanes along SH 161 have been reconstructed to regularly operating freeway lanes. There was funding that remained within the project that could possibly be utilized to stage wreckers on other corridors that are technology lanes or constrained corridors. Staff has recently learned from Federal Highway Administration that this funding would require additional action in order to be utilized along the SH 121 corridor and would take approximately nine months to become available. NCTCOG’s contract with the wrecker service company on SH 121 end in December 2021. Based on these timelines, RTC action to utilize RTC Local funds to pay for these services rendered December 2020 through December 2021 will be requested. Federal funds will be returned to the funding pool to be programmed for other projects. The requested action includes administratively amending the Transportation Improvement Program/Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and other administrative/planning documents as needed. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety, Congestion 3.4. Klyde Warren Park Extension Cost Increase Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to fund the federal share of an $8.5 million cost overrun ($6.8 million federal and $1.7 million local) for the previously funded Klyde Warren Park Expansion project will be requested. The City of Dallas will cover the local match for the cost increase. This action includes approval for North Central Texas Council of Governments staff to administratively amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other planning/administrative documents to incorporate these changes. Background: In December 2016, the RTC approved funding for the Klyde Warren Park Expansion. A total of $30 million in federal funds, along with the corresponding $7.5 million local match were approved, of which $10 million of the federal funding is to be repaid by the City of Dallas, along with the City’s private-sector partners. The project has an additional $60 million in non-transportation-related investments that will fund park amenities. Final design plans have indicated a $8.5 million cost overrun on the transportation components, which increases the cost from $37.5 million to $46 million. The City and the Texas Department of Transportation have asked the RTC to cover the federal share with the City providing the local match for the increase. Electronic Item 3.4 provides a summary of existing and proposed funding. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality, Bike/Ped+
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. December All Member Regional Transportation Council Orientation Meeting 2. Receipt of Positive Federal Certification Review (Electronic Item 4.1) 3. New Task Force to Direct Funding to Vital Highway Safety Projects (https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media- center/statewide-news/015-2021.html) 4. 2023-2026 Management/Operations and Safety 5. New Proposed Alignment for D2 in Downtown Dallas (Electronic Item 4.2) 6. Timing of Light Rail Line Construction in Downtown Dallas (D2) 7. Automated Vehicles 2.2/2.3 Program Round 2 Funding Available-November 19, 2021, Deadline (Electronic Item 4.3) 8. Economic Development Administration Grant Opportunities: Three Projects 9. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in the Region 10. IH 635/IH 35E “Y” Connector Revenue 11. Fall 2021 Traffic Incident Management Executive Level Course, November 4, 2021 (Electronic Item 4.4) 12. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/events) 13. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources) 14. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.5) 15. Status Report on Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding (Electronic Item 4.6) 16. National Drive Electric Week Success (Electronic Item 4.7) 17. Texas Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program Call for Projects Submittal Deadline for Applications Due to District Offices-November 17, 2201 (https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/forms- publications/publications/highway-safety.html) 18. Monthly Know Before You Fly Your Drone Workshops (https://www.northtexasuas.com/UAS-Taskforce#Workshops) 19. Federal Highway Administration Recognizes City of Irving’s Work through the Waze Data-Sharing Program (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edcnews/20210902.cfm) 20. Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study Open House Schedule (Electronic Item 4.8) 21. August Online Input Opportunity Minutes-Additional Comments (Electronic Item 4.9) 22. September Online Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 4.10) 23. October Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 4.11) 24. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.12) 25. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.13) 26. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.14) 27. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.15)
2022 Unified Transportation Program and Regional 10-Year Plan Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the projects funded by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) in the 2022 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and make proposals regarding the Category 2/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funding exchange that was approved earlier in the summer. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the final 10-Year Plan project listings and Category 2/STBG funding exchange will be requested. Background: In the summer of 2021, the RTC approved updates to the Regional 10-Year Plan, which included additional Category 2 and Category 4 funds and requests to the TTC for Category 12 funds. The TTC approved the final 2022 UTP at its August 2021 meeting. Staff will discuss which projects were approved for funding in the UTP, provide project recommendations to complete the Category 2/STBG funding exchange, and provide a preview of the upcoming schedule for the development of the next 10-Year Plan and UTP. These details are provided in Electronic Item 5.1. Electronic Item 5.2 contains the revised 10-Year Plan project listings. Electronic Item 5.3 contains the 10-Year Plan projects that have let or been completed. Electronic Item 5.4 contains the projects being proposed for the Category 2/STBG funding exchange. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Safety
Trinity Railway Express Shuttle Funding for Continued Operations Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval for funding to Trinity Metro to continue providing shuttle service between the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Centreport Station. Background: In 2018, the DFW Airport notified the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) of its intent to discontinue shuttle service between DFW Airport and the TRE Centrepoint Station once TEXRail service was fully operational. In coordination with DFW Airport, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Trinity Metro, staff worked to identify replacement service to ensure this critical last-mile connection is maintained and the RTC approved Trinity Metro to assume responsibility for continued operations of the shuttle service. The service continues to operate as a partnership among DFW Airport, DART, and Trinity Metro with RTC support, but due to budget constraints and pandemic ridership impacts, the partners have requested additional operational support as they finalize a sustainability plan for the service. Staff will request RTC approval to provide final funding in an amount not to exceed $910,000 total to support operations of the shuttle service between the TRE Centreport Station and DFW Airport. The recommendation for funding includes utilizing existing Regional Toll Revenue funds previously authorized by the RTC for transit projects in an amount not to exceed $290,000 for the first year and subsequent operations to be funded with previously approved COVID-19 Infrastructure Program #015: Transit Partnership Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds in an amount not to exceed $620,000. More details can be found in Electronic Item 6. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative, Transit
Federal Update and State Constitutional Ballot: Proposition 2 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Rebekah Gongora, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present an update on the federal infrastructure bill and provide information on the upcoming State constitutional amendment election, including Proposition 2 on transportation reinvestment zone authority. Action will be requested on Regional Transportation Council support for Proposition 2. Background: The current federal surface transportation authorization bill, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, expired on September 30, 2021. Congress approved a 30-day FAST Act extension and s set a deadline of October 31 to vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. In addition, the State constitutional amendment election will take place on November 2, 2021. HJR 99 (87R) will be on the ballot as Proposition 2, which allows counties to have the authority to engage in tax increment financing through Transportation Reinvestment Zones, as a source of revenue for transportation. Additional information can be found in Electronic Item 7. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Air Quality
Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Restrictions Resolution Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the revised Resolution Supporting Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Restrictions in North Central Texas (R21-06). Background: In 2008, the RTC approved the Resolution Supporting Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Restrictions in North Central Texas (R08-03), included as Electronic Item 8.1, that supports local government adoption and enforcement of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ’s) Idling Limitations Rule included in Electronic Item 8.2. The North Central Texas Council of Governments is recommending an update to the resolution that will allow more flexibility for local governments to adopt an idle restriction ordinance or resolution while still being eligible for State funding for idle reduction infrastructure projects. Draft resolution R21-06 is included as Electronic Item 8.3. Mobility 2045 includes policy efforts on best practices to minimize fleet emissions impacts. This initiative is listed as Weight-of-Evidence in the current State Implementation Plan. Electronic Item 8.4 provides additional details. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality
Immediate Action Freeway Projects: State Contingency Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: In August 2021, the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approved the Unified Transportation Program and will review project commitments scheduled for the December 2021 TTC meeting. It is critical for the region to reinforce major freeway projects that can currently go to construction if the TTC wishes to reprioritize projects in other parts of the state that are not currently available to proceed. Background: The Regional Transportation Council, working closely with local governments and Texas Department of Transportation Districts, always has major transportation projects ready for construction. This has benefited the region tremendously over the last several decades. With a possible delay in freeway projects in other parts of the state and the possibility of a new federal transportation stimulus program, having projects ready to proceed remains a significant funding tool. Examples of projects in the Dallas District that fall into this category are US 380 in Collin County, SH 114 in Denton County, and SH 183 in Dallas County. Examples of projects in the Fort Worth District in Tarrant County that fall into this category are the IH 820/IH 20 “Y Connector” Extensions, DFW Connector, and SH 183. In addition, other projects would be eligible and staff looks forward to opportunities at both the national and state level. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway
Metropolitan Planning Organization Milestone Policy Round 2-Quarterly Status Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the Council with an update on the status of the Milestone Policy Round 2 projects that have not let for construction. Background: The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Milestone Policy was adopted by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) to ensure that projects that have been funded for more than ten years and have not gone to construction are being implemented in a timely manner. In February 2021, the RTC took action on the second round of the Milestone Policy, including a project tracking process and revised set of policy procedures. Staff was instructed to create a project risk rating system and solicit quarterly status updates on all Milestone Policy projects until they go to construction. The responses are reviewed and a rating is assigned to each project. Status updates on each project, along with their latest ratings, can be found in Electronic Item 10.1. Details on the MPO Milestone Policy can be found in Electronic Item 10.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
Transit Strategic Partnerships Initiative Overview Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Transit Strategic Partnerships funding process, formerly known as the Transit Call for Projects. Background: Each year, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awards approximately $130 million in funding to public transportation providers in North Texas. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) authorizes how the funding is allocated among transit providers in North Texas and has a policy to set aside 2 percent for transit projects that support Mobility 2045’s goals and address needs outlined in Access North Texas, the regional public transportation coordination plan for transit-dependent populations. In years past, the funds were typically awarded through calls for projects, but those efforts often resulted in marginal projects or partnerships with entities who were unfamiliar in utilizing FTA funds. The process for awarding these funds was updated for a more deliberate and coordinated approach to help address gaps in service. Staff will continuously review requests for innovative transit projects and solutions both from agencies looking to directly implement service and those seeking partnership with an existing transit provider. Ideas will be evaluated by their ability to address needs of transit dependent populations, strategic value, sustainability, stakeholder collaboration, and recommendations from existing plans and studies. Staff will provide an update on how the process is being implemented and resources available to assist those seeking funding. Electronic Item 11 provides additional information. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative, Transit
Dallas-Fort Worth Regional East/West Funding Distribution Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the Council with information regarding the process for developing the funding distribution between the Eastern (Dallas and Paris Districts) and Western (Fort Worth District) subregions when a transportation funding bill is enacted into law. The latest East/West Equity quarterly report detailing non-formula transactions that affect the percentage of funding in each subregion will also be provided. Background: At a June 2021 Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting, staff was asked to provide a briefing on the process for developing the east/west funding distribution formula. The RTC selects projects to be funded with Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds (formerly STP-MM funds). To ensure equity within the region, once these funds are distributed by the Texas Department of Transportation, the RTC seeks to program funding to the eastern and western subregions based on the proportion of each area’s emissions, demographics, and activity. Generally, the RTC reevaluates the funding distribution after a new transportation funding bill is approved by the US Congress. The current east/west funding distribution is 68 percent in the east and 32 percent in the west for STBG and other mobility funds, and 66 percent in the east and 34 percent in the west for CMAQ funds. Each quarter, staff provides the Council with an update on any non-formula funding received that impacts this distribution. Electronic Item 12.1 provides additional information on the process for establishing the split. Electronic Item 12.2 contains the latest East/West Equity quarterly report. Electronic Item 12.3 contains the RTC policy pertaining to the tracking of non-formula funding awards. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
14. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 11, 2021.
Approval of September 9, 2021, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Theresa M. Daniel, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the September 9, 2021, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 3.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested, along with the ability to amend the Unified Planning Work Program and other planning documents with TIP-related changes. Background: November 2021 revisions to the 2021-2024 TIP are provided as Electronic Item 3.1.1 for the Council’s consideration. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination and financial constraint of the TIP. Additionally, Electronic Item 3.1.2 includes changes made to the Grouped Projects listing proposed by the Texas Department of Transportation. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit 3.2. Call for Projects to Reduce Diesel Emissions Presenter: Jason Brown, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval to open a new, competitive Call for Projects (CFP) to award rebates through the North Texas Clean Diesel Projects 2021 funding initiative will be requested. Background: Over the past few years, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has been successful in receiving grant funding for multiple proposals submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program authorized by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. The latest award based on NCTCOG’s proposal submitted in February 2020 identifies open and competitive CFPs to distribute funds. The North Texas Clean Diesel Projects 2021 funding initiative provides rebates to replace older, high-emitting diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and equipment in addition to locomotive engine idle-reduction technology owned by public and private fleets in the ten-county ozone nonattainment area. A schedule and project selection criteria for the CFPs is proposed. These initiatives are an extension of clean vehicle and technology efforts listed as Weight-of-Evidence in the current State Implementation Plan. Electronic Item 3.2 provides additional details. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality 3.3. SH 121 Wrecker Service Funding Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action to utilize RTC Local funds to pay for the staging of wreckers along SH 121 technology lane will be requested. Background: In November 2020, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff requested RTC action to adjust Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Project 11668 limits to allow this funding to be utilized on other needed corridors. This project was originally utilized to provide for the staging of wreckers along the SH 161 corridor during the activation of the SH 161 peak-period shoulder lanes. The peak-period shoulder lanes along SH 161 have been reconstructed to regularly operating freeway lanes. There was funding that remained within the project that could possibly be utilized to stage wreckers on other corridors that are technology lanes or constrained corridors. Staff has recently learned from Federal Highway Administration that this funding would require additional action in order to be utilized along the SH 121 corridor and would take approximately nine months to become available. NCTCOG’s contract with the wrecker service company on SH 121 end in December 2021. Based on these timelines, RTC action to utilize RTC Local funds to pay for these services rendered December 2020 through December 2021 will be requested. Federal funds will be returned to the funding pool to be programmed for other projects. The requested action includes administratively amending the Transportation Improvement Program/Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and other administrative/planning documents as needed. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Safety, Congestion 3.4. Klyde Warren Park Extension Cost Increase Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to fund the federal share of an $8.5 million cost overrun ($6.8 million federal and $1.7 million local) for the previously funded Klyde Warren Park Expansion project will be requested. The City of Dallas will cover the local match for the cost increase. This action includes approval for North Central Texas Council of Governments staff to administratively amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other planning/administrative documents to incorporate these changes. Background: In December 2016, the RTC approved funding for the Klyde Warren Park Expansion. A total of $30 million in federal funds, along with the corresponding $7.5 million local match were approved, of which $10 million of the federal funding is to be repaid by the City of Dallas, along with the City’s private-sector partners. The project has an additional $60 million in non-transportation-related investments that will fund park amenities. Final design plans have indicated a $8.5 million cost overrun on the transportation components, which increases the cost from $37.5 million to $46 million. The City and the Texas Department of Transportation have asked the RTC to cover the federal share with the City providing the local match for the increase. Electronic Item 3.4 provides a summary of existing and proposed funding. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality, Bike/Ped+
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. December All Member Regional Transportation Council Orientation Meeting 2. Receipt of Positive Federal Certification Review (Electronic Item 4.1) 3. New Task Force to Direct Funding to Vital Highway Safety Projects (https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media- center/statewide-news/015-2021.html) 4. 2023-2026 Management/Operations and Safety 5. New Proposed Alignment for D2 in Downtown Dallas (Electronic Item 4.2) 6. Timing of Light Rail Line Construction in Downtown Dallas (D2) 7. Automated Vehicles 2.2/2.3 Program Round 2 Funding Available-November 19, 2021, Deadline (Electronic Item 4.3) 8. Economic Development Administration Grant Opportunities: Three Projects 9. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in the Region 10. IH 635/IH 35E “Y” Connector Revenue 11. Fall 2021 Traffic Incident Management Executive Level Course, November 4, 2021 (Electronic Item 4.4) 12. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/events) 13. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources) 14. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.5) 15. Status Report on Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding (Electronic Item 4.6) 16. National Drive Electric Week Success (Electronic Item 4.7) 17. Texas Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program Call for Projects Submittal Deadline for Applications Due to District Offices-November 17, 2201 (https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/forms- publications/publications/highway-safety.html) 18. Monthly Know Before You Fly Your Drone Workshops (https://www.northtexasuas.com/UAS-Taskforce#Workshops) 19. Federal Highway Administration Recognizes City of Irving’s Work through the Waze Data-Sharing Program (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edcnews/20210902.cfm) 20. Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study Open House Schedule (Electronic Item 4.8) 21. August Online Input Opportunity Minutes-Additional Comments (Electronic Item 4.9) 22. September Online Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 4.10) 23. October Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 4.11) 24. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 4.12) 25. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.13) 26. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.14) 27. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.15)
2022 Unified Transportation Program and Regional 10-Year Plan Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the projects funded by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) in the 2022 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and make proposals regarding the Category 2/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funding exchange that was approved earlier in the summer. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the final 10-Year Plan project listings and Category 2/STBG funding exchange will be requested. Background: In the summer of 2021, the RTC approved updates to the Regional 10-Year Plan, which included additional Category 2 and Category 4 funds and requests to the TTC for Category 12 funds. The TTC approved the final 2022 UTP at its August 2021 meeting. Staff will discuss which projects were approved for funding in the UTP, provide project recommendations to complete the Category 2/STBG funding exchange, and provide a preview of the upcoming schedule for the development of the next 10-Year Plan and UTP. These details are provided in Electronic Item 5.1. Electronic Item 5.2 contains the revised 10-Year Plan project listings. Electronic Item 5.3 contains the 10-Year Plan projects that have let or been completed. Electronic Item 5.4 contains the projects being proposed for the Category 2/STBG funding exchange. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Safety
Trinity Railway Express Shuttle Funding for Continued Operations Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval for funding to Trinity Metro to continue providing shuttle service between the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Centreport Station. Background: In 2018, the DFW Airport notified the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) of its intent to discontinue shuttle service between DFW Airport and the TRE Centrepoint Station once TEXRail service was fully operational. In coordination with DFW Airport, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Trinity Metro, staff worked to identify replacement service to ensure this critical last-mile connection is maintained and the RTC approved Trinity Metro to assume responsibility for continued operations of the shuttle service. The service continues to operate as a partnership among DFW Airport, DART, and Trinity Metro with RTC support, but due to budget constraints and pandemic ridership impacts, the partners have requested additional operational support as they finalize a sustainability plan for the service. Staff will request RTC approval to provide final funding in an amount not to exceed $910,000 total to support operations of the shuttle service between the TRE Centreport Station and DFW Airport. The recommendation for funding includes utilizing existing Regional Toll Revenue funds previously authorized by the RTC for transit projects in an amount not to exceed $290,000 for the first year and subsequent operations to be funded with previously approved COVID-19 Infrastructure Program #015: Transit Partnership Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds in an amount not to exceed $620,000. More details can be found in Electronic Item 6. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative, Transit
Federal Update and State Constitutional Ballot: Proposition 2 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Rebekah Gongora, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present an update on the federal infrastructure bill and provide information on the upcoming State constitutional amendment election, including Proposition 2 on transportation reinvestment zone authority. Action will be requested on Regional Transportation Council support for Proposition 2. Background: The current federal surface transportation authorization bill, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, expired on September 30, 2021. Congress approved a 30-day FAST Act extension and s set a deadline of October 31 to vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. In addition, the State constitutional amendment election will take place on November 2, 2021. HJR 99 (87R) will be on the ballot as Proposition 2, which allows counties to have the authority to engage in tax increment financing through Transportation Reinvestment Zones, as a source of revenue for transportation. Additional information can be found in Electronic Item 7. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Air Quality
Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Restrictions Resolution Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the revised Resolution Supporting Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Restrictions in North Central Texas (R21-06). Background: In 2008, the RTC approved the Resolution Supporting Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Restrictions in North Central Texas (R08-03), included as Electronic Item 8.1, that supports local government adoption and enforcement of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ’s) Idling Limitations Rule included in Electronic Item 8.2. The North Central Texas Council of Governments is recommending an update to the resolution that will allow more flexibility for local governments to adopt an idle restriction ordinance or resolution while still being eligible for State funding for idle reduction infrastructure projects. Draft resolution R21-06 is included as Electronic Item 8.3. Mobility 2045 includes policy efforts on best practices to minimize fleet emissions impacts. This initiative is listed as Weight-of-Evidence in the current State Implementation Plan. Electronic Item 8.4 provides additional details. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality
Immediate Action Freeway Projects: State Contingency Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: In August 2021, the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approved the Unified Transportation Program and will review project commitments scheduled for the December 2021 TTC meeting. It is critical for the region to reinforce major freeway projects that can currently go to construction if the TTC wishes to reprioritize projects in other parts of the state that are not currently available to proceed. Background: The Regional Transportation Council, working closely with local governments and Texas Department of Transportation Districts, always has major transportation projects ready for construction. This has benefited the region tremendously over the last several decades. With a possible delay in freeway projects in other parts of the state and the possibility of a new federal transportation stimulus program, having projects ready to proceed remains a significant funding tool. Examples of projects in the Dallas District that fall into this category are US 380 in Collin County, SH 114 in Denton County, and SH 183 in Dallas County. Examples of projects in the Fort Worth District in Tarrant County that fall into this category are the IH 820/IH 20 “Y Connector” Extensions, DFW Connector, and SH 183. In addition, other projects would be eligible and staff looks forward to opportunities at both the national and state level. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway
Metropolitan Planning Organization Milestone Policy Round 2-Quarterly Status Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the Council with an update on the status of the Milestone Policy Round 2 projects that have not let for construction. Background: The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Milestone Policy was adopted by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) to ensure that projects that have been funded for more than ten years and have not gone to construction are being implemented in a timely manner. In February 2021, the RTC took action on the second round of the Milestone Policy, including a project tracking process and revised set of policy procedures. Staff was instructed to create a project risk rating system and solicit quarterly status updates on all Milestone Policy projects until they go to construction. The responses are reviewed and a rating is assigned to each project. Status updates on each project, along with their latest ratings, can be found in Electronic Item 10.1. Details on the MPO Milestone Policy can be found in Electronic Item 10.2. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
Transit Strategic Partnerships Initiative Overview Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Shannon Stevenson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Transit Strategic Partnerships funding process, formerly known as the Transit Call for Projects. Background: Each year, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awards approximately $130 million in funding to public transportation providers in North Texas. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) authorizes how the funding is allocated among transit providers in North Texas and has a policy to set aside 2 percent for transit projects that support Mobility 2045’s goals and address needs outlined in Access North Texas, the regional public transportation coordination plan for transit-dependent populations. In years past, the funds were typically awarded through calls for projects, but those efforts often resulted in marginal projects or partnerships with entities who were unfamiliar in utilizing FTA funds. The process for awarding these funds was updated for a more deliberate and coordinated approach to help address gaps in service. Staff will continuously review requests for innovative transit projects and solutions both from agencies looking to directly implement service and those seeking partnership with an existing transit provider. Ideas will be evaluated by their ability to address needs of transit dependent populations, strategic value, sustainability, stakeholder collaboration, and recommendations from existing plans and studies. Staff will provide an update on how the process is being implemented and resources available to assist those seeking funding. Electronic Item 11 provides additional information. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative, Transit
Dallas-Fort Worth Regional East/West Funding Distribution Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the Council with information regarding the process for developing the funding distribution between the Eastern (Dallas and Paris Districts) and Western (Fort Worth District) subregions when a transportation funding bill is enacted into law. The latest East/West Equity quarterly report detailing non-formula transactions that affect the percentage of funding in each subregion will also be provided. Background: At a June 2021 Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting, staff was asked to provide a briefing on the process for developing the east/west funding distribution formula. The RTC selects projects to be funded with Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds (formerly STP-MM funds). To ensure equity within the region, once these funds are distributed by the Texas Department of Transportation, the RTC seeks to program funding to the eastern and western subregions based on the proportion of each area’s emissions, demographics, and activity. Generally, the RTC reevaluates the funding distribution after a new transportation funding bill is approved by the US Congress. The current east/west funding distribution is 68 percent in the east and 32 percent in the west for STBG and other mobility funds, and 66 percent in the east and 34 percent in the west for CMAQ funds. Each quarter, staff provides the Council with an update on any non-formula funding received that impacts this distribution. Electronic Item 12.1 provides additional information on the process for establishing the split. Electronic Item 12.2 contains the latest East/West Equity quarterly report. Electronic Item 12.3 contains the RTC policy pertaining to the tracking of non-formula funding awards. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
14. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 11, 2021.