Approval of October 14, 2021, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Theresa Daniel, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the October 14, 2021, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
3.1. Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Round 3 – Project Funding Recommendations Presenter: Shawn Conrad, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval to award funding for implementation of selected projects in the Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Round 3 will be requested. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) issued the Round 3 Blue-Green-Grey funding opportunity on July 19, 2021. Applications were due on August 13, 2021. Eligible projects are within the 12-county Metropolitan Planning Area and incorporate three elements – Blue (water), Green (environment), and Grey (transportation infrastructure). The goal of the Blue-Green-Grey program is to support innovative pilot projects that provide resources for cities and organizations to replicate these ideas throughout the metroplex. Eligible applicants include teams of individuals, private firms, educational facilities, and governmental agencies. The maximum award is $75,000. A project evaluation committee reviewed the nine applications received and has selected three projects for funding recommendation. NCTCOG will seek approval to proceed with awards for implementation of projects awarded through the 2021 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Round 3. Electronic Item 3.1.1 provides additional information on application scoring. Electronic Item 3.1.2 reflects NCTCOG staff award recommendations. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Air North Texas Partner Awards (Whitney Vandiver) 2. Chair Daniel Requesting Options for In-person Meeting on December 9, 2021 3. Regional Transpiration Council (RTC) Member Orientation, December 9, 2021, 10:30 am-11:30 am 4. Recent Director Efforts: • World Cup 2026 • Greater Dallas Planning Council • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Statewide Safety Task Force • Status of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants Submitted by RTC/TxDOT 5. Safety Vest for RTC Members 6. House Transportation Committee-Interim Charge Submissions 7. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Extended Through December 3, 2021 8. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in the Region 9. Auto Occupancy/High-Occupancy Vehicle Quarterly Subsidy Report (Electronic Item 4.1) 10. Crash Responder Safety Week: November 8-14, 2021 11. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/events) 12. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources) 13. Status Report on Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding (Electronic Item 4.2) 14. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.3) 15. Monthly Know Before You Fly Your Drone Workshops check (https://www.northtexasuas.com/UAS-Taskforce#Workshops) 16. October Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 4.4) 17. Public Comment Report (Electronic Item 4.5) 18. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.6) 19. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.7) 20. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.8)
Endorsement of Economic Development Grant Opportunity Project Applications Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff requests endorsement of project applications submitted as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding opportunities through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC). Background: As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, authorized in March 2021 to support the nation’s response and recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic Development Administration was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. In July 2021, the EDA announced it would make the funding appropriation available through a series of six innovative challenges organized as discretionary grant opportunities. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) committed to serve as a coalition member for the following three applications submitted for the BBBRC Phase One competition. • North Texas Information Technology Workforce Collaborative, submitted and led by Southern Methodist University (SMU), including a project cluster called Creating Equitable Opportunities in Automated Vehicle Freight Applications led by NCTCOG and one of eight total project clusters to comprise SMU’s application. • Becoming a Global Hydrogen Hub, submitted and led by Center for Houston’s Future, including a project to add a hydrogen fuel station to the Interstate Highway 45 corridor that will be supported by NCTCOG as a partner within the application. • Lead the Transition of Freight Transportation in the Texas Triangle Through Advanced Technologies and Innovative Policies on Equity and Sustainability, submitted and led by the University of Texas at Arlington, including a project to advance freight-oriented automated surface and aerial transportation applications supported by NCTCOG as a partner within the application. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Administrative
Letters of Support to Advance SH 183 Segment 2E in Tarrant and Dallas Counties Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on the status of the North Tarrant Express Segment 2E project of SH 183 and ask for Regional Transportation Council approval to advance the project and request individual letters of support. Background: The RTC has been briefed several times over the last year on the nearly $1 billion investment proposed for the North Tarrant Express project. These funds are being provided entirely by the private sector. This item is requesting reapproval for this project contained in Mobility 2045 as well as requesting other parties to write letters of support. The focus of the Regional Transportation Council’s position will be first inquiring if the Legislative Budget Board must approve Segment 2E since it is already included in an active Texas Department of Transportation contract, and second, the importance of the project need as a result of the lane imbalances of the SH 183 project in Tarrant County. Electronic Item 6 contains support letters assembled to date. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Safety
High-Speed Rail Support for Texas Central Partners Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide a status report on federal high-speed rail approvals between Dallas and Houston. Action is requested for approximately $800,000 in funds for engineering purposes for high-speed rail in the City of Dallas. Background: Staff will summarize federal actions regarding high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston. Action is needed for approximately $800,000 in Regional Transportation Council Local funds to loan to Texas Central Partners in order to advance the engineering of the City of Dallas Floodway Extension in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This loan would use the standard 2.4% interest rate and will include legal agreements for insuring repayment by Texas Central Partners. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit, Safety
2023-2026 Management and Operations, Regional/Air Quality, and Safety Funding Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approximately every four years, staff aggregates transportation items related to management and operations for funding approval. This item will present the process to identify those projects for 2023-2026 and reasons for the inclusion of a safety program. Background: The Transportation Department is frequently asked to conduct a series of transportation initiatives that include management and operations. The initiatives are best aggregated into an overall program conducted over several years. The existing program is being completed in 2022, therefore a continuation of existing and new initiatives will need to be in place prior to October 1, 2023. In addition, increased focused on transportation safety for all modes is proposed as part of a statewide partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. It is anticipated that the 2023-2026 program will be for management and operations, Regional/Air Quality, and safety funding. Typically,50 percent or more of these funds are passed through to cities, counties, and transportation agencies for implementation. Electronic Item 8 contains additional details on the funding program. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality, Congestion, Safety
North Central Texas Council of Governments Demographic Forecast Status Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Kessler, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on ongoing efforts to develop revised 2045 Population and Employment for the Metropolitan Area. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments is currently developing new forecasts of demographic activity out to the year 2045, which will be used to support the ongoing update of Mobility 2045: the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for North Central Texas. An update on the status of demographic forecast estimates will be provided. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Brendon Wheeler, NCTCOG Item Summary: Mobility 2045 was adopted by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on June 14, 2018. Staff will provide a report regarding efforts to update Mobility 2045 by June 2022, highlighting notable policy/program updates. Background: Following RTC adoption of Mobility 2045, staff and partner agencies have been working toward implementing the mobility plan. These efforts include planning and project development tasks, projects in construction, and coordination with the public and our transportation partners. Federal guidelines require the Dallas-Fort Worth region to update the long-range transportation plan a minimum of every four years. In addition, the Mobility 2045 Update must demonstrate transportation conformity. The updated plan will include a new financial plan and necessary refinements to projects in the current Mobility 2045 plan. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
Fiscal Year 2021/Fiscal Year 2022 Project Tracking Initiative Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Brian Dell, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the Council with a final report on the FY2021 Project Tracking Initiative and introduce the FY2022 project list. This effort is designed to maintain balanced federal funding levels and to expedite project delivery. Background: Almost every year, Regional Transportation Council-selected projects being implemented by local governments experience delays. While a one-year delay is of less consequence, projects tend to be delayed year after year. Over time, these delays led to the need to implement the Metropolitan Planning Organization Milestone Policy, which identifies projects that have not advanced to construction after being funded for at least ten years. However, a ten-year project review does not create an action plan soon enough to maintain the region’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and Transportation Alternatives Set Aside obligation balances. As a secondary line of offense, staff has implemented a project tracking initiative that highlights project schedule commitments to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee and the Regional Transportation Council on a regular basis and reports local agency progress toward the committed project development schedules. A list of projects that were scheduled to begin in FY2021 and their current status can be found in Electronic Item 11.1. A list of projects that are scheduled to begin in FY2022 and their current status can be found in Electronic Item 11.2. Additional details can be found in Electronic Item 11.3. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Air Quality
12. Status Report on Local Government Energy Reporting Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Lori Clark, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of State-mandated local government energy reporting requirements and efforts to increase the rate of reporting among local governments. Background: As electricity generation produces emissions that impact air quality, energy efficiency and conservation measures to reduce total electricity consumption can help reduce air pollution. Texas passed legislation in 2001 requiring that local governments in and near nonattainment areas set a goal to reduce their electricity consumption by 5 percent every year, and report annually to the State Energy Conservation Office. This requirement is detailed in the Texas Health and Safety Code §388.005(c) available at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.388.htm#388.005. Legislation passed in the 2019 session updated this requirement, resetting the baseline to September 1, 2019, and extending the requirements to 2026. To increase compliance with this reporting requirement, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff has conducted outreach, developed resources, and provided technical assistance. Additional details are available in Electronic Item 12. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 9, 2021.
Approval of October 14, 2021, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Theresa Daniel, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the October 14, 2021, minutes contained in Electronic Item 2 will be requested. Background: N/A
3.1. Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Round 3 – Project Funding Recommendations Presenter: Shawn Conrad, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval to award funding for implementation of selected projects in the Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Round 3 will be requested. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) issued the Round 3 Blue-Green-Grey funding opportunity on July 19, 2021. Applications were due on August 13, 2021. Eligible projects are within the 12-county Metropolitan Planning Area and incorporate three elements – Blue (water), Green (environment), and Grey (transportation infrastructure). The goal of the Blue-Green-Grey program is to support innovative pilot projects that provide resources for cities and organizations to replicate these ideas throughout the metroplex. Eligible applicants include teams of individuals, private firms, educational facilities, and governmental agencies. The maximum award is $75,000. A project evaluation committee reviewed the nine applications received and has selected three projects for funding recommendation. NCTCOG will seek approval to proceed with awards for implementation of projects awarded through the 2021 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Round 3. Electronic Item 3.1.1 provides additional information on application scoring. Electronic Item 3.1.2 reflects NCTCOG staff award recommendations. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Administrative
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Air North Texas Partner Awards (Whitney Vandiver) 2. Chair Daniel Requesting Options for In-person Meeting on December 9, 2021 3. Regional Transpiration Council (RTC) Member Orientation, December 9, 2021, 10:30 am-11:30 am 4. Recent Director Efforts: • World Cup 2026 • Greater Dallas Planning Council • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Statewide Safety Task Force • Status of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants Submitted by RTC/TxDOT 5. Safety Vest for RTC Members 6. House Transportation Committee-Interim Charge Submissions 7. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Extended Through December 3, 2021 8. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in the Region 9. Auto Occupancy/High-Occupancy Vehicle Quarterly Subsidy Report (Electronic Item 4.1) 10. Crash Responder Safety Week: November 8-14, 2021 11. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Events (https://www.dfwcleancities.org/events) 12. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/quality/air/funding-and-resources) 13. Status Report on Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program Funding (Electronic Item 4.2) 14. Status Report on Ozone (Electronic Item 4.3) 15. Monthly Know Before You Fly Your Drone Workshops check (https://www.northtexasuas.com/UAS-Taskforce#Workshops) 16. October Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 4.4) 17. Public Comment Report (Electronic Item 4.5) 18. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 4.6) 19. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 4.7) 20. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 4.8)
Endorsement of Economic Development Grant Opportunity Project Applications Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff requests endorsement of project applications submitted as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding opportunities through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC). Background: As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, authorized in March 2021 to support the nation’s response and recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic Development Administration was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. In July 2021, the EDA announced it would make the funding appropriation available through a series of six innovative challenges organized as discretionary grant opportunities. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) committed to serve as a coalition member for the following three applications submitted for the BBBRC Phase One competition. • North Texas Information Technology Workforce Collaborative, submitted and led by Southern Methodist University (SMU), including a project cluster called Creating Equitable Opportunities in Automated Vehicle Freight Applications led by NCTCOG and one of eight total project clusters to comprise SMU’s application. • Becoming a Global Hydrogen Hub, submitted and led by Center for Houston’s Future, including a project to add a hydrogen fuel station to the Interstate Highway 45 corridor that will be supported by NCTCOG as a partner within the application. • Lead the Transition of Freight Transportation in the Texas Triangle Through Advanced Technologies and Innovative Policies on Equity and Sustainability, submitted and led by the University of Texas at Arlington, including a project to advance freight-oriented automated surface and aerial transportation applications supported by NCTCOG as a partner within the application. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Administrative
Letters of Support to Advance SH 183 Segment 2E in Tarrant and Dallas Counties Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on the status of the North Tarrant Express Segment 2E project of SH 183 and ask for Regional Transportation Council approval to advance the project and request individual letters of support. Background: The RTC has been briefed several times over the last year on the nearly $1 billion investment proposed for the North Tarrant Express project. These funds are being provided entirely by the private sector. This item is requesting reapproval for this project contained in Mobility 2045 as well as requesting other parties to write letters of support. The focus of the Regional Transportation Council’s position will be first inquiring if the Legislative Budget Board must approve Segment 2E since it is already included in an active Texas Department of Transportation contract, and second, the importance of the project need as a result of the lane imbalances of the SH 183 project in Tarrant County. Electronic Item 6 contains support letters assembled to date. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Safety
High-Speed Rail Support for Texas Central Partners Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide a status report on federal high-speed rail approvals between Dallas and Houston. Action is requested for approximately $800,000 in funds for engineering purposes for high-speed rail in the City of Dallas. Background: Staff will summarize federal actions regarding high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston. Action is needed for approximately $800,000 in Regional Transportation Council Local funds to loan to Texas Central Partners in order to advance the engineering of the City of Dallas Floodway Extension in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This loan would use the standard 2.4% interest rate and will include legal agreements for insuring repayment by Texas Central Partners. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Transit, Safety
2023-2026 Management and Operations, Regional/Air Quality, and Safety Funding Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approximately every four years, staff aggregates transportation items related to management and operations for funding approval. This item will present the process to identify those projects for 2023-2026 and reasons for the inclusion of a safety program. Background: The Transportation Department is frequently asked to conduct a series of transportation initiatives that include management and operations. The initiatives are best aggregated into an overall program conducted over several years. The existing program is being completed in 2022, therefore a continuation of existing and new initiatives will need to be in place prior to October 1, 2023. In addition, increased focused on transportation safety for all modes is proposed as part of a statewide partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. It is anticipated that the 2023-2026 program will be for management and operations, Regional/Air Quality, and safety funding. Typically,50 percent or more of these funds are passed through to cities, counties, and transportation agencies for implementation. Electronic Item 8 contains additional details on the funding program. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality, Congestion, Safety
North Central Texas Council of Governments Demographic Forecast Status Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Kessler, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on ongoing efforts to develop revised 2045 Population and Employment for the Metropolitan Area. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments is currently developing new forecasts of demographic activity out to the year 2045, which will be used to support the ongoing update of Mobility 2045: the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for North Central Texas. An update on the status of demographic forecast estimates will be provided. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Brendon Wheeler, NCTCOG Item Summary: Mobility 2045 was adopted by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on June 14, 2018. Staff will provide a report regarding efforts to update Mobility 2045 by June 2022, highlighting notable policy/program updates. Background: Following RTC adoption of Mobility 2045, staff and partner agencies have been working toward implementing the mobility plan. These efforts include planning and project development tasks, projects in construction, and coordination with the public and our transportation partners. Federal guidelines require the Dallas-Fort Worth region to update the long-range transportation plan a minimum of every four years. In addition, the Mobility 2045 Update must demonstrate transportation conformity. The updated plan will include a new financial plan and necessary refinements to projects in the current Mobility 2045 plan. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Transit
Fiscal Year 2021/Fiscal Year 2022 Project Tracking Initiative Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Brian Dell, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the Council with a final report on the FY2021 Project Tracking Initiative and introduce the FY2022 project list. This effort is designed to maintain balanced federal funding levels and to expedite project delivery. Background: Almost every year, Regional Transportation Council-selected projects being implemented by local governments experience delays. While a one-year delay is of less consequence, projects tend to be delayed year after year. Over time, these delays led to the need to implement the Metropolitan Planning Organization Milestone Policy, which identifies projects that have not advanced to construction after being funded for at least ten years. However, a ten-year project review does not create an action plan soon enough to maintain the region’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and Transportation Alternatives Set Aside obligation balances. As a secondary line of offense, staff has implemented a project tracking initiative that highlights project schedule commitments to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee and the Regional Transportation Council on a regular basis and reports local agency progress toward the committed project development schedules. A list of projects that were scheduled to begin in FY2021 and their current status can be found in Electronic Item 11.1. A list of projects that are scheduled to begin in FY2022 and their current status can be found in Electronic Item 11.2. Additional details can be found in Electronic Item 11.3. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Roadway, Air Quality
12. Status Report on Local Government Energy Reporting Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Lori Clark, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of State-mandated local government energy reporting requirements and efforts to increase the rate of reporting among local governments. Background: As electricity generation produces emissions that impact air quality, energy efficiency and conservation measures to reduce total electricity consumption can help reduce air pollution. Texas passed legislation in 2001 requiring that local governments in and near nonattainment areas set a goal to reduce their electricity consumption by 5 percent every year, and report annually to the State Energy Conservation Office. This requirement is detailed in the Texas Health and Safety Code §388.005(c) available at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.388.htm#388.005. Legislation passed in the 2019 session updated this requirement, resetting the baseline to September 1, 2019, and extending the requirements to 2026. To increase compliance with this reporting requirement, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff has conducted outreach, developed resources, and provided technical assistance. Additional details are available in Electronic Item 12. Performance Measure(s) Addressed: Air Quality 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 9, 2021.