MINUTES SURFACE TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ... - Nctcog

MINUTES
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Surface Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) held a meeting on Friday,
June 26, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., in the Transportation Council Room of the North Central Texas
Council of Governments. The following STTC members or representatives were present: Greg
Porter (representing Ruth Antebi-Guten), John Baker, Brian Barth, Patrick Baugh, John
Baumgartner, John Blain, Chris Burkett, Dave Carter, Ramana Chinnakotla, David Vedral
(representing Jim Cline), Nancy Cline, Matthew Hotelling (representing Kent Collins), David
Davis, Ruben Delgado, Rebecca Dugger, David Esquivel, Steve Eubanks, Eric Fladager, Gina
Garcia, Ken Griffin, Jill House, Tom Ice, David Jodray, Sholeh Karimi, T.S. Kumar, Renee
Lamb, Carla Krepper (representing Barbra Leftwich), Srini Mandayam, Keith Manoy, Fred
Marquez, Clyde Melick, Cesar Molina, Elizabeth Mow, Lloyd Neal, Mark Nelson, Andrew Boster
(representing Monique Pegues), John Polster, Beth Ramirez, Mark Rauscher, William Riley,
Robyn Root, Greg Royster, Lori Shelton, Randy Skinner, Jim Smith, Jim Sparks, Alan Upchurch,
Gregory Van Nieuwenhuize, Cinde Weatherby, Alicia Winkelblech, Mark Young, and Ronald
Young.
Others present at the meeting were: Vickie Alexander, Adam Beckom, Bob Best, Michelle
Bloomer, Amanda Brimmer, Angie Carson, Michael Copeland, Jim Driscoll, John Eaglen, Chad
Edwards, Kevin Feldt, David Gattis, D.J. Hale, Deborah Humphreys, Christie Jestis, Butch
Jones, Becky Karasko, Dan Kessler, Ken Kirkpatrick, Jay Kline, Dan Lamers, April Leger, Dee
Leggett, Sonny Loper, Stanford Lynch, Gregory Masota, Mike McAnelly, Tara Mills, Mindy Mize,
Michael Morris, Stephanie Mullen, Susan Nidam, Robert Pacleb, Lori Pampell, James Powell,
Vercie Pruitt-Jenkins, Carrie Reese, Srini Sangineni, Tom Shelton, Shannon Stevenson, Jahnae
Stout, Brian Swindell, Hoyt Taylor, Chuck Todd, Jay Von Ahsen, Sandy Wesch, Amanda
Wilson, Brian Wilson, Jeremy Wyndham, Scott Young, and Ralph Zaragoza.
Dan Kessler announced the new STTC officers approved by the North Central Texas Council of
Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board on June 25, 2009: Chair Jim Sparks, Vice Chair
Monique Pegues, and Secretary Patrick Baugh.
Michael Morris recognized Brian Barth for his service as the previous STTC Chair.
1. Approval of May 22, 2009, Minutes: The minutes of the May 22, 2009, meeting were
approved as submitted. David Jodray (M); Ruben Delgado (S). The motion passed
unanimously.
2. Consent Agenda: The following items were included on the Consent Agenda.
2.1. FY2010 and FY2011 Unified Planning Work Program: A motion was made to
recommend Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the FY2010 and
FY2011 Unified Planning Work Program.
2.2. 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement Program Modifications: A motion was made
to recommend RTC approval of revisions to the 2008-2011 Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP).
REFERENCE ITEM 1

2.3. Clean School Bus Program Call for Projects Recommendations: A motion was made
to recommend RTC approval of funding under the North Central Texas Clean School
Bus 2009 Call for Projects for eight school districts to replace a total of 21 highemitting
school buses with lower-emissions buses.
2.4. Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Equipment Grant Program Call for Projects: A motion was
made to recommend RTC approval to administer the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and
Equipment Grant Program Call for Projects.
John Polster (M); Ruben Delgado (S). The motion passed unanimously.
2.5. Approval to Proceed with the Sale of Carbon Dioxide Emission Credits from Revenue
from Non-Transportation Revenue Sources: Michael Morris presented a proposed
initiative to sale carbon dioxide (CO2) credits to fund signal timing improvements in the
region. Reference Item 2.5, distributed at the meeting, provided additional detail. Through
the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program, $4 million has previously been approved to
continue the funding of signal timing improvements within the region. Recently, there has
been a market created for companies to purchase CO2 credits to off-set emissions. Often,
these are power plant companies that cost-effectively reduce emissions by purchasing
credits. Because of the financial issues cities are facing and our continued interest to
advance traffic engineering solutions, staff has been reviewing ways to fund additional
transportation initiatives and proposed to submit an application to sale $2 million of CO2
emission credits to fund additional traffic signal timing improvements. The region would
retain volatile organic compound and nitrogen oxide emission credits for air quality
conformity. Dave Carter asked for the actual amount that the region would receive for the
sale of the credits, and the status of the credits currently in place. Michael stated that
$2 million would be received as payment, and that staff was not proposing to sale any of the
current credits. Elizabeth Mow asked if the payment was a reimbursement or upfront
payment program. Patrick Mandapaka stated that some of the funds would be provided
upfront. Alan Upchurch asked how projects would be selected. Michael noted that the
selected projects would be new projects. David Davis noted the importance of entities
notifying NCTCOG of any traffic signal retiming that occurs. David Davis (M); Ruben
Delgado (S). The motion passed unanimously.
3. Surface Transportation Technical Committee Officers: Dan Kessler discussed the
announcement of STTC officers at the beginning of the meeting. In addition, he noted the
RTC officers approved at the June 11, 2009, RTC meeting: Chair Glen Whitley, Vice Chair
Ron Natinsky, and Secretary Jungus Jordan.
4. Approval of the Financial Approach for the Southwest Parkway/Union Pacific Railroad
Agreement: Michael Morris provided an update regarding the RTC approved financial
approach for the Southwest Parkway and Union Pacific Railroad agreement as approved in
RTC Resolution R09-05 and provided as Reference Item 4.1. The RTC has approved
$49.87 million for the Southwest Parkway agreement. A contingency for the RTC to honor
the agreement using a portion of the $250 million previously committed to the North Texas
Tollway Authority (NTTA) for the project has also been approved in the event that NTTA
should choose not to build the project. This agreement has resulted in significant discussion
regarding TxDOT’s cash flow, and staff’s analysis was provided as Electronic Item 4.2.
NCTCOG staff, TxDOT Fort Worth, and TxDOT Dallas have met with TxDOT Austin
regarding this issue which has resulted in two items being brought before the Texas
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Transportation Commission (TTC). The parties involved have agreed to an extension until
August 20, 2009, to allow TTC to approve a legal method to transfer the funds to NTTA.
Cinde Weatherby noted that the TTC had approved the item without discussion. Elizabeth
Mow confirmed that NTTA had also endorsed the item.
5. Texas Legislature Update: Amanda Wilson provided an update of the 81 st Texas
Legislative Session, noting that a full summary of bills that were passed during the session
was being prepared by staff. She highlighted impacts to RTC legislation to actively pursue,
noting that TLOTA had been unsuccessful. RTC’s position to increase transportation
revenue was impacted neutrally due to the fact that legislation to end diversions, have
Proposition 12 general obligation bonds, index gas tax, or to shift transportation fees from
the General Fund to Fund 6 was also not passed. However, general obligation bonds will
be included in the special session, and $2 billion appropriated for general obligation bonds
will likely be allocated to transportation over the next two fiscal years. For the initiative to
capitalize the rail relocation fund, a contingency in the appropriations of the appropriations
bill is possible, but not expected. If it does occur, a $35 million designation for Tower 55
may be possible but would be contingent upon the Tower 55 project applying for and not
receiving federal economic stimulus grant. Legislation to improve toll road legislation and to
protect toll road and concession payment was also unsuccessful, as well as bills to return
S.H. 121 funds back to the region. Successful legislation included a flat rate vehicle
registration fee and the creation of ethics policies for MPO policy boards and employees.
The Texas Emission Reduction Plan was also extended through 2019, as well as the
creation of the New Technology Implementation Grant Program that will focus on stationary
emission sources. Amanda also highlighted legislation that passed related to TxDOT
including legislation that would not allow TxDOT to secure toll facility loans. S.H. 161, the
Southwest Parkway, and Trinity Parkway will be exempt from this legislation. In addition,
legislation that will provide TxDOT coordination of passenger rail and that will no longer
require the TxDOT Executive Director to be a professional engineer was also passed.
Prohibition of cell phones is school zones was also successful and will require that entities
use signage notifying drivers of the ban at each school zone. She also discussed legislation
that was vetoed by the Governor, including legislation to allow gas pipelines in highway
right-of-way, better protection for vulnerable road users, and the creation of a Smart Growth
Policy work group. She noted that the Governor has issued statement on all vetoed bills,
and has called a special session on July 1, 2009, to address the continuation of TxDOT as
an agency until the next legislative session. Staff will continue to access the impact of the
81 st Legislative session and a summary will be provided on the NCTCOG Web site.
Dan Kessler noted that a rider on the appropriations bill contained a requirement that
TxDOT work with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to provide a listing of the 100
most congested locations in the State by September 1, 2009. Amanda indicated that any
TxDOT district that contains one of the top 100 most congested roadways would not be
eligible to receive funding if the requirement was not met. Dan noted that staff would be
working with TxDOT and other MPO staff to provide the information to the legislature. David
Jodray asked if there was any legislation that would impact the RTC Anti-Idling Policy.
Amanda noted that she did not believe there was any legislation passed that would be
detrimental to the policy.
6. Technical Committee: Initial Ideas Regarding RTC Subcommittees: Michael Morris
discussed options being considered by RTC officers regarding the creation of RTC
Subcommittees to address initiatives prior to their presentation to the full Council. Under
consideration are the following Subcommittee options: Mobility Plan: Finance and
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Legislation, Project Mediation, Freight, Sustainability and Environment, and Multimodal/
Intermodal. Staff has been working to determine how the technical committee can best
contribute to the process. STTC input will be necessary for Mobility Plan: Finance and
Legislation, as well as Freight and Multimodal/Intermodal initiatives. However, STTC may or
may not be interested in air quality related initiatives which currently can be discussed with
the Center for Development Excellence, the Clean Cities Technology Coalition, and the Air
Quality Public Relations Task Force. A recommendation was not made to the Committee at
this time, but staff anticipated a future recommendation to create a Committee structure that
matches the RTC Subcommittee structure. Current Technical Committees include the
Surface Transportation Technical Committee, Air Transportation Technical Advisory
Committee, Travel Demand Management, Center of Development Excellence, Clean Cities
Technical Coalition, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the Air Quality Public
Relations Task Force. Comments and suggestions were requested from members.
7. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Update and $1.5B Discretionary Project
Submittal: Carrie Reese discussed air quality projects for funding through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). On April 28, 2009, staff submitted 12 proposals to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for funding of diesel emission reduction
projects. The EPA has recommended partial funding for two of the proposals at
approximately 62 percent. A total of $3.74 million was received to fund an On-Road Heavy-
Duty Diesel Replacement and Repower Project and a SmartWay Technology Upgrade
Project. A competitive process was used to determine the distribution of funds among the
subgrantees that submitted projects. Nitrogen oxide emissions were considered as the
primary factor, and particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions were also considered.
In addition, the time that the equipment operated within the nonattainment area and the
amount of funding that was leveraged was considered. Carrie reviewed the Project 1
recommendations to fund on-road heavy-duty diesel replacement and repower projects as
contained in Reference Item 7.3. She also reviewed the Project 4 recommendations for the
SmartWay technology upgrades as contained in Reference item 7.4. She noted that each
entity that submitted applications received some portion of funding, either full or partial, and
indicated that staff would be requesting approval of the distribution of award for the
subgrantees. Carrie also provided an update of other ARRA funding through the
Department of Energy. A regional package was submitted for alternative fuel programs for
vehicles and infrastructure which included electric vehicles and infrastructure, hybrid-electric
vehicles, compressed natural gas vehicles and infrastructure, E-85 infrastructure, and
biodiesel. The Department of Energy has received a total of 130 applications totaling
$1 billion, and $300,000 in funding will be available nationwide. Results of the initiative are
expected in September 2009. A motion was made to approve the Project 1
recommendations for the On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Replacement and Repower Project in
Reference Item 7.3 and the Project 4 recommendations for the SmartWay Technology
Upgrade Project in Reference Item 7.4. Cinde Weatherby (M); Brian Barth (S). The motion
passed unanimously.
Christie Jestis provided additional updates to other areas of interest related to ARRA
funding. Funding is currently available through the U.S. Department of Energy, Federal
Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and Federal Aviation
Administration. She reviewed the programs in each department, eligible/selected projects,
available funding, and award status. She also highlighted the status of economic recovery
funding received by the region. A total of $612.8 million has been received to date.
Roadway projects require a 50 percent obligation requirement that was met statewide in
June 2009. Approximately $790 million has been obligated to date. The next deadline will
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e February 2010, when funds must have 100 percent obligation. If the funds are not
obligated, they will be returned to the federal government. Staff will be monitoring projects
to prevent our region from sending funds back. Christie also discussed future
redistributions. Most projects that have proceeded to letting have actually let for
approximately 20-30 percent less than the original engineer’s estimate. This situation
provides funding that could be made available to other projects, and statewide discussion
will be necessary to determine if the funding should stay within the region in which it was
selected or be redistributed across the State. In addition, she discussed the $1.5 billion
Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Program.
The submittal deadline for the program is September 15, 2009. A maximum allocation of
$300 million will be available to any one state in the nation, and projects must meet at least
one of the evaluation criteria: long-term outcomes, job creation and economic stimulus,
innovation, and partnership. Program specific criteria will be required for bridge and transit
projects. Projects being considered for submittal are S.M. Wright Freeway/U.S. 175
Connection to Trinity Parkway, I.H. 35W/I.H. 820 Interchange, DFW Connector –
Configuration 3, and the Beltline Depression at I.H. 35E. Staff is coordinating with TxDOT
on project submittals both at the district level and with TxDOT Austin. Christie also
discussed letters of support, noting that staff was still determining the appropriate method
for this process. In addition, she reviewed the status of FTA transit capital grants nationally
compared to the status locally.
Tom Shelton discussed high speed rail funding through the ARRA program. Staff is
interested in pursuing an increase in Amtrak service to a higher speed level, as well as the
introduction of true high speed rail in new corridors. The ARRA initiative will provide
$8 billion in funds, and the President has committed an additional $1 billion per year for the
next fives years for high speed rail. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has
determined three tracks of funding: projects that are ready to proceed, the designation of
corridors to advance corridors, and planning. The U.S. Department of Transportation and
Federal Railroad Administration understand that it will be difficult to implement 200 mph high
speed rail service from day one, and there is interest around the country to improve the
service and on time delivery and reliability of certain Amtrak-type services in the 11 federally
designated corridors. In addition, three types of high speed rail have been identified for
different speeds of service. Tom discussed the 11 federally designated corridors, and noted
that the Federal Railroad Administration anticipates additional corridors to be designated in
the future. The corridor that staff believes most directly impacts the region is the southcentral
corridor from San Antonio to Austin to the Dallas-Fort Worth region north to
Oklahoma and east through Shreveport, Louisiana and Little Rock, Arkansas. Staff plans to
focus on early implementation funds on the higher speed service and planning funds for the
high speed service.
Cinde Weatherby discussed the at-grade improvements at Tower 55 that may be submitted
to the State, and noted that she was interested in talking with anyone who may be
submitting applications within the Tarrant County area.
8. Fast Facts: Jahnae Stout noted that a flyer announcing the August 3, 2009, Tower 55
public meeting was provided at the meeting as Reference Item 8.8.
Ralph Zaragoza highlighted the Try Parking It and Regional Van Pool programs. On
June 15, 2009, NCTCOG’s Try Parking It Web site reached its 2 million miles saved
milestone. A more detailed description of the Travel Demand Management program was
provided in Electronic item 8.1.
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Becky Karasko provided a status update regarding the Truck Lane Pilot Study. Staff has
been working to expand truck lane restrictions along applicable and eligible portions of
I.H. 20, I.H. 30, and I.H. 35, and anticipate the restrictions to be implemented by the
beginning of Ozone Season 2010. Public hearings are expected to be held in August 2009.
Electronic Item 8.2 contained correspondence requesting letters of support.
D.J. Hale reviewed the status of the AirCheckTexas program and highlighted Electronic
Item 8.3. Due to a high level of response, the program will exhaust all of its funding before
the end of the FY2009 which translates to over 6,600 high-emitting vehicles being removed
from highways. Currently all replacement applications received by July 2, 2009, would be
placed on a waiting list. Those approved will be issued a voucher when additional funds
become available on or before September 1, 2009, whichever occurs first. The program will
continue to take repair applications for emissions repair assistance. As program funding
becomes available, staff anticipates accepting replacement applications in early August
2009 for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), a national program that will help people
purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Whitney Buehrle provided an update of the 2009 Ozone season. Electronic Item 8.4
provided additional information. As of June 25, 2009, there have been two exceedances
under the current 1997 8-hour ozone standard. At this time in 2008, the region had
experienced five exceedance days. Additional ozone information can be viewed online at
www.nctcog.org/ozonescorecard.
James Powell provided an update on the Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) Transit Progress
Report Year 2 update, as provided in Electronic Item 8.5. HEB Transit is a project in the
Cities of Hurst, Euless, and Bedford that provides transportation to work for eligible
low-income individuals. Since the services inception, it has provided over 9,000 trips to
individuals in need.
The current Local Motion was provided as Electronic Item 8.6 and the NTTA Monthly
Corridor Status Report was provided as Electronic Item 8.7. The current edition of Mobility
Matters was provided at the meeting.
9. Other Business (Old and New): Ruben Delgado requested to discuss a project submitted
for inclusion in the UPWP with staff.
10. Next Meeting: The Next meeting of the Surface Transportation Technical Committee is
scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 24, 2009, at the North Central Texas Council of
Governments.
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
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