Safety Briefing. Staff will provide general safety instruction. Commissioner's Comments
Approval of Minutes of the March 28, 2013 and April 4, 2013 meetings of the Texas Transportation Commission.
Aviation a. Discussion Item - Provide update on the award of funds to continue safe operation of air traffic control towers impacted by recent federal action As a cost savings measure, the Federal Aviation Administration scheduled 149 Contract Air Traffic Control Towers to close beginning April 7, 2013. The Texas Transportation Commission took action on April 4, 2013, to provide Texas airports affected by FAA’s decision financial assistance to continue tower operations after April 7th. Staff will provide an update regarding FAA’s decision to delay the closure date until June 15, 2012, as well as actions taken by individual airports and others to address FAA’s decision b. Various Counties - Award federal and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state funding for capital improvement projects. The airports listed in Exhibit A are eligible for award of these grant funds and the department seeks approval of the awards
Item 4 - Public Transportation
Public Transportation a. Various Counties - Approve Designated Recipient Status Regarding Federal Grants for Public Transportation under 49 U.S.C. §5310, Formula Grant for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (MO) Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations in each Transportation Management Area of population greater than 200,000 to pass a resolution of endorsement that names a Designated Recipient for administering Federal §5310 Funds. This minute order designates TxDOT to serve as Designated Recipient for the Austin and Laredo urbanized areas. Public Transportation (continued) b. Various Counties - Award federal §5310 funds, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program for FY 2013 for the Austin and Laredo Urbanized Areas (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the award of federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration §5310, Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program for capital projects in the Austin and Laredo Urbanized areas. c. Various Counties - Award federal and state funds to North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) to support continuation of coordinated regional public transportation planning for FY 2013 (MO) The award identified in this minute order is financed with federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration and state matching funds. Funding is awarded to locally designated lead agencies and fiscal agents to fund their efforts in continuing public transportation planning. d. Various Counties - Rescind Minute Order 113235, dated August 30, 2012, and Award Federal Funds and Transportation Development Credits to Agencies Receiving Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative Awards (MO) Under Minute Order 113235 the commission awarded federal funds and transportation development credits to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). It is necessary to rescind the award to ETCOG and now award to North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA). The Department of Transportation has joined with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Defense, and Health and Human Services to establish an initiative that will improve transportation options and mobility for America's veterans, service members, and their families. DART and NET RMA have projects that were successful in receiving grant awards under this initiative. Transportation development credits have been requested as match to the awards. DART will receive their federal funds directly while NET RMA’s award will pass-thru the department. e. Hood and Somervell Counties - Award Unexpended Balance of funding from Texas' portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and state funds to The Transit System (MO) The ARRA created an economic stimulus package that provides for investment in transportation infrastructure projects. This agenda item will allow the commission to award unexpended ARRA balances and state funds to a similar project as previously have been approved for funding under the program. This item awards funds to The Transit System for a facility rehabilitation project.
Item 5 - Unified Transportation Program (UTP)
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve updates to the 2013 UTP (MO) The Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. This minute order updates funding allocations based on funds transfer requests in multiple categories. In addition, this minute order updates project specific program lists, incorporates information regarding transportation development credits and includes minor revisions and technical corrections.
Item 6 - Transportation Planning
a. Various Counties - Approval to exceed contract term restrictions for the procurement of indefinite deliverable contracts for engineering, surveying and other professional services to assist in developing transportation corridors within the state (MO) The study and development of certain corridors will require the assistance and support of various consulting engineering contracts. This minute order authorizes indefinite delivery consultant contracts to be procured that will assist in the project development process. Five professional service contracts each lasting up to six years are required to complete the work. b. Various Counties - Approve revisions to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Metropolitan Area Boundary (MO) Federal law requires that a metropolitan planning area boundary cover the existing urbanized area and the contiguous geographic area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period covered by the MPO’s metropolitan transportation plan. The boundary may be expanded to encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area. Revisions to metropolitan planning area boundaries must be approved by the governor who has delegated the authority to approve such changes to the Texas Transportation Commission. Burnet County and the CAMPO Policy Board have agreed to include Burnet County in the metropolitan planning area. CAMPO currently serves as the MPO for Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.
Item 7 - Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: a. Final Adoption (1) Chapter 2 - Environmental Review of Transportation Project (MO) Repeal of §2.24, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Historical Commission; and New Subchapter H, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Historical Commission, New §§2.251-2.278 Transportation Code, §201.607, requires the department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each state agency that is responsible for the protection of the natural environment or for the preservation of historical or archeological resources. This updated agreement concerns the department’s coordination of certain transportation projects with the Texas Historical Commission. The agreement must be updated every five years. The changes will make the coordination process more efficient. (2) Chapter 2 - Environmental Review of Transportation Project (MO) Repeal of §2.23, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission; and New Subchapter I, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, New §§2.301-2.308 Transportation Code, §201.607, requires the department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each state agency that is responsible for the protection of the natural environment or for the preservation of historical or archeological resources. This updated agreement concerns the department’s coordination of certain transportation projects with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The agreement must be updated every five years. The changes will make the coordination process more efficient.
Item 8 - Office of Compliance and Ethics
Office of Compliance and Ethics Office of Compliance and Ethics Report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a compliance office to oversee the program. The compliance office is responsible for acting to prevent and detect serious breaches of department policy, fraud, waste, and abuse of office, including any acts of criminal conduct within the department. The compliance office is required to provide a monthly report to the commission regarding investigations and a summary of information relating to trends and recommendations.
Item 9 - Design-Build Projects
Design-Build Projects Bexar County - Authorize the department to issue a request for proposals for the design, construction and maintenance of Loop 1604 in Bexar County, providing for the expansion of a non-toll expressway from SH 16 (Bandera Road) to FM 471 (Culebra Road), and, at the department’s option, to design, construct, and maintain portions of Loop 1604 further south at SH 151, and approve stipulated amounts as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) On May 31, 2012, in Minute Order 113116, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for the project. This minute order continues the procurement process by authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the project, and approves stipulated amounts for the payment for work product of responsive, unsuccessful proposers.
Toll Roads a. Harris County - Concur in the election of a chair and vice-chair of the committee formed pursuant to Transportation Code, §228.013 to make certain determinations concerning the distribution of financial risk, the method of financing, and the tolling structure and methodology for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project (MO) Transportation Code, §228.013 requires a committee to be established for certain department toll projects for the purpose of making determinations concerning the distribution of the project's financial risk, the method of financing for the project, and the tolling structure and methodology (SB 1420 Committee). The department and local stakeholders are currently analyzing options for the financing and delivery of the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project in Harris County that require the formation of a SB 1420 Committee for the project. Under 43 TAC §27.92(c), a SB 1420 Committee's election of a chair and vice-chair is subject to the concurrence of the commission. b. Tarrant County - Consider the approval of a term sheet for a Toll Services Agreement (TSA) with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) for the North Tarrant Express Segments 3A and 3B project (MO) The department has negotiated a term sheet with NTTA under which NTTA will provide toll collection and back office services for the North Tarrant Express Segments 3A and 3B project for an initial term of 10 years. The term sheet will be the basis for the North Tarrant Express Segments 3A and 3B project Tolling Services Agreement, which will be subject to further commission approval.
Finance a. Caldwell County - City of Lockhart - Consider granting final approval of an application from the City of Lockhart to borrow up to $3,600,000 from the state infrastructure bank (SIB) to pay for utility relocation costs for city utilities relating to the widening of US 183 within city limits (MO) The department has entered into an Advance Funding Agreement with the city regarding the widening of US 183. The city is requesting SIB financial assistance to pay for costs of relocating city utilities. The city will perform this utility relocation work. Finance (continued) b. City of Robstown - Nueces County - Consider granting final approval of an application from the city of Robstown to borrow up to $200,000 from the state infrastructure bank (SIB) to pay for the city’s portion of the costs of right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation relating to the improvement of US 77 from FM 892 to south of CR 28 (MO) The city of Robstown is requesting SIB financial assistance to pay for the city’s portion of the costs of right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation for the project. The department will perform the work for the project. The SIB loan will be secured by city ad valorem and sales tax revenues.
Item 12 - Proposition 14 Bonds
Proposition 14 Bonds Grimes and Milam Counties - Approval of additional projects to be funded with the proceeds of State Highway Fund revenue bonds issued under Transportation Code, Section 222.003 (MO) The commission is adding four additional safety projects to the list of previously approved projects. Funds are available for these additional projects due to the cancellation of previously approved projects.
Traffic Operations Cameron and Hidalgo Counties - Approve proposed lane use restriction for trucks on US 83, US 77 and US 281 in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties (MO) This minute order approves restrictions for trucks using designated sections of US 83, US 77 and US 281 in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties. The department worked in conjunction with local jurisdictions in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties to develop the proposed lane restrictions.
Contracts Award or reject contracts for maintenance, highway and building construction These proposed minute orders contain information concerning the receipt of bids for highway improvement contracts. The department may reschedule receipt of bids for those projects where the commission rejects all bids. Those bids accepted by the commission will result in conditional contract awards to the low bidders. Contract award conditions may involve securing funding from other sources, the contractor's ability to satisfy federal DBE subcontracting requirements, or other requirements as outlined in the project bid proposal. a. Highway Maintenance and Department Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO) b. Highway and Transportation Enhancement Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Item 15 - Eminent Domain Proceedings
Eminent Domain Proceedings Various Counties - Authorize the filing of condemnation proceedings to acquire real property by eminent domain for non-controlled and controlled access highways (see attached list) (MO) Commission findings, determinations, and authorizations for the state, by motion made in accordance with Senate Bill 18 (82nd Legislature), to acquire by eminent domain, upon the payment of adequate and just compensation, various ownership interests in specific parcels of real property that are needed to develop or improve both non-controlled and controlled access state highways, to include requesting the state attorney general to bring and pursue condemnation suits relating to those specific parcels of real property described in the attached itemized list.
Item 16 - Routine Minute Orders
Routine Minute Orders a. Donations to the Department Various Districts - Consider the acceptance of donations made to the department to include: (a) donations in any form, including realty, personalty, money, materials, or services, which are made to the department for the purpose of carrying out its functions and duties; and (b) donations from landowners, with land adjacent to a highway that is part of the state highway system, to construct an improvement on the highway right-of-way that is directly related to improving access to or from the owner’s land (See attached itemized list) (MO) The donation will ensure the safety of the traveling public. b. Right of Way Dispositions and Donations (1) Bowie County - SH 93, from the new alignment north of Bertha Street, southward to Keel Street in Texarkana - Consider the removal from the system of portions of highway and the designation of the alignment along a new location. Also consider the transfer of jurisdiction, control and maintenance and transfer of surplus right of way to the city (MO) The district has advised that SH 93 was realigned along a new location. It was necessary to leave portions of the old roadway in place to maintain connectivity to the city street system, and it would be mutually beneficial for the city to assume jurisdiction, control and maintenance. The city has requested that the surplus land on the old alignment be transferred to the city. (2) Cameron County - US 77/83, old alignment at Melinda Drive in Brownsville - Consider the sale of surplus right of way to the city (MO) The district has determined that the surplus land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested to purchase the surplus land, and it may be sold to the city. (3) Hays County - US 290, old alignment in Dripping Springs - Consider the transfer of surplus right of way to the city (MO) Segments of the old alignment were removed from the system years ago when the present location of US 290 was constructed on a new location. The city assumed jurisdiction, control and maintenance. These segments function as city streets and will remain in use for public road purposes. The city has requested the transfer of the surplus land. c. Highway Redesignation Dallas County - Redesignate a segment of US 175 as SH 310 and extend the designation of US 175 from SH 310 to I-45 in the city of Dallas (MO) In association with a safety project to divert commuter traffic from the SM Wright Freeway and eliminate a sharp curve at the CF Hawn and SM Wright intersection, the Dallas District has requested the redesignation and extension of US 175 in the city of Dallas. The realignment project will redesignate a segment of US 175 from I-45 southward to existing SH 310 as SH 310, a distance of approximately 1.8 miles; and extend the US 175 designation from SH 310 westward along a new location to I-45, a distance of approximately 0.6 mile. d. Finance (1) Obligation Limit Report (MO)Quarterly status report on the FY 2012 Obligation Limit, the actual obligations utilized, proposed remaining highway maintenance and construction contract letting for the fiscal year and an update on motor fuel tax receipts This report will provide the current overall obligation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2012 Obligation Limit and will also provide the anticipated effect on the obligation limit of remaining proposed highway maintenance and construction letting. The report will also provide an update on motor fuel tax receipts, including estimated versus actual receipts fiscal year to date, and any potential impact on letting volume. (2) Quarterly report on FY 2012 State Highway Fund 6 cash status (MO)This report updates the commission on the year-to-date cash balance and activity of Fund 6. The report will include original projections and actual revenues/inflows and expenditures/outflows on a cash basis. (3) Accept the Quarterly Investment Report (MO) This minute order accepts the quarterly investment report for investments of funds relating to financing of the Central Texas Turnpike System and held by the Bank of New York Mellon, acting as trustee. e. Transportation Planning Various Counties - Concurrence with the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from the North Texas Tollway Authority for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the SH 161 toll project from I-20 to SH 183 in Dallas County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 161 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the RTC. f. Speed Zones Various Counties - Establish or alter regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state (MO) This minute order establishes or alters regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state.
Open Comment Period & Adjournment
Open Comment Period & Adjournment
Safety Briefing. Staff will provide general safety instruction. Commissioner's Comments
Approval of Minutes of the March 28, 2013 and April 4, 2013 meetings of the Texas Transportation Commission.
Aviation a. Discussion Item - Provide update on the award of funds to continue safe operation of air traffic control towers impacted by recent federal action As a cost savings measure, the Federal Aviation Administration scheduled 149 Contract Air Traffic Control Towers to close beginning April 7, 2013. The Texas Transportation Commission took action on April 4, 2013, to provide Texas airports affected by FAA’s decision financial assistance to continue tower operations after April 7th. Staff will provide an update regarding FAA’s decision to delay the closure date until June 15, 2012, as well as actions taken by individual airports and others to address FAA’s decision b. Various Counties - Award federal and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state funding for capital improvement projects. The airports listed in Exhibit A are eligible for award of these grant funds and the department seeks approval of the awards
Item 4 - Public Transportation
Public Transportation a. Various Counties - Approve Designated Recipient Status Regarding Federal Grants for Public Transportation under 49 U.S.C. §5310, Formula Grant for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (MO) Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations in each Transportation Management Area of population greater than 200,000 to pass a resolution of endorsement that names a Designated Recipient for administering Federal §5310 Funds. This minute order designates TxDOT to serve as Designated Recipient for the Austin and Laredo urbanized areas. Public Transportation (continued) b. Various Counties - Award federal §5310 funds, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program for FY 2013 for the Austin and Laredo Urbanized Areas (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the award of federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration §5310, Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program for capital projects in the Austin and Laredo Urbanized areas. c. Various Counties - Award federal and state funds to North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) to support continuation of coordinated regional public transportation planning for FY 2013 (MO) The award identified in this minute order is financed with federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration and state matching funds. Funding is awarded to locally designated lead agencies and fiscal agents to fund their efforts in continuing public transportation planning. d. Various Counties - Rescind Minute Order 113235, dated August 30, 2012, and Award Federal Funds and Transportation Development Credits to Agencies Receiving Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative Awards (MO) Under Minute Order 113235 the commission awarded federal funds and transportation development credits to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). It is necessary to rescind the award to ETCOG and now award to North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA). The Department of Transportation has joined with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Defense, and Health and Human Services to establish an initiative that will improve transportation options and mobility for America's veterans, service members, and their families. DART and NET RMA have projects that were successful in receiving grant awards under this initiative. Transportation development credits have been requested as match to the awards. DART will receive their federal funds directly while NET RMA’s award will pass-thru the department. e. Hood and Somervell Counties - Award Unexpended Balance of funding from Texas' portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and state funds to The Transit System (MO) The ARRA created an economic stimulus package that provides for investment in transportation infrastructure projects. This agenda item will allow the commission to award unexpended ARRA balances and state funds to a similar project as previously have been approved for funding under the program. This item awards funds to The Transit System for a facility rehabilitation project.
Item 5 - Unified Transportation Program (UTP)
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Approve updates to the 2013 UTP (MO) The Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. This minute order updates funding allocations based on funds transfer requests in multiple categories. In addition, this minute order updates project specific program lists, incorporates information regarding transportation development credits and includes minor revisions and technical corrections.
Item 6 - Transportation Planning
a. Various Counties - Approval to exceed contract term restrictions for the procurement of indefinite deliverable contracts for engineering, surveying and other professional services to assist in developing transportation corridors within the state (MO) The study and development of certain corridors will require the assistance and support of various consulting engineering contracts. This minute order authorizes indefinite delivery consultant contracts to be procured that will assist in the project development process. Five professional service contracts each lasting up to six years are required to complete the work. b. Various Counties - Approve revisions to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Metropolitan Area Boundary (MO) Federal law requires that a metropolitan planning area boundary cover the existing urbanized area and the contiguous geographic area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period covered by the MPO’s metropolitan transportation plan. The boundary may be expanded to encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area. Revisions to metropolitan planning area boundaries must be approved by the governor who has delegated the authority to approve such changes to the Texas Transportation Commission. Burnet County and the CAMPO Policy Board have agreed to include Burnet County in the metropolitan planning area. CAMPO currently serves as the MPO for Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.
Item 7 - Promulgation of Administrative Rules
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: a. Final Adoption (1) Chapter 2 - Environmental Review of Transportation Project (MO) Repeal of §2.24, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Historical Commission; and New Subchapter H, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Historical Commission, New §§2.251-2.278 Transportation Code, §201.607, requires the department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each state agency that is responsible for the protection of the natural environment or for the preservation of historical or archeological resources. This updated agreement concerns the department’s coordination of certain transportation projects with the Texas Historical Commission. The agreement must be updated every five years. The changes will make the coordination process more efficient. (2) Chapter 2 - Environmental Review of Transportation Project (MO) Repeal of §2.23, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission; and New Subchapter I, Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, New §§2.301-2.308 Transportation Code, §201.607, requires the department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each state agency that is responsible for the protection of the natural environment or for the preservation of historical or archeological resources. This updated agreement concerns the department’s coordination of certain transportation projects with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The agreement must be updated every five years. The changes will make the coordination process more efficient.
Item 8 - Office of Compliance and Ethics
Office of Compliance and Ethics Office of Compliance and Ethics Report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a compliance office to oversee the program. The compliance office is responsible for acting to prevent and detect serious breaches of department policy, fraud, waste, and abuse of office, including any acts of criminal conduct within the department. The compliance office is required to provide a monthly report to the commission regarding investigations and a summary of information relating to trends and recommendations.
Item 9 - Design-Build Projects
Design-Build Projects Bexar County - Authorize the department to issue a request for proposals for the design, construction and maintenance of Loop 1604 in Bexar County, providing for the expansion of a non-toll expressway from SH 16 (Bandera Road) to FM 471 (Culebra Road), and, at the department’s option, to design, construct, and maintain portions of Loop 1604 further south at SH 151, and approve stipulated amounts as payment for the work product of unsuccessful proposers (MO) On May 31, 2012, in Minute Order 113116, the commission authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for the project. This minute order continues the procurement process by authorizing the issuance of a request for proposals for the project, and approves stipulated amounts for the payment for work product of responsive, unsuccessful proposers.
Toll Roads a. Harris County - Concur in the election of a chair and vice-chair of the committee formed pursuant to Transportation Code, §228.013 to make certain determinations concerning the distribution of financial risk, the method of financing, and the tolling structure and methodology for the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project (MO) Transportation Code, §228.013 requires a committee to be established for certain department toll projects for the purpose of making determinations concerning the distribution of the project's financial risk, the method of financing for the project, and the tolling structure and methodology (SB 1420 Committee). The department and local stakeholders are currently analyzing options for the financing and delivery of the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project in Harris County that require the formation of a SB 1420 Committee for the project. Under 43 TAC §27.92(c), a SB 1420 Committee's election of a chair and vice-chair is subject to the concurrence of the commission. b. Tarrant County - Consider the approval of a term sheet for a Toll Services Agreement (TSA) with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) for the North Tarrant Express Segments 3A and 3B project (MO) The department has negotiated a term sheet with NTTA under which NTTA will provide toll collection and back office services for the North Tarrant Express Segments 3A and 3B project for an initial term of 10 years. The term sheet will be the basis for the North Tarrant Express Segments 3A and 3B project Tolling Services Agreement, which will be subject to further commission approval.
Finance a. Caldwell County - City of Lockhart - Consider granting final approval of an application from the City of Lockhart to borrow up to $3,600,000 from the state infrastructure bank (SIB) to pay for utility relocation costs for city utilities relating to the widening of US 183 within city limits (MO) The department has entered into an Advance Funding Agreement with the city regarding the widening of US 183. The city is requesting SIB financial assistance to pay for costs of relocating city utilities. The city will perform this utility relocation work. Finance (continued) b. City of Robstown - Nueces County - Consider granting final approval of an application from the city of Robstown to borrow up to $200,000 from the state infrastructure bank (SIB) to pay for the city’s portion of the costs of right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation relating to the improvement of US 77 from FM 892 to south of CR 28 (MO) The city of Robstown is requesting SIB financial assistance to pay for the city’s portion of the costs of right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation for the project. The department will perform the work for the project. The SIB loan will be secured by city ad valorem and sales tax revenues.
Item 12 - Proposition 14 Bonds
Proposition 14 Bonds Grimes and Milam Counties - Approval of additional projects to be funded with the proceeds of State Highway Fund revenue bonds issued under Transportation Code, Section 222.003 (MO) The commission is adding four additional safety projects to the list of previously approved projects. Funds are available for these additional projects due to the cancellation of previously approved projects.
Traffic Operations Cameron and Hidalgo Counties - Approve proposed lane use restriction for trucks on US 83, US 77 and US 281 in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties (MO) This minute order approves restrictions for trucks using designated sections of US 83, US 77 and US 281 in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties. The department worked in conjunction with local jurisdictions in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties to develop the proposed lane restrictions.
Contracts Award or reject contracts for maintenance, highway and building construction These proposed minute orders contain information concerning the receipt of bids for highway improvement contracts. The department may reschedule receipt of bids for those projects where the commission rejects all bids. Those bids accepted by the commission will result in conditional contract awards to the low bidders. Contract award conditions may involve securing funding from other sources, the contractor's ability to satisfy federal DBE subcontracting requirements, or other requirements as outlined in the project bid proposal. a. Highway Maintenance and Department Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO) b. Highway and Transportation Enhancement Building Construction (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Item 15 - Eminent Domain Proceedings
Eminent Domain Proceedings Various Counties - Authorize the filing of condemnation proceedings to acquire real property by eminent domain for non-controlled and controlled access highways (see attached list) (MO) Commission findings, determinations, and authorizations for the state, by motion made in accordance with Senate Bill 18 (82nd Legislature), to acquire by eminent domain, upon the payment of adequate and just compensation, various ownership interests in specific parcels of real property that are needed to develop or improve both non-controlled and controlled access state highways, to include requesting the state attorney general to bring and pursue condemnation suits relating to those specific parcels of real property described in the attached itemized list.
Item 16 - Routine Minute Orders
Routine Minute Orders a. Donations to the Department Various Districts - Consider the acceptance of donations made to the department to include: (a) donations in any form, including realty, personalty, money, materials, or services, which are made to the department for the purpose of carrying out its functions and duties; and (b) donations from landowners, with land adjacent to a highway that is part of the state highway system, to construct an improvement on the highway right-of-way that is directly related to improving access to or from the owner’s land (See attached itemized list) (MO) The donation will ensure the safety of the traveling public. b. Right of Way Dispositions and Donations (1) Bowie County - SH 93, from the new alignment north of Bertha Street, southward to Keel Street in Texarkana - Consider the removal from the system of portions of highway and the designation of the alignment along a new location. Also consider the transfer of jurisdiction, control and maintenance and transfer of surplus right of way to the city (MO) The district has advised that SH 93 was realigned along a new location. It was necessary to leave portions of the old roadway in place to maintain connectivity to the city street system, and it would be mutually beneficial for the city to assume jurisdiction, control and maintenance. The city has requested that the surplus land on the old alignment be transferred to the city. (2) Cameron County - US 77/83, old alignment at Melinda Drive in Brownsville - Consider the sale of surplus right of way to the city (MO) The district has determined that the surplus land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The city has requested to purchase the surplus land, and it may be sold to the city. (3) Hays County - US 290, old alignment in Dripping Springs - Consider the transfer of surplus right of way to the city (MO) Segments of the old alignment were removed from the system years ago when the present location of US 290 was constructed on a new location. The city assumed jurisdiction, control and maintenance. These segments function as city streets and will remain in use for public road purposes. The city has requested the transfer of the surplus land. c. Highway Redesignation Dallas County - Redesignate a segment of US 175 as SH 310 and extend the designation of US 175 from SH 310 to I-45 in the city of Dallas (MO) In association with a safety project to divert commuter traffic from the SM Wright Freeway and eliminate a sharp curve at the CF Hawn and SM Wright intersection, the Dallas District has requested the redesignation and extension of US 175 in the city of Dallas. The realignment project will redesignate a segment of US 175 from I-45 southward to existing SH 310 as SH 310, a distance of approximately 1.8 miles; and extend the US 175 designation from SH 310 westward along a new location to I-45, a distance of approximately 0.6 mile. d. Finance (1) Obligation Limit Report (MO)Quarterly status report on the FY 2012 Obligation Limit, the actual obligations utilized, proposed remaining highway maintenance and construction contract letting for the fiscal year and an update on motor fuel tax receipts This report will provide the current overall obligation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2012 Obligation Limit and will also provide the anticipated effect on the obligation limit of remaining proposed highway maintenance and construction letting. The report will also provide an update on motor fuel tax receipts, including estimated versus actual receipts fiscal year to date, and any potential impact on letting volume. (2) Quarterly report on FY 2012 State Highway Fund 6 cash status (MO)This report updates the commission on the year-to-date cash balance and activity of Fund 6. The report will include original projections and actual revenues/inflows and expenditures/outflows on a cash basis. (3) Accept the Quarterly Investment Report (MO) This minute order accepts the quarterly investment report for investments of funds relating to financing of the Central Texas Turnpike System and held by the Bank of New York Mellon, acting as trustee. e. Transportation Planning Various Counties - Concurrence with the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments' funding of construction and other project development costs of projects to be advanced through the use of payments received from the North Texas Tollway Authority for the right to develop, finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the SH 161 toll project from I-20 to SH 183 in Dallas County (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 161 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs with those payments. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the RTC. f. Speed Zones Various Counties - Establish or alter regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state (MO) This minute order establishes or alters regulatory and construction speed zones on various sections of highways in the state.
Open Comment Period & Adjournment
Open Comment Period & Adjournment