Staff will provide general safety instruction
Recognize Mario G. Medina, P.E., San Antonio District Engineer, upon his retirement from the department after 28 years of service
Approval of Minutes of the May 30, 2013, meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Item 6 - 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 allocations based on funds transfer requests and authorizes funding for project priorities and program needs. In addition, this minute order updates project specific program lists, incorporates information regarding transportation development credit awards and remaining balances, and includes minor revisions and technical corrections. Preliminary 2014 UTP funding levels will be included for informational purposes.
Aviation 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 5 - Public Transportation
a. Various Counties - Award state funds to public transportation providers for FY 2014 as appropriated by the 83rd Texas Legislature (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the allocation of state grant funds from state appropriations to small urban and to rural public transportation providers. b. Various Counties - Approve the transfer of Federal Transit Administration Section 5303, Metropolitan Transportation Planning funds, to the Federal Highway Administration (MO) To more effectively and efficiently administer the grant program for metropolitan transportation planning and in response to a request from the Association of Texas Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO), the commission will direct department staff to consolidate the two federal metropolitan planning funding streams into a single consolidated planning grant under the Federal Highway Administration. c. 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 Houston and Conroe-The Woodlands urbanized areas. d. Various Counties - Various Counties - Rescind Minute Order 113426, dated January 31, 2013, and Award federal §5310 funds, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, and award transportation development credits for FY 2013 (MO) Under Minute Order 113426 the commission awarded federal funds and transportation development credits to various transit providers. Due to numerous changes to the projects approved in the January minute order, it is necessary to rescind the previous awards. The awards identified in this minute order reflect the full FY 2013 allocation of federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration §5310, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, to various public transportation providers. Transportation development credits are awarded to various transportation agencies to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects. e. Various Counties - Award federal and state funds, and transportation development credits to Texoma Area Paratransit System (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the award of the state and federal grant funds, and transportation development credits to Texoma Area Paratransit System, to provide continuity of service within Collin County.
Item 7 - 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 8 - Comprehensive Development Agreements
El Paso County - Authorize the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the Loop 375 Border Highway West Extension in El Paso County from Racetrack Drive near Doniphan Road and New Mexico 273 (west of downtown) to US 54 (east of downtown) in the City of El Paso (MO) The Loop 375 Border Highway West Project is a high priority for the state and meets the conditions necessary for delivery under a comprehensive development agreement. On June 7, 2013, the project received final environmental clearance and issuance of the Record of Decision. The project is intended to be incrementally supported by toll revenue.
a. Dallas and Tarrant Counties - Consider the approval of the department’s determination to exercise its option to develop, finance, construct, and operate the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project in Dallas and Tarrant Counties, comprised of SH 183 from SH 121 to I-35E, including the interchange with SH 114, SH 114 from International Parkway to Loop 12, and Loop 12 from SH 183 to I-35E, and designate the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project as a toll project on the state highway system supported by toll revenue (MO) In Minute Order 113045, the commission approved the department's determination to exercise its option to develop, finance, construct and operate the SH 183 project from SH 161 to I-35E, and in Minute Order 113312 designated that same segment of SH 183 as a toll project. The commission, in Minute Order 113427, subsequently authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for an expanded SH 183 Managed Lanes Project comprised of improvements to SH 183 from SH 121 to I-35E, and any additional connecting facilities necessary for connectivity and financing purposes. Those connecting facilities may include SH 114 and Loop 12. On May 15, 2013, the North Texas Tollway Authority confirmed the previous waiver of its option to develop, finance, construct, and operate the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project, including the additions of SH 114, Loop 12 and the North Tarrant Express, Segment 2E (SH 183 from SH 121 to SH 161). The department has 60 days after that date to decide whether it will exercise its option to develop, finance, construct, and operate that project, pursuant to Transportation Code, §373.053. The SH 183 Managed Lanes Project is a high priority for the state, and is planned for development as a toll project supported by toll revenue. b. Chambers County - Establish new toll rate tables on SH 99 (Segment I-2) to align the tolling system with the current vehicle classification system in use by the department (MO) This minute order authorizes new toll rate tables for SH 99 (Segment I-2). This change is necessary to reflect modifications being made to the vehicle classification system used by the department. The new system will classify vehicles based on the number of axles, like the rest of the department operated toll facilities, rather than classifying vehicles by shape as had been done previously at these locations. c. Webb County - Establish new toll rate tables on SH 255 to align the tolling system with the current vehicle classification system in use by the department (MO) This minute order authorizes new toll rate tables for SH 255. This change is necessary to reflect modifications being made to the vehicle classification system used by the department. The new system will classify vehicles based on the number of axles, like the rest of the department operated toll facilities, rather than classifying vehicles by shape as had been done previously at these locations.
a. El Paso County - Consider the final approval of a request for financial assistance from the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) in the form of a $9.4 million loan to cover certain operations and maintenance expenses of the managed lanes on the Loop 375 César Chávez—Border Highway Project, from US 54 to Zaragoza Road in El Paso County (MO) This minute order provides for the final approval of a loan to the CRRMA in the amount of $9.4 million to pay for certain operations and maintenance costs for the managed lanes on the Loop 375, César Chávez—Border Highway Project, during the first 12 years of operation. b. State Highway Fund Short-Term Borrowings - Approve resolutions authorizing the execution and delivery of direct lending agreements with financial institutions and the related issuance of up to $750 million of State Highway Fund Revenue Flexible Rate Revolving Notes; approve an amendment to the resolution authorizing the issuance of commercial paper notes to allow the department to deactivate the commercial paper program (MO)
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 12 - 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)
Item 13 - Routine Minute Orders
a. Donations to the Department b. Right of Way Dispositions and Donations c. Release of Access d. Reports e. Speed Zones
a. Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda b. Section 551.072 - Deliberation regarding the purchase or value of real property to be acquired for the Border Highway West project located in the city of El Paso.
Open Comment Period & Adjournment
At the conclusion of all other agenda items, the commission will allow an open comment period, not to exceed one hour, to receive public comment on any other matter that is under the jurisdiction of the department. No action will be taken. Each speaker will be allowed a maximum of three minutes. Speakers must be signed up prior to the beginning of the open comment period.
Staff will provide general safety instruction
Recognize Mario G. Medina, P.E., San Antonio District Engineer, upon his retirement from the department after 28 years of service
Approval of Minutes of the May 30, 2013, meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Item 6 - 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 allocations based on funds transfer requests and authorizes funding for project priorities and program needs. In addition, this minute order updates project specific program lists, incorporates information regarding transportation development credit awards and remaining balances, and includes minor revisions and technical corrections. Preliminary 2014 UTP funding levels will be included for informational purposes.
Aviation 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 5 - Public Transportation
a. Various Counties - Award state funds to public transportation providers for FY 2014 as appropriated by the 83rd Texas Legislature (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the allocation of state grant funds from state appropriations to small urban and to rural public transportation providers. b. Various Counties - Approve the transfer of Federal Transit Administration Section 5303, Metropolitan Transportation Planning funds, to the Federal Highway Administration (MO) To more effectively and efficiently administer the grant program for metropolitan transportation planning and in response to a request from the Association of Texas Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO), the commission will direct department staff to consolidate the two federal metropolitan planning funding streams into a single consolidated planning grant under the Federal Highway Administration. c. 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 Houston and Conroe-The Woodlands urbanized areas. d. Various Counties - Various Counties - Rescind Minute Order 113426, dated January 31, 2013, and Award federal §5310 funds, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, and award transportation development credits for FY 2013 (MO) Under Minute Order 113426 the commission awarded federal funds and transportation development credits to various transit providers. Due to numerous changes to the projects approved in the January minute order, it is necessary to rescind the previous awards. The awards identified in this minute order reflect the full FY 2013 allocation of federal grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration §5310, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, to various public transportation providers. Transportation development credits are awarded to various transportation agencies to assist with the match of federal funds for capital projects. e. Various Counties - Award federal and state funds, and transportation development credits to Texoma Area Paratransit System (MO) The awards identified in this minute order reflect the award of the state and federal grant funds, and transportation development credits to Texoma Area Paratransit System, to provide continuity of service within Collin County.
Item 7 - 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 8 - Comprehensive Development Agreements
El Paso County - Authorize the department to issue a request for qualifications for the development, design, construction, and maintenance of the Loop 375 Border Highway West Extension in El Paso County from Racetrack Drive near Doniphan Road and New Mexico 273 (west of downtown) to US 54 (east of downtown) in the City of El Paso (MO) The Loop 375 Border Highway West Project is a high priority for the state and meets the conditions necessary for delivery under a comprehensive development agreement. On June 7, 2013, the project received final environmental clearance and issuance of the Record of Decision. The project is intended to be incrementally supported by toll revenue.
a. Dallas and Tarrant Counties - Consider the approval of the department’s determination to exercise its option to develop, finance, construct, and operate the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project in Dallas and Tarrant Counties, comprised of SH 183 from SH 121 to I-35E, including the interchange with SH 114, SH 114 from International Parkway to Loop 12, and Loop 12 from SH 183 to I-35E, and designate the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project as a toll project on the state highway system supported by toll revenue (MO) In Minute Order 113045, the commission approved the department's determination to exercise its option to develop, finance, construct and operate the SH 183 project from SH 161 to I-35E, and in Minute Order 113312 designated that same segment of SH 183 as a toll project. The commission, in Minute Order 113427, subsequently authorized the department to issue a request for qualifications for an expanded SH 183 Managed Lanes Project comprised of improvements to SH 183 from SH 121 to I-35E, and any additional connecting facilities necessary for connectivity and financing purposes. Those connecting facilities may include SH 114 and Loop 12. On May 15, 2013, the North Texas Tollway Authority confirmed the previous waiver of its option to develop, finance, construct, and operate the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project, including the additions of SH 114, Loop 12 and the North Tarrant Express, Segment 2E (SH 183 from SH 121 to SH 161). The department has 60 days after that date to decide whether it will exercise its option to develop, finance, construct, and operate that project, pursuant to Transportation Code, §373.053. The SH 183 Managed Lanes Project is a high priority for the state, and is planned for development as a toll project supported by toll revenue. b. Chambers County - Establish new toll rate tables on SH 99 (Segment I-2) to align the tolling system with the current vehicle classification system in use by the department (MO) This minute order authorizes new toll rate tables for SH 99 (Segment I-2). This change is necessary to reflect modifications being made to the vehicle classification system used by the department. The new system will classify vehicles based on the number of axles, like the rest of the department operated toll facilities, rather than classifying vehicles by shape as had been done previously at these locations. c. Webb County - Establish new toll rate tables on SH 255 to align the tolling system with the current vehicle classification system in use by the department (MO) This minute order authorizes new toll rate tables for SH 255. This change is necessary to reflect modifications being made to the vehicle classification system used by the department. The new system will classify vehicles based on the number of axles, like the rest of the department operated toll facilities, rather than classifying vehicles by shape as had been done previously at these locations.
a. El Paso County - Consider the final approval of a request for financial assistance from the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) in the form of a $9.4 million loan to cover certain operations and maintenance expenses of the managed lanes on the Loop 375 César Chávez—Border Highway Project, from US 54 to Zaragoza Road in El Paso County (MO) This minute order provides for the final approval of a loan to the CRRMA in the amount of $9.4 million to pay for certain operations and maintenance costs for the managed lanes on the Loop 375, César Chávez—Border Highway Project, during the first 12 years of operation. b. State Highway Fund Short-Term Borrowings - Approve resolutions authorizing the execution and delivery of direct lending agreements with financial institutions and the related issuance of up to $750 million of State Highway Fund Revenue Flexible Rate Revolving Notes; approve an amendment to the resolution authorizing the issuance of commercial paper notes to allow the department to deactivate the commercial paper program (MO)
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 12 - 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)
Item 13 - Routine Minute Orders
a. Donations to the Department b. Right of Way Dispositions and Donations c. Release of Access d. Reports e. Speed Zones
a. Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda b. Section 551.072 - Deliberation regarding the purchase or value of real property to be acquired for the Border Highway West project located in the city of El Paso.
Open Comment Period & Adjournment
At the conclusion of all other agenda items, the commission will allow an open comment period, not to exceed one hour, to receive public comment on any other matter that is under the jurisdiction of the department. No action will be taken. Each speaker will be allowed a maximum of three minutes. Speakers must be signed up prior to the beginning of the open comment period.