10:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING
Meeting Guidelines Staff will provide instruction and guidance on procedures for the meeting.
Commission Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the September 24, 2020, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Contracts Consider the award or rejection of contracts for highway construction and maintenance, and construction and rehabilitation of buildings 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. Highway Improvement and Other Transportation Facilities (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Routine Maintenance (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Construction and Rehabilitation of Buildings (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Discussion Item Potential addition to the 2021 Unified Transportation Program (Presentation) The Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. Staff will facilitate a discussion of a potential addition to the 2021 UTP.
Aviation Various Counties - Consider the award of federal non-primary entitlement grant funding, federal apportionment grant funding, and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal non-primary entitlement grant funding and federal apportionment grant funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state grant funding for capital improvement projects.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Rules Review Consider the re-adoption of Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 2, Environmental Review of Transportation Projects, Chapter 7, Rail Facilities, Chapter 26, Regional Mobility Authorities, Chapter 28, Oversize and Overweight Vehicles and Loads, Chapter 30, Aviation, and Chapter 31, Public Transportation, in accordance with Government Code, §2001.039 (MO) State law requires a state agency to review each of its rules every four years. After the review, the agency must readopt the rule, readopt the rule with amendments, or repeal the rule. The department reviews its rules on a rotating basis.
State Infrastructure Bank Wharton County - City of Wharton - Consider preliminary approval of a request from the City of Wharton for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $15,000,000 to pay for the costs of right of way acquisition, engineering and construction necessary for a non-tolled project to extend FM 1301 at SH 60 to US 59 in Wharton County, Texas (MO) The City of Wharton (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of ad-valorem taxes and limited net revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s costs associated with the right of way acquisition, engineering and construction of a non-tolled project to extend FM 1301 at SH 60 to US 59 in Wharton County, Texas.
Municipal Utility Relocation Reimbursement DeWitt County - Consider the approval of a request from the City of Nordheim (City) to make the relocation of the city’s utility facilities required by the SH 72 highway improvement project an expense of the state under Transportation Code, §203.092(a-4) (MO) Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, Rule 21.25 sets forth the requirements for a utility to qualify for reimbursement under this program. Payment for this relocation will not cause the department to exceed $10 million in any fiscal year. The utility is a political subdivision with a financial condition that prevents the utility from being able to pay the cost in full or part or, if paid at that time, the payment would adversely affect the utility’s ability to operate or provide essential services to its customers. The utility is unable to receive a state infrastructure bank loan to finance the cost of the relocation and is otherwise unable to finance that cost.
Eminent Domain Proceedings Various Counties - Consider the authorization of the filing of condemnation proceedings to acquire real property by eminent domain for non-controlled and controlled access highways (see attached itemized 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.
Routine Minute Orders and Reports a. Donations to the Department Various Districts - Consider the acknowledgment of donations with a value of $500 or more, including donations of money, materials, services, or real property, that are made to the department for the purpose of assisting the department in carrying out its functions and duties or for improving access to or from a highway on the state highway system (see attached itemized list) (MO) State statutes require the commission to acknowledge the acceptance of a gift to the department that is valued at $500 or more. By the adoption of this minute order, the commission acknowledges the receipt and acceptance of the property specified in the minute order. b. Real Estate Dispositions The commission must approve the sales, transfers, and exchanges of state rights of way and other real properties that are no longer needed for a state highway purpose. It must also approve, accept, and acknowledge donations to the state of real property that is valued at $500 or more. (1) Cherokee County - SH 21 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (2) Collin County - FM 546 - Consider the removal from the system, transfer of jurisdiction, control, and maintenance, and transfer of right of way to the City of McKinney, Texas (MO) The district has determined that a segment of roadway is no longer needed as part of the system. The City of McKinney (City) has agreed to assume jurisdiction, control, and maintenance and has requested that the right of way be transferred to the City. The right of way may be transferred to the City without cost to remain in use for public road purposes and will revert to the state if it ceases to be used for public road purposes Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) b. Real Estate Dispositions (3) Collin County - SH 78 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (4) Collin County - SH 78 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (5) Denton County - SH 114 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (6) Hidalgo County - I-2 - Consider the sale of right of way to the City of Weslaco, Texas (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The City of Weslaco (City) has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the City. c. Reports (1) Compliance Division Report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a Compliance Division to oversee the program. The Compliance Division 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 Division is required to provide a monthly report to the commission regarding investigations and a summary of information relating to trends and recommendations. (2) Letting Allocation Status Report Quarterly status report on the FY 2020 letting allocation, the actual allocation utilized through the current month, and proposed remaining highway maintenance and construction contract letting for the fiscal year (Report) This report will provide the current overall allocation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2020 letting allocation and will also provide the anticipated effect on the letting allocation of remaining proposed highway maintenance and construction letting. (3) State Highway Fund 6 Report Quarterly report on FY 2020 State Highway Fund 6 cash status (Report) 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. (4) Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for the SH 249 System, comprised of Segment 1 of the SH 249 Project extending SH 249 from FM 1774 in Pinehurst to FM 1774 in Todd Mission (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the SH 249 System in Grimes and Montgomery counties. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year and implemented by the executive director unless the commission affirmatively votes prior to January 1 to modify the percentage. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) c. Reports (continued) (5) El Paso County - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for the Border West Expressway Project (formerly known as the Loop 375 Border Highway West Extension Project) (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the Border West Expressway Project, from Racetrack Drive near Doniphan Road to the terminus of the existing Loop 375. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year and implemented by the executive director unless the commission affirmatively votes prior to January 1 to modify the percentage. (6) Travis and Williamson Counties - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System, consisting of the SH 130 (Segments 1-4), SH 45N, Loop 1 (from FM 734 to SH 45N), and SH 45SE project elements (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year and implemented by the executive director unless the commission affirmatively votes prior to January 1 to modify the percentage. (7) Various Counties - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for portions of SH 99 (Grand Parkway) consisting of the tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, H, I-1, and I-2B, and for the existing tolling points on the portion of Segment I-2 from I-10 to Fisher Road (Segment I-2A) (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the tolled portion of Grand Parkway Segment D in Harris County and for Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, H, I-1, and I-2B, and for the existing tolling points on Segment I-2A. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year unless the commission affirmatively elects prior to January 1 to modify the percentage for the purposes of meeting necessary covenants relating to outstanding debt obligations. d. Economically Disadvantaged Counties Program (EDCP) 2021 Various Counties - Consider the certification of eligible counties for the 2021 Economically Disadvantaged Counties Program and establish local match adjustments for each county and certain cities (MO) State law requires the commission to annually certify economically disadvantaged counties as soon as possible after the comptroller reports on the relevant economic indicators. This minute order certifies the counties to participate in the Economically Disadvantaged Counties Program for Fiscal Year 2021 and sets forth the local match adjustment for each county and certain cities participating in the program. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) e. Subaccounts (1) State Highway 121 Various Counties - Consider 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 in accordance with the SH 121 Toll Project Agreement (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 121 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs and changes to the list of previously-approved projects. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the Regional Transportation Council. (2) State Highway 161 Various Counties - Consider 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 in accordance with the SH 161 Toll Project Agreement (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 changes to the list of previously-approved projects. f. Rail Clearance Deviations Consider a request for approval of Rail Clearance Deviations (MO) This minute order authorizes approval of applications for rail clearance deviations, which are waivers from clearance provisions for structures over and alongside railway tracks. The department has reviewed the applications and seeks approval of these waivers. g. Land Acquisitions for Facilities Lamar County - Consider the grant of authority to the department to acquire real property for facilities (MO) The department is in the process of acquiring real property for the construction of new facilities and the expansion of existing facility sites. Funds for the purchase of these properties were appropriated by the 86th Legislature, General Appropriations Act for the 2020-21 Biennium. The department requests the commission’s authorization to enter into purchase contracts and related documents to complete the acquisition of the listed properties. h. Speed Zones Various Counties - Consider the establishment or alteration of 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
Item 11 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
11. Executive Session Pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 551 Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda, pending or contemplated litigation, or other legal matters. OPEN COMMENT PERIOD - 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. ADJOURN
10:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING
Meeting Guidelines Staff will provide instruction and guidance on procedures for the meeting.
Commission Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the September 24, 2020, regular meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission
Contracts Consider the award or rejection of contracts for highway construction and maintenance, and construction and rehabilitation of buildings 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. Highway Improvement and Other Transportation Facilities (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Routine Maintenance (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Construction and Rehabilitation of Buildings (see attached itemized list) (MO)
Discussion Item Potential addition to the 2021 Unified Transportation Program (Presentation) The Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is a 10-year statewide plan for transportation project development. Staff will facilitate a discussion of a potential addition to the 2021 UTP.
Aviation Various Counties - Consider the award of federal non-primary entitlement grant funding, federal apportionment grant funding, and state grant funding for airport improvement projects at various locations (MO) Federal law authorizes the award of federal non-primary entitlement grant funding and federal apportionment grant funding to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. State law authorizes the award of state grant funding for capital improvement projects.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code, and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, Chapter 2001: Rules Review Consider the re-adoption of Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 2, Environmental Review of Transportation Projects, Chapter 7, Rail Facilities, Chapter 26, Regional Mobility Authorities, Chapter 28, Oversize and Overweight Vehicles and Loads, Chapter 30, Aviation, and Chapter 31, Public Transportation, in accordance with Government Code, §2001.039 (MO) State law requires a state agency to review each of its rules every four years. After the review, the agency must readopt the rule, readopt the rule with amendments, or repeal the rule. The department reviews its rules on a rotating basis.
State Infrastructure Bank Wharton County - City of Wharton - Consider preliminary approval of a request from the City of Wharton for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $15,000,000 to pay for the costs of right of way acquisition, engineering and construction necessary for a non-tolled project to extend FM 1301 at SH 60 to US 59 in Wharton County, Texas (MO) The City of Wharton (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of ad-valorem taxes and limited net revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s costs associated with the right of way acquisition, engineering and construction of a non-tolled project to extend FM 1301 at SH 60 to US 59 in Wharton County, Texas.
Municipal Utility Relocation Reimbursement DeWitt County - Consider the approval of a request from the City of Nordheim (City) to make the relocation of the city’s utility facilities required by the SH 72 highway improvement project an expense of the state under Transportation Code, §203.092(a-4) (MO) Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, Rule 21.25 sets forth the requirements for a utility to qualify for reimbursement under this program. Payment for this relocation will not cause the department to exceed $10 million in any fiscal year. The utility is a political subdivision with a financial condition that prevents the utility from being able to pay the cost in full or part or, if paid at that time, the payment would adversely affect the utility’s ability to operate or provide essential services to its customers. The utility is unable to receive a state infrastructure bank loan to finance the cost of the relocation and is otherwise unable to finance that cost.
Eminent Domain Proceedings Various Counties - Consider the authorization of the filing of condemnation proceedings to acquire real property by eminent domain for non-controlled and controlled access highways (see attached itemized 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.
Routine Minute Orders and Reports a. Donations to the Department Various Districts - Consider the acknowledgment of donations with a value of $500 or more, including donations of money, materials, services, or real property, that are made to the department for the purpose of assisting the department in carrying out its functions and duties or for improving access to or from a highway on the state highway system (see attached itemized list) (MO) State statutes require the commission to acknowledge the acceptance of a gift to the department that is valued at $500 or more. By the adoption of this minute order, the commission acknowledges the receipt and acceptance of the property specified in the minute order. b. Real Estate Dispositions The commission must approve the sales, transfers, and exchanges of state rights of way and other real properties that are no longer needed for a state highway purpose. It must also approve, accept, and acknowledge donations to the state of real property that is valued at $500 or more. (1) Cherokee County - SH 21 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (2) Collin County - FM 546 - Consider the removal from the system, transfer of jurisdiction, control, and maintenance, and transfer of right of way to the City of McKinney, Texas (MO) The district has determined that a segment of roadway is no longer needed as part of the system. The City of McKinney (City) has agreed to assume jurisdiction, control, and maintenance and has requested that the right of way be transferred to the City. The right of way may be transferred to the City without cost to remain in use for public road purposes and will revert to the state if it ceases to be used for public road purposes Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) b. Real Estate Dispositions (3) Collin County - SH 78 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (4) Collin County - SH 78 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (5) Denton County - SH 114 - Consider the sale of right of way to an abutting landowner (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. An abutting landowner has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the requester. (6) Hidalgo County - I-2 - Consider the sale of right of way to the City of Weslaco, Texas (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The City of Weslaco (City) has requested to purchase the land, and it may be sold to the City. c. Reports (1) Compliance Division Report State law requires the commission to establish a compliance program, which must include a Compliance Division to oversee the program. The Compliance Division 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 Division is required to provide a monthly report to the commission regarding investigations and a summary of information relating to trends and recommendations. (2) Letting Allocation Status Report Quarterly status report on the FY 2020 letting allocation, the actual allocation utilized through the current month, and proposed remaining highway maintenance and construction contract letting for the fiscal year (Report) This report will provide the current overall allocation status, by district and metropolitan planning organization, of the FY 2020 letting allocation and will also provide the anticipated effect on the letting allocation of remaining proposed highway maintenance and construction letting. (3) State Highway Fund 6 Report Quarterly report on FY 2020 State Highway Fund 6 cash status (Report) 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. (4) Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for the SH 249 System, comprised of Segment 1 of the SH 249 Project extending SH 249 from FM 1774 in Pinehurst to FM 1774 in Todd Mission (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the SH 249 System in Grimes and Montgomery counties. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year and implemented by the executive director unless the commission affirmatively votes prior to January 1 to modify the percentage. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) c. Reports (continued) (5) El Paso County - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for the Border West Expressway Project (formerly known as the Loop 375 Border Highway West Extension Project) (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the Border West Expressway Project, from Racetrack Drive near Doniphan Road to the terminus of the existing Loop 375. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year and implemented by the executive director unless the commission affirmatively votes prior to January 1 to modify the percentage. (6) Travis and Williamson Counties - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System, consisting of the SH 130 (Segments 1-4), SH 45N, Loop 1 (from FM 734 to SH 45N), and SH 45SE project elements (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year and implemented by the executive director unless the commission affirmatively votes prior to January 1 to modify the percentage. (7) Various Counties - Report of the toll rate escalation percentage and escalated toll rates for portions of SH 99 (Grand Parkway) consisting of the tolled portion of Segment D in Harris County, Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, H, I-1, and I-2B, and for the existing tolling points on the portion of Segment I-2 from I-10 to Fisher Road (Segment I-2A) (Report) This report provides the toll rate escalation percentage increase and the annual escalated toll rates for the tolled portion of Grand Parkway Segment D in Harris County and for Segments E, F-1, F-2, G, H, I-1, and I-2B, and for the existing tolling points on Segment I-2A. The commission’s Toll Rate Escalation Policy requires that a percentage increase in the toll rates will be determined and reported to the commission each year at or before the commission’s October meeting, and that the percentage increase in the toll rates will be effective automatically on January 1 of the next calendar year unless the commission affirmatively elects prior to January 1 to modify the percentage for the purposes of meeting necessary covenants relating to outstanding debt obligations. d. Economically Disadvantaged Counties Program (EDCP) 2021 Various Counties - Consider the certification of eligible counties for the 2021 Economically Disadvantaged Counties Program and establish local match adjustments for each county and certain cities (MO) State law requires the commission to annually certify economically disadvantaged counties as soon as possible after the comptroller reports on the relevant economic indicators. This minute order certifies the counties to participate in the Economically Disadvantaged Counties Program for Fiscal Year 2021 and sets forth the local match adjustment for each county and certain cities participating in the program. Routine Minute Orders and Reports (continued) e. Subaccounts (1) State Highway 121 Various Counties - Consider 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 in accordance with the SH 121 Toll Project Agreement (MO) The department has established a separate fund to account for and track projects and project costs funded with the SH 121 payments. This minute order authorizes the funding of additional projects costs and changes to the list of previously-approved projects. The project costs to be funded were selected through a cooperative process with the Regional Transportation Council. (2) State Highway 161 Various Counties - Consider 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 in accordance with the SH 161 Toll Project Agreement (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 changes to the list of previously-approved projects. f. Rail Clearance Deviations Consider a request for approval of Rail Clearance Deviations (MO) This minute order authorizes approval of applications for rail clearance deviations, which are waivers from clearance provisions for structures over and alongside railway tracks. The department has reviewed the applications and seeks approval of these waivers. g. Land Acquisitions for Facilities Lamar County - Consider the grant of authority to the department to acquire real property for facilities (MO) The department is in the process of acquiring real property for the construction of new facilities and the expansion of existing facility sites. Funds for the purchase of these properties were appropriated by the 86th Legislature, General Appropriations Act for the 2020-21 Biennium. The department requests the commission’s authorization to enter into purchase contracts and related documents to complete the acquisition of the listed properties. h. Speed Zones Various Counties - Consider the establishment or alteration of 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
Item 11 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
11. Executive Session Pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 551 Section 551.071 - Consultation with and advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda, pending or contemplated litigation, or other legal matters. OPEN COMMENT PERIOD - 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. ADJOURN