10:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING
Meeting Guidelines Staff will provide instruction and guidance on procedures for the meeting.
Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the October 29, 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. a. 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 of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study (Presentation) Staff will provide an overview of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study findings and recommendations. The study evaluated the feasibility of improving the corridor to an interstate facility, including the ability of the corridor to facilitate the movement of agricultural and energy products to markets, and international trade. The study also examined cost estimates and the economic impact of the interstate upgrade. The study outlines the Ports-to-Plains advisory committee project recommendations and implementation plan to upgrade the corridor to an interstate facility. No commission action is required for this agenda item.
State Infrastructure Bank Gregg County - City of White Oak - Consider final approval of a request from the City of White Oak for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $2,060,000 to pay for the costs of utility relocation, along with a contribution to the department to pay for the costs of right of way acquisition necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas (MO) The City of White Oak (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of utility revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s costs associated with the utility relocation, along with the City’s contribution to the department for right of way acquisition costs necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas.
Discussion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study (Presentation) Staff will provide an overview of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study findings and recommendations. The study evaluated the feasibility of improving the corridor to an interstate facility, including the ability of the corridor to facilitate the movement of agricultural and energy products to markets, and international trade. The study also examined cost estimates and the economic impact of the interstate upgrade. The study outlines the Ports-to-Plains advisory committee project recommendations and implementation plan to upgrade the corridor to an interstate facility. No commission action is required for this agenda item.
State Infrastructure Bank Gregg County - City of White Oak - Consider final approval of a request from the City of White Oak for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $2,060,000 to pay for the costs of utility relocation, along with a contribution to the department to pay for the costs of right of way acquisition necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas (MO) The City of White Oak (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of utility revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s costs associated with the utility relocation, along with the City’s contribution to the department for right of way acquisition costs necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas.
Lease Agreement El Paso County - I-10 - Consider authorizing the department to negotiate and enter into a lease agreement at below market value with the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Institute, a domestic nonprofit corporation, for the lease of land and improvements on I-10 (MO) This minute order authorizes the department to negotiate and enter into a lease of real property at below market value with the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Institute, which real property is currently improved with the Lincoln Center. The commission may waive the fair market value requirement for social mitigation purposes pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Section 202.052(d)(2).
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. 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) Quarterly Investment Report Quarterly Investment Report for all of the funds invested at the direction of the commission (Report) This is a presentation of the quarterly investment report for the investment of: (1) funds held by the Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, under the Indenture of Trust securing the Central Texas Turnpike System toll revenue obligations; (2) funds for the pre-paid TxTag account held by the Bank of New York Mellon, acting as custodian; (3) funds held by Amegy Bank, a Division of ZB, National Association, as trustee, under the Trust Agreement securing the IH 35E Managed Lanes Project toll revenue obligations; and (4) funds held by U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, under the Master Trust Agreement securing the SH 249 System toll revenue obligations. (3) Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Quarterly Construction Progress Report for the State Highway 249 System (Report) The commission financed a portion of the costs of the system with obligations issued pursuant to a trust agreement. In accordance with Section 407 of the trust agreement, the commission caused the general engineering consultant to prepare a construction progress report by the last day of the second month after the prior fiscal quarter and to submit the report to the commission. A copy of the report has been filed with the trustee and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. b. Reports (4) Travis and Williamson Counties - Quarterly Report of Actual Traffic and Toll Revenue for the Central Texas Turnpike System (Report) The commission financed a portion of the costs of the system with obligations issued pursuant to a trust indenture. In accordance with Section 501(c) of the trust indenture, the commission covenants that for the first five full years of operation of the system, the commission will provide to the trustee a report showing the traffic and revenue of the system for the previous quarter. The commission may discontinue the reports because the revenues for the previous two years have been sufficient to meet the rate covenant; however, the commission has not exercised its option to discontinue the reports. A copy of the report has been submitted to the commission and filed with the trustee and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. c. Designation of Access Control Caldwell County - SH 130, in the City of Lockhart - Consider the designation of one location on the SH 130 northbound frontage road at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 120-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one commercial driveway for access to and from the SH 130 northbound frontage. The District has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. d. Prohibition Order Various Counties - Consider issuing an order prohibiting the operation of certain motor vehicles on Texas Department of Transportation toll projects (MO) Transportation Code, Section 372.110, authorizes the commission to issue an order prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle on a department toll project if the registered owner of the vehicle has been finally determined to be a habitual violator, subject to certain notice requirements. A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a toll project in violation of the order. Subsequent offenses may result in impoundment of the vehicle. e. 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 9 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
9. 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.
Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the October 29, 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. a. 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 of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study (Presentation) Staff will provide an overview of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study findings and recommendations. The study evaluated the feasibility of improving the corridor to an interstate facility, including the ability of the corridor to facilitate the movement of agricultural and energy products to markets, and international trade. The study also examined cost estimates and the economic impact of the interstate upgrade. The study outlines the Ports-to-Plains advisory committee project recommendations and implementation plan to upgrade the corridor to an interstate facility. No commission action is required for this agenda item.
State Infrastructure Bank Gregg County - City of White Oak - Consider final approval of a request from the City of White Oak for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $2,060,000 to pay for the costs of utility relocation, along with a contribution to the department to pay for the costs of right of way acquisition necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas (MO) The City of White Oak (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of utility revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s costs associated with the utility relocation, along with the City’s contribution to the department for right of way acquisition costs necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas.
Discussion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study (Presentation) Staff will provide an overview of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study findings and recommendations. The study evaluated the feasibility of improving the corridor to an interstate facility, including the ability of the corridor to facilitate the movement of agricultural and energy products to markets, and international trade. The study also examined cost estimates and the economic impact of the interstate upgrade. The study outlines the Ports-to-Plains advisory committee project recommendations and implementation plan to upgrade the corridor to an interstate facility. No commission action is required for this agenda item.
State Infrastructure Bank Gregg County - City of White Oak - Consider final approval of a request from the City of White Oak for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $2,060,000 to pay for the costs of utility relocation, along with a contribution to the department to pay for the costs of right of way acquisition necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas (MO) The City of White Oak (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of utility revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s costs associated with the utility relocation, along with the City’s contribution to the department for right of way acquisition costs necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to widen FM 2275 in Gregg County, Texas.
Lease Agreement El Paso County - I-10 - Consider authorizing the department to negotiate and enter into a lease agreement at below market value with the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Institute, a domestic nonprofit corporation, for the lease of land and improvements on I-10 (MO) This minute order authorizes the department to negotiate and enter into a lease of real property at below market value with the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Institute, which real property is currently improved with the Lincoln Center. The commission may waive the fair market value requirement for social mitigation purposes pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Section 202.052(d)(2).
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. 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) Quarterly Investment Report Quarterly Investment Report for all of the funds invested at the direction of the commission (Report) This is a presentation of the quarterly investment report for the investment of: (1) funds held by the Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, under the Indenture of Trust securing the Central Texas Turnpike System toll revenue obligations; (2) funds for the pre-paid TxTag account held by the Bank of New York Mellon, acting as custodian; (3) funds held by Amegy Bank, a Division of ZB, National Association, as trustee, under the Trust Agreement securing the IH 35E Managed Lanes Project toll revenue obligations; and (4) funds held by U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, under the Master Trust Agreement securing the SH 249 System toll revenue obligations. (3) Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Quarterly Construction Progress Report for the State Highway 249 System (Report) The commission financed a portion of the costs of the system with obligations issued pursuant to a trust agreement. In accordance with Section 407 of the trust agreement, the commission caused the general engineering consultant to prepare a construction progress report by the last day of the second month after the prior fiscal quarter and to submit the report to the commission. A copy of the report has been filed with the trustee and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. b. Reports (4) Travis and Williamson Counties - Quarterly Report of Actual Traffic and Toll Revenue for the Central Texas Turnpike System (Report) The commission financed a portion of the costs of the system with obligations issued pursuant to a trust indenture. In accordance with Section 501(c) of the trust indenture, the commission covenants that for the first five full years of operation of the system, the commission will provide to the trustee a report showing the traffic and revenue of the system for the previous quarter. The commission may discontinue the reports because the revenues for the previous two years have been sufficient to meet the rate covenant; however, the commission has not exercised its option to discontinue the reports. A copy of the report has been submitted to the commission and filed with the trustee and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. c. Designation of Access Control Caldwell County - SH 130, in the City of Lockhart - Consider the designation of one location on the SH 130 northbound frontage road at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 120-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one commercial driveway for access to and from the SH 130 northbound frontage. The District has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. d. Prohibition Order Various Counties - Consider issuing an order prohibiting the operation of certain motor vehicles on Texas Department of Transportation toll projects (MO) Transportation Code, Section 372.110, authorizes the commission to issue an order prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle on a department toll project if the registered owner of the vehicle has been finally determined to be a habitual violator, subject to certain notice requirements. A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a toll project in violation of the order. Subsequent offenses may result in impoundment of the vehicle. e. 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 9 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
9. 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