10:00 A.M. CONVENE MEETING
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the February 23, 2022, 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 (Presentation) 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 Investment in Rural Texas (Presentation) Staff will provide a general overview of activities in support of rural Texas and highlight anticipated investment to strengthen rural infrastructure.
State Infrastructure Bank (Presentation) Milam County - City of Cameron - Consider final approval of a request from the City of Cameron for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $275,000 to pay for the costs of utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to improve FM 845 in Milam County, Texas (MO) City of Cameron (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of enterprise funds consisting of water and sewer revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s cost of the utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to improve FM 845 in Milam County, Texas.
Design-Build Contract Bexar County - I-35 NEX South Project - Consider authorizing the department to issue a request for qualifications to design, construct, and potentially maintain the I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) South Project. The project consists of non-tolled improvements along I-35 from approximately I-410 South to I-410 North, including transitions along I-35 from Petroleum Drive to I-410 South, and along the portion of I-410 South from the I-35/I-410 South Interchange to 0.3 miles north of Seguin Road/FM 78 in Bexar County (MO) (Presentation) Transportation Code § 223.242 authorizes the department to enter into, in each fiscal biennium, up to six design-build contracts for highway projects with a construction cost estimate of $150 million or more. I-35 is a major north-south transportation corridor critical for moving people and goods. This portion of I-35 is ranked number 61 on the Top 100 list of most congested roadways in Texas, according to the 2021 report. The proposed improvements would manage vehicle congestion, promote efficient use of existing transportation facilities, minimize impacts to the natural and built environment, and complement other modes of transportation and economic development initiatives in the region. This project meets the requirements for design-build delivery.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code Rules Proposal Chapter 21 - Right of Way Amendments to §§21.31, 21.37, 21.38, 21.40, and 21.41, relating to Utility Accommodation and Repeal of §§21.921-21.930 relating to Utility Relocation Prepayment Funding Agreements (MO) Senate Bill 507, 87th Legislature requires the commission adopt rules to create a right of way accommodation process for broadband only providers. The amendments to §§21.31, 21.37, 21.38, 21.40, and 21.41 prescribe minimum requirements for the accommodation, method, materials, and location for the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of broadband facilities under the accommodation process. These proposed revisions will also reflect current advances in technologies, construction practices, and safety standards. Transportation Code, §203.0922, which authorized a Utility Relocation Prepayment Funding program, expired on September 1, 2013. The repeal of §§21.921-21.930 removes this prepayment funding program from the rules.
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) Bexar County - Loop 1604 - Consider an easement release to the underlying fee owner (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway purposes. The easement may be released to the underlying fee owner. (2) Dallas County - US 75 - Consider the sale of real property to the successful bidder (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The local governmental entities declined to purchase the land, and legal notice was posted for sale by sealed bid. A successful bidder has been identified, and the land may be sold to the successful bidder. (3) Kimble County - US 290 - 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) Sutton County - US 277 - Consider the transfer of right of way to Sutton County, Texas (MO) The district has determined that a segment of roadway is no longer needed for a state highway purpose. Sutton County has agreed to assume jurisdiction, control, and maintenance and has requested that the right of way be transferred to the county. The right of way may be transferred to the county 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. 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) Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the State Highway 249 System (Report) Under provisions of the Master Trust Agreement for the State Highway 249 System, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the trustee, and with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. (3) Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the State Highway Fund revenue bond program (Report) Under provisions of the Supplemental Resolutions to the Master Resolution establishing the State Highway Fund revenue bond program, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. (4) Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the Texas Mobility Fund bond program (Report) Under provisions of the Supplemental Resolutions to the Master Resolution establishing the Texas Mobility Fund bond program, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. (5) Travis and Williamson Counties - Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the Central Texas Turnpike System (Report) Under provisions of the Indenture of Trust for the Central Texas Turnpike System, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the trustee, and with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. d. Designation of Access Control Harris County - SH 288, in the City of Houston - Consider the designation of one location on the northbound entrance ramp of SH 288 at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 40-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one commercial driveway for access to and from the northbound entrance ramp of SH 288. The District has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. 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 10 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
10. 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
Safety Briefing Staff will provide general safety instruction.
Opening Remarks
Consider the approval of the Minutes of the February 23, 2022, 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 (Presentation) 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 Investment in Rural Texas (Presentation) Staff will provide a general overview of activities in support of rural Texas and highlight anticipated investment to strengthen rural infrastructure.
State Infrastructure Bank (Presentation) Milam County - City of Cameron - Consider final approval of a request from the City of Cameron for a State Infrastructure Bank loan in the amount of up to $275,000 to pay for the costs of utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to improve FM 845 in Milam County, Texas (MO) City of Cameron (City) will secure the loan with a pledge of enterprise funds consisting of water and sewer revenues. The loan will be used to pay the City’s cost of the utility relocation necessary for a non-tolled state highway improvement project to improve FM 845 in Milam County, Texas.
Design-Build Contract Bexar County - I-35 NEX South Project - Consider authorizing the department to issue a request for qualifications to design, construct, and potentially maintain the I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) South Project. The project consists of non-tolled improvements along I-35 from approximately I-410 South to I-410 North, including transitions along I-35 from Petroleum Drive to I-410 South, and along the portion of I-410 South from the I-35/I-410 South Interchange to 0.3 miles north of Seguin Road/FM 78 in Bexar County (MO) (Presentation) Transportation Code § 223.242 authorizes the department to enter into, in each fiscal biennium, up to six design-build contracts for highway projects with a construction cost estimate of $150 million or more. I-35 is a major north-south transportation corridor critical for moving people and goods. This portion of I-35 is ranked number 61 on the Top 100 list of most congested roadways in Texas, according to the 2021 report. The proposed improvements would manage vehicle congestion, promote efficient use of existing transportation facilities, minimize impacts to the natural and built environment, and complement other modes of transportation and economic development initiatives in the region. This project meets the requirements for design-build delivery.
Promulgation of Administrative Rules Under Title 43, Texas Administrative Code Rules Proposal Chapter 21 - Right of Way Amendments to §§21.31, 21.37, 21.38, 21.40, and 21.41, relating to Utility Accommodation and Repeal of §§21.921-21.930 relating to Utility Relocation Prepayment Funding Agreements (MO) Senate Bill 507, 87th Legislature requires the commission adopt rules to create a right of way accommodation process for broadband only providers. The amendments to §§21.31, 21.37, 21.38, 21.40, and 21.41 prescribe minimum requirements for the accommodation, method, materials, and location for the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of broadband facilities under the accommodation process. These proposed revisions will also reflect current advances in technologies, construction practices, and safety standards. Transportation Code, §203.0922, which authorized a Utility Relocation Prepayment Funding program, expired on September 1, 2013. The repeal of §§21.921-21.930 removes this prepayment funding program from the rules.
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) Bexar County - Loop 1604 - Consider an easement release to the underlying fee owner (MO) The district has determined that the easement is no longer needed for highway purposes. The easement may be released to the underlying fee owner. (2) Dallas County - US 75 - Consider the sale of real property to the successful bidder (MO) The district has determined that the land is no longer needed for highway purposes. The local governmental entities declined to purchase the land, and legal notice was posted for sale by sealed bid. A successful bidder has been identified, and the land may be sold to the successful bidder. (3) Kimble County - US 290 - 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) Sutton County - US 277 - Consider the transfer of right of way to Sutton County, Texas (MO) The district has determined that a segment of roadway is no longer needed for a state highway purpose. Sutton County has agreed to assume jurisdiction, control, and maintenance and has requested that the right of way be transferred to the county. The right of way may be transferred to the county 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. 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) Grimes and Montgomery Counties - Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the State Highway 249 System (Report) Under provisions of the Master Trust Agreement for the State Highway 249 System, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the trustee, and with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. (3) Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the State Highway Fund revenue bond program (Report) Under provisions of the Supplemental Resolutions to the Master Resolution establishing the State Highway Fund revenue bond program, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. (4) Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the Texas Mobility Fund bond program (Report) Under provisions of the Supplemental Resolutions to the Master Resolution establishing the Texas Mobility Fund bond program, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. (5) Travis and Williamson Counties - Annual Continuing Disclosure Report for the Central Texas Turnpike System (Report) Under provisions of the Indenture of Trust for the Central Texas Turnpike System, the commission has agreed to provide annual updates for certain operating and financial information provided in the official statements. Updates are due within six months of each fiscal year end. A copy of the report has been filed with the trustee, and with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board through its Electronic Municipal Markets Access System. d. Designation of Access Control Harris County - SH 288, in the City of Houston - Consider the designation of one location on the northbound entrance ramp of SH 288 at which access will be permitted to the abutting property (MO) The designation of one 40-foot break in the control-of-access line will allow the abutting landowner to open one commercial driveway for access to and from the northbound entrance ramp of SH 288. The District has determined that access may be permitted at the designated location. 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 10 - Executive Session, Open Comment, & Adjourn
10. 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