Transportation Policy Committee January 17, 2017 8:30 a.m. 1625 13th Street, Room 103 Lubbock,

1. Call to Order of the Transportation Policy Committee.

2. Acknowledgement of Quorum of the Transportation Policy Committee.

3. Safety Procedures.

4. Public Comment Period/Acknowledgement of Guests of the Transportation Policy Committee.

5. Approval of the October 18, 2016 Transportation Policy Committee meeting minutes.

6. Consider a Resolution approving the 2016 Annual Performance and Expenditure Report and Listing of Obligated Projects to advance to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

7. Discuss the status of the 2017/2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and take action as appropriate.

8. Discuss and take action to authorize the public involvement process associated with the development of the LMPO’s 10 year plan.

9. Consider a Resolution supporting the extension of I-27 and take action as appropriate.

10. Reports:  Job changes in the District  End the Streak campaign  FY 2017 UPWP approval  Regional 5310 meetings  Status of Bills-85th Legislature  12th Annual Transportation Forum  Texas Freight Advisory Committee Meeting  TxDOT Sunset Report  RFP legal services  Travel Demand Update  Bike Plan Update  Monthly Financial Report

AGENDA ITEM 1

Call to order of the Transportation Policy Committee.

AGENDA ITEM 2

Acknowledgement of the Quorum of the Tranportation Policy Committee by the Chair.

AGENDA ITEM 3

Safety Procedures.

DISCUSSION: None

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review.

Safety Procedures 1625 13th Street Room 103 Transportation Policy Committee

Employee or Visitor Accident

In the event of an emergency, serious illness or accident to an employee or visitor while in this meeting:

1. Call 911. 2. City safety protocol determines that the most senior city employee in attendance is in charge to control panic, meet emergency personnel and direct them to the site. 3. DO NOT MOVE the injured person unless they are in IMMEDIATE DANGER. Wait for emergency personnel.

Tornado or Inclement Weather

When a tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, designated building contacts will notify the meeting to take cover. In addition, most cell phones are equipped with 911/alert software that will alert you to take cover.

1. Do not leave the building and stay away from windows and doors. 2. Exit Room 103 on either side adjacent to the hallway and proceed immediately to the escalator, to the basement. Building attendants will direct you there. Crouch down or sit on the floor and remain calm. 3. Remain there until the all clear signal is given by emergency personnel.

Fire

1. If you hear the fire alarm: Evacuate immediately by exiting the two side doors on the hallway side of the room. Continue to the right and exit to the outside and meet at the East parking lot across Avenue O and at least 300 feet from the building. The last person in the room should shut the door, only if there is no danger to that person. 2. If you discover a fire in the building try to isolate the fire by shutting the doors and pull the fire alarm nearest you. Then exit the building.

Gas Leak, Odor, Toxic Fume

1. Exit the building immediately. DO NOT switch off the lights or use your cell phone. Doing so can trigger an explosion. 2. Meet at the East parking lot across Avenue O and at least 300 feet away from the building.

Workplace Violence, Terrorism Incident

1. Remain calm, call 911. 2. Lock all doors, if possible. 3. Stay low to the floor. 4. If unable to lock the doors, place furniture from inside the room in front of the door. 5. Wait for emergency personnel. When they arrive do exactly as they direct you to do to alleviate as much confusion as possible.

Elevator Emergency

1. Remain calm. 2. Push the talk button and speak to the operator. 3. If you are unable to speak, press the alarm button. 4. Do not force the elevator doors.

AGENDA ITEM 4

Public Comment Period/Acknowledgement of Guests.

DISCUSSION: Opportunity for the public to comment on transportation planning activities.

ACTION REQUIRED: None

AGENDA ITEM 5

Approval of the October 18, 2016 meeting minutes of the Transportation Policy Committee.

DISCUSSION: Review and approve the October 18, 2016 meeting minutes of the Transportation Policy Committee.

ACTION REQUIRED: Consider approval.

STAFF RECOMMENDS: Recommends approval.

Minutes of the Transportation Policy Committee Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization October 18, 2016

The meeting of the Transportation Policy Committee of the Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization was held in Room 103 at 1625 13th Street, at 8:30 a.m. on October 18, 2016.

Required notices were given to the members of the Policy Committee and the public. The following Transportation Policy Committee members were present:

TPC Members: Patti Jones, Chair, County Commissioner, Lubbock County Maurice Pearl, Vice Chairperson, General Manager, Citibus Jeff Griffith, Councilman, City of Lubbock Karen Gibson, Councilwoman, City of Lubbock Dr. Charles Addington, Mayor, City of Wolfforth James Loomis, City Manager, City of Lubbock Daniel Pope, Mayor, City of Lubbock Steve Warren, District Engineer, TxDOT, Lubbock

Staff/Guests: David Jones, Lubbock MPO Darrell Westmoreland, Lubbock MPO Tammy Walker, Lubbock MPO Amy Sims, Assistant City Attorney, City of Lubbock Wood Franklin, Director of Public Works, City of Lubbock Theresa Drewell, Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Management, Neil Welch, City of Lubbock Kyle Jacobson, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Call to Order:

Chairperson Patti Jones called the Transportation Policy Committee Meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Acknowledgment of the Quorum by Chairperson:

Chairperson Patti Jones acknowledged the quorum of the Transportation Policy Committee and welcomed everyone.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Safety Procedures:

Chairperson Patti Jones reminded everyone to review the safety procedures.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Public comment period/Acknowledgement of Guests of the Transportation Policy Committee:

Chairperson Patti Jones welcomed all guests of the Transportation Policy Committee. Guests included representatives from the City of Lubbock and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. There were no comments or questions from the guests.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Approval of the September 20, 2016 meeting minutes of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Chairperson Patti Jones asked if there were any corrections or questions regarding the Transportation Policy Committee meeting minutes of September 20, 2016. There were none.

Karen Gibson made a motion to approve the meeting minutes for September 20, 2016 of the Policy Committee. Dr. Charles Addington seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Conduct annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director.

Chairperson Patti Jones stated that in the past there was an evaluation form for the Executive Director for the MPO, however, in 2014 on the advice of counsel, that form was eliminated due to the fact that the Executive Director is considered an Independent Contractor. She stated that a list of accomplishments for 2016 was attached that Mr. Jones has completed. Chairperson Patti Jones asked if anyone would like to make a statement regarding Mr. Jones’ performance.

Karen Gibson stated, “As long as I have served on this Policy Committee, she has always appreciated what Mr. Jones has done for the Lubbock area and that he is always prepared”.

James Loomis stated, “Mr. Jones is a real spiffy dresser” (laughter followed).

Steve Warren stated, that “Mr. Jones is always prepared and does a great job representing and working for the metropolitan area, he is always willing to stand up for the Lubbock area. He rattles some people in Austin, TX sometimes but it is always for the good of Lubbock.

Steve Warren made a motion to approve Mr. Jones’ status as “satisfactory”. Jeff Griffith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a resolution authorizing a one- year extension of the Professional Services Agreement for the Executive Director position.

Chairperson Patti Jones stated that she had received the letter of intent from David Jones to extend his services for another year. She also stated that Resolution 2016-08 was attached for the Policy Committee to review.

Chairperson Patti Jones asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none.

Karen Gibson made a motion to approve the Resolution 2016-08 one year extension of Mr. Jones contract. Jeff Griffith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a resolution authorizing the Eleventh Amendment of Contract to the Professional Services Agreement for a compensation adjustment for the Executive Director position.

David Jones stated that the Policy Committee had approved the 2017 budget to include a 3% increase in compensation, however, to be consistent with the City of Lubbock’s budget, the amendment reflects a 2% increase.

James Loomis stated that the Executive Director is not a City employee and that should be taken into consideration.

No further discussion.

James Loomis stated that he thought it was “big” of Mr. Jones to stay with the City’s 2% increase.

James Loomis made a motion to approve the Resolution authorizing the Eleventh Amendment of Contract to the Professional Services Agreement for a compensation adjustment for the Executive Director. Steve Warren seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The Committee moved to the next item.

Consider and take action to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Chairperson Patti Jones opened the meeting to nominations for Chair.

Karen Gibson made a motion to nominate Maurice Pearl for Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Chairperson Patti Jones asked if there were any other nominations from the Committee. There were none.

James Loomis made a motion to close the nominations for Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Jeff Griffith seconded the motion to nominate Maurice Pearl as Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee and it passed unanimously.

Chairperson Patti Jones asked for nominations for Vice-Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Karen Gibson made a motion to nominate Jeff Griffith as Vice-Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Steve Warren made a motion to close nominations for Vice-Chair.

Dr. Charles Addington seconded the motion to approve Jeff Griffith as Vice- Chair and it passed unanimously.

Chairperson Patti Jones congratulated the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

The Committee moved to the next item. Steve Warren presented a report titled: Smart State consortium and Texas Mobility Summit-Consider Participation.

Steve Warren stated that since Citibus had applied for the Smart Cities grant program their initiative had filtered through the haze and was recognized by the Administrations of the Smart State Consortium project sponsored by TxDOT as a potential participant. Mr. Warren said he was contacted and is passing the information to the Policy Committee in case they want to participate. The program is being managed by TxDOT’s Texas Technology Task Force group and the challenge is to bring teams into Austin to participate in an exercise to identify mobility challenges in Texas and suggest solutions as part of an initiative to drive economic growth in the spirit of innovation. TxDOT will host a 2 day Texas Mobility Summit in December where the teams will present their challenges and solutions. David Jones stated the MPO will participate. Steve Warren stated TxDOT will participate as well. Dr. Charles Addington stated he could send someone to attend the meeting in December and Mayor Dan Pope stated he would send someone from the City as well. Maurice Pearl said he would follow up on registration details.

David Jones stated that financial report was through August 2016, the 91st percentile and the expenditures were at 77%.

David Jones also stated he appreciated all the positive comments regarding his position with the MPO.

David Jones advised the Committee that Wood Franklin was elected Chair and Darrell Newsom was elected Vice-Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee.

Chairperson Patti Jones closed the meeting of the Transportation Policy Committee at 8:48 a.m.

AGENDA ITEM 6

Consider a Resolution approving the 2016 Annual Performance and Expenditure Report and Listing of Obligated projects to advance to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

DISCUSSION: The Annual Performance Expenditure Report (APER) prepared pursuant to 23 C.F.R. 420.117 and the Annual Listing of Obligated Projects (APL) prepared pursuant to 23 C.F.R. 450.332 when presented together as the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s annual year-end report serve to satisfy the federal requirement of increasing the transparency of government spending on transportation projects and strategies in metropolitan areas to State and local officials, and to the public at large. The required annual listing of obligated projects must not only include the customary street and highway projects but also any investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities along with public transportation investments for which Federal funds have been obligated in the preceding year and shall be published or otherwise made available by the cooperative effort of the State, transit operators, and the MPO for public review. According to law, the listing shall also be consistent with the funding categories identified in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and subsequent Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The APER is more generally used to show how well the MPO achieved the work tasks set out in the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The complete APER is included as a separate document with your agenda email. Budget summaries from the APER are included in your agenda backup to show percent of budget expended for each of the work tasks. Additional details on task descriptions can be found by accessing the 2016 UPWP on the MPO website (www.LubbockMPO.org). The ALP is included in your APER attachment and shows the status of expenditures compared to budgeted amounts. As noted, the LMPO accomplished 100% of its goals and spent 99% of its operating budget (PL112 and FTA 5303 funds) and finished the year with a $2,366 operating surplus that will fall to the bottom line and be carried over to next year. STP/MM formula allocations and FTA formula and grant allocations are also provided in your agenda backup. Staff will review the APER/ALP highlights and ask the Policy Committee to approve a Resolution accepting the report and advancing it to TxDOT, FHWA and FTA. ACTION REQUIRED: Pass a Resolution to approve the FY 2016 APER/APL. STAFF RECOMMENDS: Approve the resolution as presented.

Resolution 2017-01

WHEREAS, 23 CFR 420.117 requires the Metropolitan Planning Organization (the “MPO”) to prepare an Annual Performance and Expenditure Report (the “APER”) for approval by the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Texas Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, the APER shall contain a comparison of actual performance with established goals; and

WHEREAS, the APER shall contain the status of expenditures in a format compatible with the Unified Planning Work Program; and

WHEREAS; the APER shall contain a comparison of approved budgeted amounts and actual costs incurred by task including any cost overruns or underruns; and

WHEREAS; 23 C.F.R. 450.332 requires the State, public transportation operators, and MPO’s to cooperatively develop a listing of projects for which federal funds were obligated in the preceding program year; and

WHEREAS, 23 U.S.C. 134 (j)(7)(B), 23 U.S.C. 135 (g)(4)(B), 49 U.S.C. 5304 (g)(4)(B), and 49 U.S.C. 5303 (j)(7)(B) require the MPO to provide an Annual Listing of Obligated Projects (the “ALP”) in conjunction with the APER; and

WHEREAS, the ALP shows all projects, including investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities for which Federal funds have been obligated in the preceding year; and

WHEREAS, the ALP shall be consistent with funding categories identified in the Transportation Improvement Program and made available through the cooperative efforts of the State, the local transit operator and the MPO for public review in order to increase the transparency of government spending on transportation projects and strategies in the metropolitan area.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE OF THE LUBBOCK METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATON:

THAT the Transportation Policy Committee approves the 2016 APER as presented.

Passed by the Transportation Policy Committee this ______day of ______, 2017. ______Maurice Pearl, Chairman LMPO Transportation Policy Committee

Attest:

______Tammy Walker, MPO Secretary

Approved as to Content:

______H. David Jones Transportation Planning Director

Approved as to form:

______Amy Sims Assistant City Attorney For the MPO, by MOU

BUDGET SUMMARY

Total Transportation Planning Funds (TPF) Budgeted and Expended for FY 2016

Amount Amount UPWP Task Balance % Expended Budgeted Expended

1.0 $145,180 $160,976 $-15,796 1.10

2.0 115,704 114,456 1,248 .99

3.0 91,758 87,590 4,168 .95

4.0 53,446 43,874 9,572 .82

5.0 10,174 7,000 3,174 .69

TOTAL $416,262 $413,896 $2,366 .99

Local Planning Funds (includes TxDOT) Budgeted and Expended for FY 2016

Amount Amount UPWP Task Balance % Expended Budgeted Expended

1.0

2.0

3.0 $1,662,462 $1,564,348 98,114 .94

4.0

5.0 65,000 0 65,000 0

TOTAL $1,727,462 $1,564,348 163,114 .90

FTA (Sec. 5307) Funds Budgeted and Expended for FY 2016

Amount Amount UPWP Task Balance % Expended Budgeted Expended

1.0

2.0

3.0 $3,157,671 $3,228,810 $-71,139 1.02

4.0

5.0

TOTAL $3,157,671 $3,228,810 $-71,139 1.02

STP – MM Funds Budgeted and Expended for FY 2016

Amount Amount UPWP Task Balance % Expended Budgeted Expended

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0 $200,000 $0 $200,000 0

TOTAL $200,000 $0 $200,000 0

AGENDA ITEM 7

Discuss the status of the 2017/2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and take action as appropriate.

Discussion: We recently received our second work authorization (PL 112 and FTA 5303 funding) for 2017 that also contained a call for the next round of quarterly amendments to the 17/20 TIP. I have found that the larger TMAs use this call as a signal to perform a quarterly review of their TIP projects ahead of any course corrections needed through the amendment process. Given that logic, I have decided to start a quarterly review of our TIP. The staff will provide a summary of all our TIP projects during the meeting.

ACTION REQUIRED: Take action as appropriate.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: None

AGENDA ITEM 8

Discuss and take action to authorize the public involvement process associated with the development of the LMPO’s 10 year plan.

Discussion: I know that you have heard me speak of HB 20 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature and its mandate for a new 10 year plan any number of times. The Texas Transportation Code (TTC) has been amended now to include that mandate, TTC 201.9911, to use the funding that the legislature allocates to the region and so we need to move on and develop our plan. Customarily, TxDOT would issue guidance for everyone to follow in developing such a planning document but for whatever reason, I suggest time more than anything, they have not issued any guidance to date. Therefore, using the law as our basis, the MPO’s across the state have basically said they will use their long range plan and TIP to meet the minimum requirements and amend in any guidance that follows.

In that regard the Policy Committee needs to authorize the Call for projects and the public outreach component of the planning process as the starting point. The staff suggests that the public involvement campaign could start on January 23rd with a public meeting on February 7th in conjunction with the regularly scheduled Advisory Committee meeting and a second meeting on February 21st in conjunction with the regularly scheduled Policy Committee meeting. That schedule requires our notice to be to the newspaper by January 18th to publish on January 22nd and 29th. This schedule also allows us to meet a loose target date of February 28th to have plans in place. Anticipating a March presentation to the Commission.

The staff will have more details at the meeting with a preliminary list of projects that will be submitted for the call.

ACTION REQUIRED: Authorize the public involvement process associated with the LMPO’s 10 year plan.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommends approval of public involvement period.

Lubbock MPO Preliminary List of Projects-10 Year Plan

CSJ MPO ID Year 2017 Estimated Cost¹ Category (Not Description YOE) 0905-06-086 40-3 Erskine, N TTU PKWY to Indiana 8,897,033 Cat 7/Cat 3 0380-01-078 4017.1 US 62/82 MSF (Ph 5B.1), Milwaukee to 82nd 4,100,000 Cat 7 0905-06-090 4036.1 N University, MSF to Amherst 1,062,840 Cat 12 0380-01-083 4064 MSF (Ph 5C) FM 179 to W Loop 193 7,300,000 Prop 1/Cat 2 0052-07-061 4065 US 84 and Frankford Intx 26,200,000 Prop 1 0905-06-089 4066 N University, Amherst to US 84 774,376 Cat 9 4068 MSF, SW Loop 289 to IH 27 13,500,000 Prop 1 0053-01-122 4068 US 84 (Avenue Q) 0380-01-085 4068 2400 ft East of W Loop 289 0905-06-102 4070 Comprehensive Bike and Ped Plan 250,000 Cat 7/Cat 3 0380-01-088 4073 19th Street, MSF to University 5,232,701 Cat 9/Cat 11/ 0130-05-083 Cat 1

Year 2018 0905-06-095 40-8 Upland, 66th to 82nd 13,309,2844 Cat 7 0880-04-032 4022 FM 179, 19th to FM 1585 37,000,000 Prop 1

Year 2019 0905-06-096 40-9 Upland, 82nd to 98th 10,015,517 Cat 7/Cat 12

Year 2020² 0905-016-097 4067 Upland, 98th to 114th 12,689,534 Cat 7/Cat 12

Year 2021 N/A

Year 2022 1502-01-030 4021.3B Loop 88 (Ph 3B), to Memphis 75,000,000 Prop 7

Year 2023 US 84 and Loop 289 Intx 38,700,000 Cat 4 0053-18-046 US 84 0783-01-102 Loop 289

Year 2024 1502-01-031 4021.3C Loop 88 (Ph 3C), Avenue U to US 87 & Intx 75,000,000 Prop 7 Parkway Dr @ MLK, Intx Prop 7

Year 2025 N/A

Year 2026 1502-01-032 4021.3D Loop 88 (Ph 3D), Quincy to Chicago 75,000,000 Prop 7

Total Costs: 404,031,285

1. All costs are not “Year of Expenditures”. 2. Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 201.99 requires the first four years of the 10 year plan shall be developed to meet the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) requirements of 23 U.S.C. 134 or 135, as applicable.

AGENDA ITEM 9

Consider a Resolution supporting the extension of I-27 and take action as appropriate.

Discussion: One of the 2017 initiatives that the Ports to Plains (PTP) board voted to support this year is the extension of I-27, north and south. The PTP staff has prepared a Resolution in support of that imitative and Mr. Michael Reeves, President, of the organization will appear to present the Resolution and discuss what’s ahead in their advocacy.

ACTION REQUIRED: Approve the Resolution to advance to our legislators.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Resolution.

Resolution 2017-02 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EXTENSION OF WHEREAS, Congress has already designated the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Texas as a High Priority Corridor on the National Highway System; and WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation published an Initial Assessment Report on the Extension of I-27/ in November , 2015 which stated: “The corridor will continue to be a critical link to state, national and international trade, growing population centers and critical energy and agricultural business sectors”; and WHEREAS, according to the Texas Freight Mobility Plan, “By 2040 over 73 percent of Texas’ population and 82 percent of the state’s employment is projected to be located within five miles of an interstate”; and WHEREAS, Texas has no major north-south interstate west of ; and WHEREAS, the Texas Freight Mobility Plan notes that further investment alone on I-35 will not fix the problem saying, “The state must focus not only on improving existing facilities, but also on developing future freight corridors to move products to markets and exports”; and WHEREAS, the Texas Freight Mobility Plan goes on to recommend that TxDOT, “give additional consideration to the extension or designation of other interstate routes. Examples include I-27 and upgrades to portions of US Highway 190 to interstate standards”; and WHEREAS, the proposed extension of Interstate 27 connects major West Texas population and economic centers including Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and San Angelo in addition to numerous smaller communities; and WHEREAS, the proposed extension of Interstate 27 intersects with , and ; and WHEREAS, the proposed extension of Interstate 27 will serve three border crossings with Mexico at Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Laredo; and WHEREAS, the proposed extension of Interstate 27 will be a major backbone for the energy industry in Texas serving top oil and gas producing counties as well as the growing wind energy industry; and WHEREAS, the proposed extension of Interstate 27 will also serve the agriculture industry including many of Texas top counties for the production of cotton, cattle, sheep and goats and other commodities; and WHEREAS, extending Interstate 27 in Texas is also a cost-effective option. The Texas Department of Transportation’s Initial Assessment Report on the Extension of I-27/Ports to Plains Corridor estimated that it would cost about $7 billion to upgrade the nearly 1,000 miles of the Ports-to- Plains Corridor from the northern tip of Texas to Laredo. To extend Interstate-27 approximately 500 miles from Lubbock to Laredo is projected to cost $5.2 billion. Compare that to the $4.8 billion it cost to rebuild 28 mile section of Interstate 35 east from Interstate 635 to U.S. Highway 380 in Dallas County; and WHEREAS, an additional cost saving option is associated with the primarily east-west, recently designated, which includes a proposed segment that overlaps the Ports-to-Plains Corridor between Midland-Odessa and San Angelo, presenting an opportunity for that segment to be jointly designated as Interstate 14 and Interstate 27; and WHEREAS, a future Interstate designation will be a significant new economic development tool for communities along the corridor. Site selectors for manufacturers, warehousing and distribution recommend sites along an interstate highway and travel services businesses such as hotels, truck stops, convenience stores and restaurants, which can have a dramatic impact on small communities will also expand. This will create much needed new jobs and expanded tax base in rural West Texas; and WHEREAS, while designation as a future interstate is the first step in a very long process before the completion of an interstate highway, that does not lessen the importance of extending Interstate 27. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ______OF THE ______, ______Section I. That the ______supports the extension of Interstate 27 Section 2. This resolution to be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval. Section 3. If any portion or provision of this resolution shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or unenforceability of such portion or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Resolution, the intention being that the same are severable. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this ______day of ______, 2017.

______Maruice Pearl, Chairperson Transportation Policy Committee

ATTEST ______Tammy Walker Lubbock Metropolitian Planning Organization

THE CASE FOR EXTENDING INTERSTATE 27

When the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Coalition originated in the mid-1990’s it envisioned extending Interstate 27 to serve as a major corridor for NAFTA trade. Conditions at the time did not warrant expansion to interstate standards, and the coalition has worked to upgrade the corridor to four-lane divided with truck relief routes where needed. Th ose eff orts have led to more than $1 billion in upgrades to the corridor. NAFTA trade and freight has grown dramatically and congestion in Texas’ metropolitan areas has continued to increase. Considering the long-term proposal of upgrading the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Texas to interstate standards, it is imperative to designate an extension of Interstate 27 to Laredo from its current end point in Lubbock.

Although completely upgrading the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to four-lane divided highway will be very benefi cial, a full upgrade to interstate standards is important. According to the Texas Freight Mobility Plan, “By 2040 over 73 percent of Texas’ population and 82 percent of the state’s employment is projected to be located within fi ve miles of an interstate.” An extended Interstate 27 is critical for the economic competitiveness of West Texas.

Texas does not have a major North-South interstate west of Interstate 35. Where can serve as an alternative for freight moving to the northeast, an extended I-27 can be an I-35 relief route to the northwest.

Undoubtedly NAFTA and increased trade with Mexico have had a tremendous impact on freight movement through Texas. Data published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics show that the value of U.S. – Mexico trade and Texas-Mexico trade increased by 99.2% and 90.9% respectively between 2004 and 2015. Th at report showed that in 2015 U.S.-Mexico trade amounted to almost $513 billion. Th e offi ce of the U.S. Trade Representative reports that in 2015 U.S. goods and services trade with Mexico totaled $583.6 billion. Th e Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported in 2015 that on average more than 85.7% of US- Mexico trade is transported by surface modes, and trucks move 82.8% of the value of U.S.-Mexico surface trade. Furthermore approximately 60% of U.S.-Mexico trade crossed at a Texas land port in 2015, with Laredo being far and away the largest land port and Eagle Pass ranked third in Texas.

Much of that freight moves up I-35 and has led to a tremendous increase in congestion. Th e Interstate 35 segment through Travis County is the number 1 ranked corridor for truck congestion in the state. Th is truck congestion has a detrimental impact on the communities through which it passes.

Many of the counties through which I-35 passes experience higher frequencies of fatal and total crashes related to commercial motor vehicles than other counties. Several cities within the large metro regions served by the I-35 corridor do not currently abide with TCEQ and EPA 8-hour ozone standards. The Texas Freight Mobility Plan notes that further investment alone on I-35 will not fix the problem. The Plan says, “The state must focus not only on improving existing facilities, but also on developing future freight corridors to move products to markets and exports.” It goes on to recommend that TxDOT, “give additional consideration to the extension or designation of other interstate routes. Examples include I-27 and upgrades to portions of U.S. 1-90 to interstate standards.”

PROPOSED TEXAS I-27 EXTENSION The proposed extension of Interstate 27 connects major West Texas population and economic centers including Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and San Angelo in addition to numerous smaller communities. It will cross I-40, I-20 and I-10 and serve three border crossings with Mexico at Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Laredo. The Interstate will be a major backbone for the energy industry in Texas serving top oil and gas producing counties as well as the growing wind energy industry. Futhermore, it will serve the agriculture industry including many of Texas top counties for the production of cotton, cattle, corn, grains, sheep and goats and other commodities.

Extending Interstate 27 in Texas is also a cost- effective option. A 2015 study from TxDOT estimated that it would cost about $7 billion to upgrade the nearly 1,000 miles of the Ports-to- Plains Corridor from the northern tip of Texas to Laredo. To extend I-27 approximately 500 miles from Lubbock to Laredo is projected to cost $5.2 billion.

Compare that to the $4.8 billion it cost to rebuild 28 mile section of I-35 E from I-635 to U.S. 380 in Dallas County. And even though the recently designated Map furnished by Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 14 is primarily an east-west route, there is a proposed segment that overlaps the Ports-to-Plains Corridor between Midland-Odessa and San Angelo, presenting an opportunity for that stretch to be jointly designated as I-14 and I-27.

A future interstate designation will be a significant new economic development tool for communities along the corridor. Manufacturers, warehousing and distribution will be drawn to the new Interstate. Travel services businesses such as hotels, truck stops, convenience stores and restaurants, which can have a dramatic impact on small communities will also open. This will create much needed new jobs and expanded tax base in rural West Texas. Designation as a future interstate is the first step in a very long process before the completion of an interstate highway. The original designation of the current 124 mile Interstate 27 came in 1968. Construction did not begin until 1975 and was completed in 1992 at a cost of $453 million, at a time that transportation funding was much more adequate to meet demands. Extending I-27 approximately 500 miles from Lubbock to Laredo will certainly take much more time and money. That is why it is so important to take that first step now and designate an extension of Interstate 27 to Laredo. The state has significant demands for a very limited transportation budget, but that does not lessen the importance of extending Interstate 27.

AGENDA ITEM 10

Reports:

 Job changes in the District  End the Streak campaign  FY 2017 UPWP approval  Regional 5310 meetings  Status of Bills-85th Legislature  12th Annual Transportation Forum  TxDOT Sunset Report  RFP legal services  Travel Demand Update  Bike Plan Update  Monthly Financial Report

Bill Status-85th Texas Legislature

Senate Bill 31-would make it a criminal offense to use a wireless communication device when operating a motor vehicle.

Senate Bill 113-would prohibit municipalities from setting rules or limitations regarding ride-sharing or ride-hailing services.

Senate Bill 176- would set fees for ride-sharing companies based on the size of their driver fleet, as well as limitations on who could drive based on criminal record. It also imposes a background check without any fingerprinting requirements.

Senate Bill 111-prohibits the use of red light cameras.

Senate Bill 385-would require local governments to hold an election to authorize the use of federal funds for passenger rail projects.

Senate Bill 402-companion to HB 837.

Senate bill 361-would overturn all local ordinances regulating ride hailing companies in favor of statewide control.

Senate Bill 176-Similar to Senate Bill 361.

Senate Bill 399-would not allow frontage roads to be counted as free “capacity” when a toll road is built over the path of an existing non-tolled highway.

Senate Bill 88-relating to abolishing the authority of local governments to send people citations for offenses seen only by a camera.

Senate Bill 288-would legalize lane-splitting only on limited access and controlled access highways when traffic has slowed to 20 mph or less.

Senate Bill 346-would allow a driver to go through a red light only if the signal is of the “traffic actuated” variety (meaning that it only turns green for a side street when a car pulls up to the signal from that direction).

Senate Bill 69-creates a Good Samaritan exception for breaking into a locked vehicle to rescue a child or animal in distress.

Senate Bill 395-makes flying a drone over a prison a crime.

House Bill 405-would require a municipality to reimburse TxDOT the cost of removing and relocating certain signs due to road construction.

House Bill 95-would exempt Texas from Daylight Savings Time.

House Bill 113-would authorize local authorities to impose a civil penalty for violations recorded by automated traffic control systems or red light cameras.

House Bill 62-relating to the use of wireless devices while operating motor vehicles; creates a criminal offense/to stop distracting driving.

House Bill 561-requires the registration and establishes certain operating requirements for golf carts and utility vehicles.

House Bill 512-would require the placement of warning signs in areas where the use of wireless communication devices would be prohibited.

House Bill 720-would provide for a payment scheduled for outstanding toll fees.

House Bill 732-would require the placement of warning signs to announce any photographic traffic monitoring system.

House Bill 766-would require any toll authority to pay for its own sunset review performed by the Sunset Review Commission.

House Bill 911-relates to a study done by TxDOT on the use of municipal impact fees for the construction of roadway facilities.

House Bill 851-relating to the disclosure of financial studies and reports associated with a toll project.

House Bill 837-relating to the notice that must be provided to persons with disabilities regarding the eligibilities of persons with disabilities to use certain public transportation services.

House Bill 803-relating to a temporary exemption from sales and use tax and the franchise tax for certain businesses engaged in space flight activities.

House Bill 869-directing TxDOT to conduct a feasibility study for extending I-27 from Lubbock to Laredo.

House Bill 303-would force toll road operators to use toll proceeds to pay back TxDOT for grants used to build the roads.

House Bill 766-would require the Sunset Commission to conduct periodic reviews of all toll agencies.

House Bill 479-companion bill to SB 88.

House Bill 276- would require a single license plate on the rear of the car.

House Bill 638-Companion to SB 395.

House Bill 733-Renames US 290 after President Ronald Regan (all the way through true blue Austin).

FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.

The 1st Session of the 115th Congress began on Tuesday and quickly got back to work. The US Senate released the rosters for their committees this week. Senator Ted Cruz (R) remains on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and Senator John Cornyn (R) remains on the Finance Committee.

Also this week, the Federal Highway Administration provided an additional $13.7 billion in highway funding permission to state DOTs for the period covering the second continuing appropriations resolution (Public Law 114- 254) covering the period of December 10, 2016 through April 28, 2017. States have now been provided $21.1 billion in fiscal 2017 funding permission for the federal-aid highway program. A full-year appropriations act has not yet been signed into law.

Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration; U.S. Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This final rule revises the transportation planning regulations to promote more effective regional planning by States and metropolitan planning organizations. The rule clarifies that an MPA must include an entire urbanized area (UZA) and the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period for the metropolitan transportation plan. Specifically, the rule requires MPOs within the same MPA to develop a single metropolitan transportation plan (MTP), a single transportation improvement program (TIP), and a jointly established set of performance targets for the MPA. The rule also clarifies operating procedures, and it adopts certain coordination and decision-making requirements where more than one MPO serves an MPA. The full notice can be found here.

FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS

The 85th Session of the Texas Legislature begins next Tuesday, January 10. Legislators are expected to focus on many issues including, education, child protective services and health reforms, along with transportation. The Comptroller of Public Accounts is also expected to release the biennial revenue estimate to the Legislature next week. The revenue estimate will influence the funds that will be dedicated toward transportation.

Some key deadlines for the 85th Legislative Session include the following: Bill pre-filing began: Nov 14, 2016 1st day of session: Jan 10, 2017 60-day bill filing deadline: Mar 10, 2017 Adjournment sine die: May 29, 2017 Post-session 20-day deadline for governor to sign or veto: June 18, 2017

CHAPTER 16. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS The Texas Department of Transportation adopts amendments to §16.105, concerning Transportation Programs, and §§16.152 - 16.154, and 16.160, concerning Transportation Funding. The amendments to §16.105 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the October 14, 2016, issue of the Texas Register. The amendments to §§16.152 - 16.154, and §16.160 are adopted without changes to the proposed text and will not be republished. The entire notice can be found here.

HIGHLIGHTED BILLS - TEXAS LEGISLATURE

Comprehensive Development Agreements HB 819 (Shaheen) Relating to the authority of certain entities to enter into a comprehensive development agreement. Before TxDOT can enter into a CDA, it must obtain an order approving the project from the county commissioner’s court of each county containing a portion of the project, in addition to current requirements.

Eminent Domain HB 528 (Schofield) A property owner has the right to repurchase land after a certain period of time, if actual progress on a project is not made; the bill eliminates the following as elements establishing “actual progress” on a project: (a) the acquisition of a tract or parcel of real property adjacent to the property for the same public use project for which the owner’s property was acquired; or (b) for a governmental entity, the adoption by a majority of the entity's governing body at a public hearing of a development plan for a public use project that indicates that the entity will not complete more than one tolling action before the tenth anniversary of the date of acquisition of the property; and (2) require three of five remaining elements to be met to establish actual progress.

Land Use HB 797 (Minjarez) Regarding the impact of military installations on residential areas. Amends the current Sellers Disclosure Notice by adding a notice to buyers that there may be high noise levels due to the proximity of a military installation and requires the land use study to be posted online.

Public Information HB 526 (Schofield) A governmental body may, but is not required to, accept or comply with a public information request if a non-resident of Texas submits the request.

Rail/Transit SB 385 (Burton) Relating to voter approval of local acceptance and use of federal funds for passenger rail projects. A political subdivision may not accept federal funds for the construction, maintenance, or operation of a commuter or passenger rail project, unless the municipality holds an election to determine whether or not to authorize acceptance or use of the funds. A political subdivision that is authorized to use federal funds for a project, but has not begun construction within five years of the election, may only use funds when a municipality (where a station or track is located) approves in an election to authorize the use of the funds. A political subdivision, MPO, or the department may not include the project funding in a transportation plan unless it has been approved as required.

Toll HB 772 (Burkett) Relating to a limitation on the amount of tolls and other charges that may be imposed by toll project entities for the use of toll projects. After all outstanding bonds and other obligations secured by toll revenue of a toll project have been repaid or otherwise satisfied, tolls collected for use of the project may be used only for the maintenance and operation of the portion of the project for which the tolls were collected.

MONITORED BILLS - ACTION THIS WEEK

If you need information on all the bills being tracked, please contact Rebekah Hernandez at (817) 704-2545 or [email protected]. The Texas Legislature link includes all bills being tracked in both the Texas House and Senate.

 US Senate  US House of Representatives