Project recommendations for Federal Transit Administration funding and a partnership between the Regional Transportation Council and Texas Department of Transportation are among the topics that will be discussed at public meetings March 3-5.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments is the FTA’s designated recipient for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, Job Access/Reverse Commute Program and New Freedom Program in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas. Approximately $2.4 million in funding was available to projects in the North Texas area. Following a call for projects, staff developed recommendations for projects to receive funding.

Additionally, at the public meetings in Denton, Richardson and Arlington, staff will summarize a proposed partnership between the Regional Transportation Council and Texas Department of Transportation. The partnership would advance projects to reduce congestion and improve air quality. It involves new and existing funding, and it also includes the use of transportation development credits to create a revolving loan fund to be used for regional initiatives. 

As transportation projects move forward, they must be accurately listed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is a comprehensive list of funded transportation projects through 2016. Projects with committed funds from federal, state and local sources are included in the TIP. To maintain an accurate project listing, this document is updated on a regular basis. The current set of project modifications will be presented for public review and comment. Looking ahead, staff is also developing the new TIP that will list projects to be funded between 2015 and 2018. The draft list of projects will be presented for input.

 Transportation and air quality are closely linked as the 10-county metropolitan area works to reduce its ozone pollution enough to reach attainment of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone standard. Ozone season began March 1, and staff will outline strategies individuals, businesses and local governments can implement to protect health and reduce air pollution. While North Texans are encouraged to adopt clean air choices throughout the year, they are especially important during ozone season. Staff will also highlight air quality programs in place and summarize efforts being considered for inclusion in the next statewide air quality plan that is under development.

 Finally, proposed changes to the two-year work plan for the metropolitan planning organization will be presented.

Following the meeting March 5, a video recording of the discussion will be posted under the 
“Public Meetings” tab at NCTCOG.org/video. For more information about public meetings, visit NCTCOG.org/meetings.

Information provided by NCTCOG.