AGC of TEXAS Highway, Heavy, Utilities & Industrial Branch THOMAS L. JOHNSON, Executive Vice President Texas Transportation Commission Meeting Highlights September 18 and 24, 2014 September 18 Commissioner Mosely discussed the recently Unified Transportation Program (UTP) approved dedicated bus lane project on Post Oak Blvd. and LP 610 in Houston. Brought by Houston Metro and Uptown, the project would connect several park and rides to the Galleria area. Commissioner Mosely stated that by letter to local entities, he requested that the project be restricted bus lanes only and not be converted to rail. Subsequently, there has been a request for an AG legal opinion on whether the project can be restricted for a bus lane only in light of the desires expressed by voters. The Commissioner stated he will request that the funds be moved to a direct connector project on SH 288 at a future meeting. Commission Houghton stated that the most recent Reason Foundation report ranked Texas number 11 and stated that Texas, with the largest system in the nation, spends 1/3 rd less than that California and Florida. Discussion Items Implementation of 3D Design and ProjectWise Staff presentation efforts to implement 3D Design and ProjectWise within the department on selected (complex) projects. The Commission requested a report on cost savings. Commissioner Austin discussed concern over the number of change orders. Proposition 1 Stakeholder Committee Report The Stakeholder Committee reported on their work on the distribution of potential funding provided by the Transportation Funding Ballot Proposition 1 using existing formulas adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission. The Stakeholder Committee gave overall strategic guidance to the Texas Transportation Commission stating the Commission is best able to adequately determine the suitability of specific funding distributions. The committee has focused on overall strategic guidance: Align funding with legislative direction and guiding principles. Respond to previously identified additional need of $5 billion per year. Address needs related to growing production activity in Texas' energy sector. Focus investments on transportation system needs strategically, being responsive to growth and supportive of the state s current and future economic activities. Provide flexibility and leverage cooperation and partnerships with MPOs and local communities for congestion and connectivity objectives. AGC of Texas, Highway, Heavy, Utilities & Industrial Branch P.O. Box 2185 ~ Austin, Texas 78768 ~ Phone: (512) 478-4691 ~ Fax: (512) 478-7936 ~ www.agctx.org
Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Historic and Future Project Delivery and Priorities Staff presented a summary of historic results of project delivery through the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and an assessment of future opportunities based on current forecasted funding levels and potential additional impacts that federal funding extensions and Proposition 1 funding. Staff stated since 2010, actual UTP funding exceeded forecast in that the 2010 UTP forecast letting volume was $15.5 billion (through 2014) and the actual letting amount was $24.9 billion (through 2014) resulting in a difference of $9.4 billion. Staff stated the increase was due to higher levels of federal funds ($3.5 billion since 2010) due to projected expiration of SAFETEA LU in August 2009 and MAP 21 in July 2012 and extended for 18 only months. In addition, nontraditional funding from Category 3 increased as a share of the department s total budget from Proposition 12, $3 billion; leveraging funds through CDAs and PPPs, and refinancing with more favorable interest rates. It was stated that funding includes $5.7 billion of state/federal investment in CDA/PPPs that have leveraged a total value of nearly $11 billion. TxDOT stated that traditional funding (motor fuels tax) is declining and they expect non traditional funding will continue to contribute a larger proportion of state transportation funds and that funding swings will be significant. TxDOT stated while bridge conditions have steadily improved, more recently, overall condition improvements to the system has tempered. While TxDOT has held their ground, due to energy sector needs, the actual condition of the pavement system is falling below the predictions from the Center for Transportation Research and 2
crash rates, while declining over the past decade, have slightly increased over the past few years. Preservation Funding TxDOT stated that currently the UTP preservation projects funded (2015 2024) include; $3.1 billion in bridge replacement and rehabilitation; $4.3 billion in pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, and energy sector work; and $533 million in safety. TxDOT stated the Supplemental Program Authority Projects awaiting funding that represents priorities of a $2 billion in annual need includes $201 million in bridge replacement and rehabilitation; $1.6 billion in pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, and energy sector work; and $895 million in safety. Mobility TxDOT stated currently the UTP mobility projects funded (2015 2024) include $13.7 billion in mobility projects and stated that there is $1.1 billion in CDA/PPPs. Supplemental Program Authority Projects awaiting funding that represent priorities of an $80 billion statewide needs include $19.8 billion in mobility projects and $16.1 billion in CDA/PPPs. TxDOT stated that Texas population and traffic is growing and since vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has grown faster than population in Texas stating that by 2035, population is projected to exceed 33 million, increasing by 43%. Commissioner Houghton gave a prepared statement on the difficulties with allocation funding of funding receiving a statement from staff that TxDOT leads the nation in giving locals control over project selection, recognized the efforts in recent years to fund projects innovatively referencing the amount of leveraged funds, and the partnerships developed. The Chair asked TxDOT to come back next month to bring a plan to immediately address safety needs in the energy sector areas where fatalities have significantly increased asking that the Commission defund projects already in the UTP. Commissioner Vandergriff asked for a clarification if it is intended that money be moved out of currently funded UTP projects to fund an initiative for safety and the Chairman affirmed. TxDOT stated they have transmitted a $200 million request to the FHWA for other state entity underrun of obligations. It was stated that the SH 288 and Harbor Bridge projects may require additional funds. Commissioner Vandergriff stated he would like to review projects funded in the past to ensure they are selecting the right projects. 3
Award of Federal and State Grant Funding for General Aviation Facilities The commission approved $15.8 million in land acquisition, design, and construction projects including the construction projects shown below. Local sponsors will conduct lettings in the next few months. Approved Aviation Projects Sponsor Associated City and Airport Work Description Estimated Funds City of Dallas Executive Airport Engineering/Design and Pavement Improvements $6,148,000 City of Edinburg South Texas International Airport Construction for Fuel Farm $400,500 City of Greenville Majors Field Pavement Improvements $640,350 City of Kenedy Karnes County Airport Automated Weather Observing System and Design and Construction of Fuel Farm $620,000 Fayette County Airport Engineering and Design for Hangar, Fencing and Pavement Improvements $280,000 Harrison County Airport Hangar and Taxiway Improvements $353,230 City of McKinney National Airport Apron Construction $6,500,000 Zapata County Airport Land Acquisition $520,000 Rules, Final Adoption Transportation Alternative Program The Commission approved rules for the transportation alternative program (TAP) funded under MAP 21. TxDOT stated they have approximately $240 million available for projects committed but not yet obligated. These rules combine several current programs including Category 8 (Safety) and Category 9 (formerly Transportation Enhancements). The amendments describe the method by which funds will be allocated under Category 9. TAP projects include construction of on road and off road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non motorized forms transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, traffic calming techniques, lighting and other safety related infrastructure, transportation projects to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; construction of infrastructure related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non drivers, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs; conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non motorized transportation users; and construction of infrastructure related projects supporting students walking or bicycling to school. Salt Water Pipeline Operators Lease Agreements The Commission approved rules to implement Senate Bill 514 of the 83rd Session, which authorized the placement of saltwater pipeline facilities within the right of way by a lease agreement. Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Modifications (TMUTCD) Minor changes were made to the TMUTCD. 4
Dynamic Tolls The Commission approved rules that would authorize the executive director or their designee to establish toll rates for the use of a department toll project where dynamic pricing is in effect. Overweight Load Authority for Hidalgo County The Commission approved amendments that designate additional routes to the oversize/overweight corridor used by the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority for the issuance of oversize/overweight permits. The additional routes include US 281/Military Highway from Spur 29 to FM 1015; FM 1015 from US 281/Military Highway, south to the Progresso International Bridge; FM 2557 from US 281/Military Highway to Interstate; FM 3072 from Veteran Boulevard ( I Road) to Cesar Chavez Road; and US 281 (Cage Boulevard) from Spur 600 to Anaya. Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Loan The Commission gave final approval to the TIFIA loan documents and trust agreement for a $300 million TIFIA loan for I 35 E between I 635 and US 380 in Dallas and Denton Counties. A commission representative designated under the minute order will give approval. September 24 Contracts Maintenance There were 23 projects and the average number of bids per project was 3. The cumulative low bid was $38 million and there was an overall overrun of 12.9%. All projects were awarded. Construction There were 73 projects and the average number of bids per project was 4.4. The cumulative low bid was $435 million and there was an overall underrun of 1.6%. All projects were awarded. 5