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Home My WebLink About2022-07-27 10:00AM WORKSHOP SESSIONFILED FOR RECORD z 0 )ATE -7 -ZZ Zv Z Z T I."`'D O'CLOCK M — -- - KAFREN M99UEEN B CLERK BRAZOS COUNTY B RYAN, TEXAS NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA WORKSHOP SESSION BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL MEET INAWORKSHOP SESSIONAS FOLLOWS: MEETING DATE: July 27,2022 MEETING TIME: 10:00 AM MEETING PLACE: MPO/RMA Meeting - Brazos County Administration Building, 200 S. Texas Avenue, Suite 106, Bryan, TX 77803 1. Call to Order 2. Presentation and Discussion regarding the County becoming a co -applicant on an MPO-lead joint application for an Action Plan Grant. 3. Present an overview and update of the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority. 4. Adjourn The MPO/RMA Meeting - Brazos County Administration Building, 200 S. Texas Avenue, Suite 106, Bryan, TX77803 is wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking spaces are available. Any request for sign interpretive services must be made two working days before the meeting. To make arrangements, please call (979) 361-4102. Vol.. g pg. s MINUTES J U LY 21, 2022 BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT WORKSHOP SESSION 1. Call to Order A workshop session of the Commissioners' Court of= Brazos County, Texas was held in the Brazos County Commissioners Courtroom in the Administration Building, 200 South Texas Avenue, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 with the following members of the Court present: Duane Peters, County Judge, Presiding; Steve Aldrich, Commissioner of Precinct 1; Russ Ford, Commissioner of Precinct 2; Nancy Berry, Commissioner of Precinct 3; Irma Cauley, Commissioner of Precinct 4; Karen McQueen, County Clerk; Absent. The attached sheets contain the names of the citizens and officials that were in attendance. 2. Presentation and Discussion regarding the County becoming a co -applicant on an MPO- lead joint application for an Action Plan Grant. MPO Chairman Dan Rudge presented the Consider Safe Streets and Roads For All Grant to the Commissioners Court for consideration. The purpose of the Grant is to allow for a formation of a Committee to assess problem traffic areas in the County and work on strategies to rectify the problem. It is strongly encouraged that entities file as joint applicants with their neighboring jurisdictions, and it is a required 20 percent local match. The amount of grant funding would be approximately $260,000, equating to $20,000 per entity for the match amount. Mr. Rudge explained that if the grant is awarded, the Committee will look at where traffic accidents are occurring, determine the type of accident and then make recommendations on how to improve the issue such as, traffic lights, signage or educational programs. Vol.-b g pg. 6 3. Present an overview and update of the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority. RMA Chairman Barry Moore updated the Court on the future plans of the RMA. First, Mr. Moore explained that the language for the referendum on the November ballot will need to be clarified regarding the increased Vehicle Registration fee. He then went on to discuss the specific projects the RMA plans to undertake. The near -term goal is to relieve congestion at the intersection of William D. Fitch and Arrington Road. There are also plans for access roads to RELLIS campus and the eastern inner loop project. As the County continues to grow, the RMA is looking to take a leadership role in these projects to aid with ongoing transportation issues. Mr. Moore requested $30,000 of support from the County to offset RMA administrative costs and asked for a resolution of support for the referendum on the November ballot.. The Court then received further direction on the process for the referendum. 4. Adjourn Vol. pg. The foregoing minutes of the Commissioners Court Workshop Session held July 27, 2022, have been examined and are approved in open Court this the 9th day of August 20223 in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. A%qt Duane Peters County Judge Russ Ford Commissioner, Precinct 2 Irma Cauley Commissioner, Attest: K en McQueen County Clerk Steve Aldrich Commissioner, Precinct 1 Nancy Bedy Commissioner, Precinct 3 Pg i of f BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT Name (PLEASE PRINT) 11 �h )�I ACA -4k-1 n n •CAI' 2 ZA4wowy Organization (PLEASE PRINT) Vol. 36� P�-g• y�' BCSMPO BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Safe Streets and Roads -For All - Discretionary Planning Grant Brazos County Commissioners Court Workshop July 27, 202.2 Daniel Rudge — Executive Director I Bryan/College Station MPO Z. �3� pg. 5~0 1 Safe Streets and Roads For All o Included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (II)A) o Supports the National Roadway Safety Strategy f o Funds local initiatives to prevent death and � f ; serious injury on roads and streets o Commonly referred to as ""Vision Zero" or "Toward Zero Deaths"' initiatives o Up to $113 available in FY 2022 VOL 5-6 y pg. �/ Safe Streets and Roads For All o State DOT's -NOT eligible a Eligible applicants are: ■ MPOs ■ Local governments ■ Transit authorities ■ Tribal governments ■ Multijurisdictional groups of applicants (called joint applicants) o While not required, ,joint applications are encouraged v®I. J-6 ,gig. S Safe Streets and Roads For All o Two types of grants ■ Comprehensive Safety Action Plans ■ Implementation o Rationale ■ Onlywill award implementation rants that have p 9 strategies identified in a safety action plan ■ Recognize that- most communities won't have such a plan ■ Want plans to be truly comprehensive o Benefit ■ Once plan is complete, all applicants in a multijurisdictional plan can apply for implementation grants Veil_ -56 9, pn j -�; I Plan Process o Leadership commitment -.(resolution) o Structure ■ Oversight committee ■ Champion (I was volunteered for this role) o Process inputs ■ Goal setting ■ Safety analysis ■ Public engagement ® Equity considerations o Outcomes ■ Strategy selection ■ Strategy prioritization y�. P9- S� I Safe Streets and Roads For All o Minimum grant request is $200,000 ■ Requires 20% local match f i o Application requires certain data and a short narrative o Evaluation criteria ■ Count of roadway fatalities from 2016-2020 � ■Annual fatality rate per 100,000 population � ■Percent of population in underserved communities ' ■Safety considerations described in narrative o Secretary of Transportation will set award levels for each criteria VOTTI has estimated $260.,000 for joint plan Vol. - P9 -S� The Three Big Asks a Adopt a Vision Zero resolution ■ A model resolution specific to your jurisdiction 'i has been provided to staff j e o Commit to a $20,,000 local match o Provide five names to serve on oversight committee AND appropriate staff (TAC/ATAP) ■ Bicycle/pedestrian advocates ■ Sheriff/Police ' ■Fire Department/Emergency responders i ■ Disability community ■ Business leaders ■ Other safety advocates/human service agencies n s ? ?m ?m ?m Additional Questions/Assistance Contact Dan Rudge at: Email: drudge@.bcsmpo.org Phone: (979) 260-5,298xlOO1 Web: www.bcsmpo.org SAS 4 1 A a ._ A Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan Granti Learn about the SS4A Grant Program • Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). • Check out "How to Apply" webinars and other resources. • Learn more about the Safe System Approach, and comprehensive safety action planning. Decide who will apply • Confirm that you are eligible to apply. • Consider whether to apply individually or as part of a joint application with other eligible applicants. Start the process with SAM.gov • New applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). • Applicants that previously had a DUNS number must confirm UEI. • Joint Applications chose a single lead applicant with a single UEI. Choose your planning approach • Will you develop a new plan or complete an existing plan(s)? • Do you have a plan, but want to pursue supplemental planning activities, including advanced research and analysis? • See the SS4A Decision Flow Chart for more guidance. SAS 4 1 A S l /k M Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan Grant Identify funding match source • Required local share of at least 20 percent. • All matching funds must be from non -Federal sources and may include cash or in -kind, e.g., staff labor on project. • Details on cost -sharing and match can be found in 2 CFR §200.306 Prepare application • Complete SF forms (424, 424A, 424B, LLL). • Prepare responses to selection criteria and develop a map. • Use the Action Plan Application Template (optional). • Complete Self -Certification Eligibility Worksheet. Submit application in Grants.gov • Review application submittal guidance in Grants.gov. • Apply to the correct package ID PK000274330. • Allot time to troubleshoot technical issues and submit by deadline. • Contact support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 for assistance. Receive award notification • Successful applicants will receive notification through Grants.gov via the lead applicants' contact email. • Officially accept the award and grant agreement terms. -his document is not meant to replace the NOFO. Applicants should follow the instructions in the NOFO to correctly apply for a grant. While using this template 3 not required, DOT encourages its use to provide elements of the required application information. Additional information is required, to be submitted eparately. See page 2 of this template and the SS4A website for more information about required materials: https://www.transportation.gov/SS4A ead Applicant: unding request: (choose one) Fatal Value for Application: F submitting a joint application, provide the aggregated values for the full plan area in this row. UEI: NOFO Criterion #1 (_ NOFO Criterion 42----) F submitting a joint application, provide the individual values for the lead applicant and each joint applicant's individual portion of the plan area in the rows below. .ead Applicant: oint Applicant(s): I 2 3 4 D - i. Department of Transportation If more than 4 joint applicants, attach a separate table with additional rows for each additional joint applicant Still have questions? Visit the SS4A website SS4A Action Plan Application Template I Pagel of 2 V®f. >r 9 pg, LQ .ead Applicant's State: Aark "NA" if a Federally ecognized Tribal government :unding Request for Lead kpplicant's State ($): $ 'rovide total cost if Federally ecognized Tribal government darrative: �0-word limit) !emember o provide eparately: 3 Map R ON! i. Department of Transportation Additional State #1 that this Actin Plan grant will serve: Funding request for $ Additional State #1 (S): NOFO Criterion #3 Required Forms Additional State #2 that this Action Plan grant will serve: Funding request for $ Additional State #2 ($): Self -Certification Eligibility Worksheet Only Required for Supplemental Other Documentation Planning Activities Optional SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o- SF-424A Budget Information for Non -Construction Programs o G •. _ $F-4246 Assurances for Non -Construction Programs o ' �- p SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities • Apply to Grants.gov package: PKG00274330 Still have questions? Visit the SS4A website SS4AAction Plan Application Template I Page 2 of 2 309 North Washington Avenue, Suite 14, Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 260-5299 BCRMA.org Vol. 8 pg. 3 In December 2020, the,Brazos County Commissioners Court, as authorized by the Texas Transportation Commission, established the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) to address transportation issues in the county. In November 2022, the RMA will be asking Brazos County voters to approve a $10 increase in the vehicle registration feel to support RMA activities. This document outlines the philosophy that the RMA will follow and the specific tasks that the RMA will undertake, should voters approve the increase in the county vehicle registration fee. Primary Roles of the RMA The RMA will serve primary three roles in addressing transportation needs and issues in Brazos County. • The RMA will undertake legislatively required actions to significantly reduce the time required to identify and implement a range of multimodal projects already prioritized by the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning process. I • Working closely with local transportation partners, the RMA wll take a lead role in addressing key issues involving countywide transportation. 1 In accordance with the Texas Transportation Code, the registration fee applies to all vehicles with a Texas license plate that pay a registration fee, including trailers and semitrailers. 2.� Page Vol. 9 ---- R9• �-- Philosophy and Approach As part of the process that was used to establish the RMA, a vision statement was developed for transportation in Brazos County. That statement, signed by sixteen parties, states that we all recognize that transportation is a significant problem in the County, and we all realize that we need to work together to address this problem. The RMA will work closely with the Bryan -College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in pursuing all aspects of a plan of work. The RMA will be a leader in promoting collaborative project development. A Three -Year Plan of Work Judge Duane Peters Brazos County Commissioners Ka o e Mayor, Cityof IlegeIat* n Nancy Berry Policy Board Chair, Bryan/College Station MPO T�&R�nt Michael Young President, Texas A&M University Bobb441,eqirmlo Development Core. V fShac Greg WV' -ee Chair, Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Directo exas A : Transportation Institute t \� M.. M1^x �N � �✓� Joohhn/d✓✓ulc8eth lance Simmons Chief Executive Officer, Brazos Transit District District Engineer, TxDOT Bryan District Z� Brenda Maineraring Carlos ullbr Assistant Vice President, Union Pacific Railroad Preside an EO, Texas Central . oldings,U.0 . , Z'/', /Z — Andrew Nelson Mayor, City o1 Bryan John arP Ch cellor, The 4 as A&M University System I dL_ TediTedi Ellis�W Board Chair, Brazos County RMA Z' ZZ, ,r Ma N sley ellor, Blinn ege District l� Thomas Wilkinson Executive Director, ratos ey COG If voters approve the increase in vehicle registration fees, the RMA will have a revenue source of approximately $1.5 million. This document summarizes how the funds will be expended. 3 1 P a g e Vol. -(r pg. Specific Projects to be Undertaken The RMA will initially focus on advancing three transportation projects. The location of these projects is shown on the map on page 5. Near -term Project Working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), identify both short- and longer -range approaches for addressing congestion and safety issues in the vicinity of the Arrington Road and W. D. Fitch intersection in College Station. Accelerate construction of a preferred near -term solution. This project is included in the MPO's fiscally constrained priority project list although that funding is not available until after 2030. The MPO selected this project to address traffic delay and mitigate the potential for traffic accidents. The project can be implemented with minimal right-of-way issues. This is an area of College Station undergoing rapid development, and this project enhances economic development opportunities. Intermediate -term Project Develop schematic plans for access to, and in the vicinity of, the RELLIS campus. Interchange plans for the RELLIS campus access from both SH 21 and SH 47 will be developed, as will plans for the interchange of SH 21 and SH 47. This project is listed in the MPO's prioritized project list. Over the past decade, approximately $1 billion of development has occurred on the RELLIS campus. Significant further development is expected both on the RELLIS campus and in the vicinity of the campus. To safely and efficiently accommodate that development, access and interchange improvements will be required. Such a project can be implemented with minimal right-of- way issues. Now is the appropriate time to identify what those improvements should be and when they will be needed. Longer -term Project Initiate planning work on the eastern inner loop, including working with TxDOT to pursue adding this roadway to the state highway system. This proposed roadway connects SH 6 north of Bryan to W. D. Fitch in south College Station. The RMA role will be to conduct public awareness meetings, identify constraints to the alignment, and identify alignments warranting further study, all intended to accelerate implementation. --4�Page EVol. _ J&9 pg. � � Actions are needed to begin the planning process for this project, which is included in the MPO fiscally constrained project list. However, it is not funded until after 2030. This project will address significant safety issues associated with the SH 21 and SH 6 interchange by diverting truck traffic further to the east. This project is important for economic development on the east side of Brazos County and enhances connectivity as a new north — south corridor. RELLIS �- CAMPUS • O .by o Easter woo d ?�� ,tirpoiE Eastern Inpobop RELLIS•Camp' Access Arrington Road/William R-Fitch Intersection 5 1 P a g e vd. 3-& pg. .e Leadership on Key Issues, Initiation of Planning Studies, and Preparing the County for the Future The RMA will take leadership in addressing numerous local transportation - related issues and will, as needed, effectively advocate to advance projects, such as the following: ■ Develop and implement a public outreach program. Such a program will include convening, on a quarterly basis, a meeting for all interested parties to discuss local transportation issues, review the status of various initiatives, and identify next steps for all parties. This will be important in assuring both that all projects are coordinated and that all opportunities for leveraging resources are used. ■ Lead a wide-ranging discussion designed to determine optimal approaches for providing, managing, funding and coordinating transit service in Brazos County in cooperation with our planning partners and local transit providers. ■ Develop a concept for a pedestrian/bicycle/micro-mobility transportation system intended to encourage non -vehicle trips in an aesthetically pleasing environment for an area extending from the Texas A&M University Campus/Northgate to the Midtown Park in Bryan. ■ Identify and pursue potential new sources of funding and actively promote leveraging available funding. This includes writing proposals for new transportation grants included in the recent federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act. ■ Determine the impacts on congestion and safety associated with increased train volumes resulting from the Union Pacific Railroad developing a double - track rail system through Brazos County. Identify approaches for mitigating these impacts. ■ Identify alternative sites/corridors in the county where autonomous vehicles might be effectively deployed and assess implementation feasibility by working with The Texas A&M University System research groups. ■ Identify locations for a system of electric vehicle charging facilities. For additional information, visit the Brazos County RMA website: https://www.bcrma.org/. Vol, �. Pg• 6 g