VEB - AN PLANNING MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING www.aredompo.org Meeting Date & Time: June 21, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. Meeting Location: City of Laredo Council Chambers, 1110 Houston St., Laredo, Texas 78040 Meeting Link: http:/laredotxswagit.com/lve Laredo TV: Spectrum TV channel 1300 AGENDA: I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Speakers are required to fill out witness cards, which must be submitted to MPO Staff no later than 1:45 p.m. the day of the meeting. Speakers shall identify themselves at the microphone. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. No more than three (3) persons will be allowed to speak on any side of an issue. Should there be more than three (3) people who wish to speak on a specific issue, they should select not more than three (3) representatives to speak on their behalf. The presiding officer may further limit public on the interest of order or time. Speakers may not transfer their minutes to any other speaker. Comments should be relevant to MPO business and delivered in a professional manner. No derogatory remarks shall be permitted. IV. ITEMS REQUIRING POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION: A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held on May 17, 2023. B. Receive public testimony and initiate a (10) ten-day public review and comment period for the proposed amendment(s) to the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 1 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA C. Receive public testimony and initiate a (10) ten-day public review and comment period for the proposed revisions to the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). D. Receive public testimony and initiate a (20) twenty-day public review and comment period for the draft FY 2024 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). E. Receive public testimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-05, adopting the following proposed amendment(s) of the MPO By-Laws: 1. Amend Article II, Section 2.1 and 2.2 to allow the Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson to rotate every two years between the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. 2. Amend Article II, Section 2.3 to update the Technical Committee membership. F. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-06, adopting and supporting the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Targets for Pavement and Bridge Performance Measures (PM2). G. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-07, adopting and supporting the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Targets for System Performance Measures (PM3). H. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. I. Discussion with possible action on the MPO and member organizations representation at the June 29th Texas Transportation Commission meeting, and any other matters incident thereto. J. Presentation by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) on the River Road Route Alternatives Study, with possible action. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). B. Presentation and project updates by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): 1. Laredo Outer Loop update 2. Loop 20/US 59 Upgrade update 3. Signage on IH 35 including near the Border Patrol checkpoint C. Update by City of Laredo Engineering staff on the FM 1472/Flecha Ln. Realignment (CSJ 0922-33-076) and Calton Road Grade Separation (CSJ 0922-33-093) projects. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 2 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Policy Committee reserves the right to adjourn into executive session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any posted agenda item when authorized by Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 Deliberations about Real Property), 551.074 (Personnel Matters), 551.076 (Deliberations about Security Devices), and/or 551.086 (Economic Development). Following closed session, the open meeting will reconvene at which time action, if any, may be taken. VIII. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting was posted at the municipal government offices, 1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was posted on Friday, June 16th 2023 by 5:00 P.M. The agenda and meeting information was also posted online at htpawwlardompoor/asendas-minutes, All meetings of the MPO Committee are open to the public. Persons who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aid or services such as: interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers of large print or Braille, or at translator for the Spanish language are requested to contact MPO Staff at 956-794-1605, or via email at aavigl@cilaredo.tkus at least two working days prior to the meeting SO that appropriate arrangements can be made. Materials in Spanish may also be provided upon request. Disability Access Statement: This meeting is wheelchair accessible. The accessible ramps are located at 1110 Victoria and 910 Flores. Accessible parking spaces are located at City Hall, 1110 Victoria. Ayuda O Servicios Auxiliares: Todas las reuniones del Comité del MPO estàn abiertas al publico. Personas que planean asistir a esta reunion y que pueden necesitar ayuda O servicios auxiliares como: interpretes para personas con discapacidad auditiva, lectores de letra grande O en Braille, o un traductor para el idioma espanol deben comunicarse con el personal del MPO al 956-794- 1605 o por correo electronico avgl@c.aredo.kUS por lo menos dos dias laborales antes de la reunion para que se puedan hacer los arreglos apropiados. Material en espanol està disponible mediante una peticion. Declaracion de Acceso a la Discapacidad: Esta reunion permite el acceso a personas en silla de ruedas. Las rampas de acceso estàn ubicadas en 1110 Victoria y 900 Flores. Los espacios de estacionamiento. para discapacitados se encuentran por la calle Victoria. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 3 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Informacion en espanol: Si usted desea esta informacion en espanol 0 si desea explicacion sobre el contenido, por favor llâmenos al teléfono (956) 794-1605 o comunicarse con nosotros mediante correo electronico a avigl@cl.laredo:kus POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: City of Laredo Representatives: Honorable Dr. Victor Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councilmember, District V Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councilmember, District III County of Webb Representatives: Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Laredo Mass Transit Board Representative: Honorable Vanessa Perez, City Councilmember, District VII State Representative: Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TxDOT District Engineer Member at Large Representative: Jed A. Brown Ex-Officio Representatives: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District 42 Honorable Tracy O. King, State Representative, District 80 AGENDA REVIEWED: 1 N a Juan S. Mendive, AICP Jose A. Valdez, Jr, LWCAMPO Director Laredo City Secretary RECD CITY SEC OFF JUN 16 23 AM10:56 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY 4 of 4 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Page LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held on May 17, 2023. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 17, 2023 LIVE WEB LINK:h MP/AHEaLen/NE PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300 I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER Judge Tano Tijerina, called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M. II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL Graciela Briones, MPO Staff, called roll and verified a quorum existed. Regular members present: Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Melissa R. Cigarroa, City Councilmember, District III Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councilmember, District V Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro Tempore, CM. District VII Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TxDOT District Engineer Mr. Jed A. Brown, Member-at-Large Regular members not present: Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Chairperson. CM Perez made a motion to excuse members not present. Second: CM. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Ex-Officio members not present: Honorable JudithZ Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District 42 Honorable Tracy O. King, State Representative, District 80 LWCAMPO Staff present: Juan S. Mendive, LWCAMPO Director Graciela Briones, LWCAMPO-Planner: III Juliol Nino, LWCAMPO Plannerlll Eduardo Bernal, LWCAMPO Planner III Adriana A. Vigil, LWCAMPO Administrative Assistant Others: Ramon Chavez, COL Engineering Jaime Garcia, COL Engineering Orlando Navarro, COL Planning Dept. RobertJ. Garza, COL Transit Sara Garza, TxDOT Ana Duncan, TxDOT Luis M. Villarreal, TxDOT Adelaido "Lalo" Uribe, Webb County Judge's Office Luis Perez Garcia, Webb County Engineering Guillermo Cuellar, Webb County Engineering James Arthur, HOA Manager, La Bota, Green Ranch, VSA Myrna Montemayor, La Bota HOA Board member Fernando Martinez TxDOT Jose Ceballos Robert Morris Pablo Briones III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Speakersare requiredt to fill out witness cards, which must be submittedto MPO Staffno later than 1:45 P.M. the day of the meeting. Speakers shall identify themselves at the microphone. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. No more than three (3) persons will be allowedto speak on any side of an issue. Should there be more than three (3) people who wish to speak on a specificissue, they should select not more than three (3) representativest stospeak on their behalf. The presiding officermayfurther limit public on the interest of order or time. Speakers may not transfer their minutes to any other speaker. Comments should be relevant to MPO business and delivered in a professional manner. No derogatory remarks shall be permitted. Ms. Myrna Montemayor representing La Bota HOA, stated that one oftheirconcerns was having only one entrance, one exit especially whenthey! have issues with warehouses in the area that handle hazardous materials and they experience leaks of chemicals or similar problems. She also talked about the tractor trailer traffic that goes towards the World Trade Bridge every evening in the area. She asked the Committee to look at different waysto move the trafficon Mines Road. She inquired, weatherthere was a River Road that can connect La Bota and other subdivisions without havingto face the traffic, or other exitsto access 1-35 or the Loop without having to endure a 30-40 minutes stuck inthe trafficon Mines Road. She also mentionedthe difficulties emergencyvehideshave to access the area due to the traffic issues. Ms. Montemayor finished by asking the Committee to work in other way to help make a better flow of the trafficin the Mines Road area. Mr. Orlando Navarro, COL Planning Dept. spoke about item VII. Executive Session. Mr. Navarro gave a few words to the committee about Mr. Mendive in his position as the LWCAMPO Director. Mr. Navarro statedthat he and Mr. Mendive have been workingvery welltogether, he also stated that Mr. Mendive has taken the leadin bringing TxDOT, the Webb County and the City of Laredo together. He furtherstated that he is very proud to be working with Mr. Mendive. Mr. Navarro also mentionedthat Mr. Mendiveis a Nixon High School graduate, then he graduated from TAMIU and wentto Ohio Universityto get his Planning Degree, and now Mr. Mendive is AICP certified. Mr. Navarro also stated that he has been learning a lot from Mr. Mendive, as he has been doing a wonderful job at explaining the concepts and what we do for Laredo how important the position of MPO Director is to the City of Laredo and the Webb County. Mr. James Arthur, HOA Manager for La Bota, Villa de San Agustin and Green Ranch Escondido; spoke on access and the River Road Project. He stated that he was not talking in regards to the Board Patrol and their access. He statedt that a River Road would bring a lot ofrelieftoall the communitiesint the Mines Road area. He further stated that ifthere is was an emergency situation, there is only one entrance and exit. He also stated that building a road that wouldbe residential only whenit's appropriate,it would bring a lot ofrelieftothe homeowners' in that area. He asked the committee to continue theirefforts of developing roads and accesses to the communities. IV. ITEMS REQUIRING POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION: A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 22, 2023. CM, Galo, made a motion to approve the minutes of March 22, 2023. Second: CM. Perez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. B. Receive public testimony and initiate a 10-day public review and comment period for the following proposed amendment/s) of the MPO By-Laws: CM. Galo, made a motion to open a 10-day publictestimony. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 8 Against: J Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Judge Tijerina, asked if anyone wished to speak for or against initiating a 10-day public review and comment period for the following proposed amendments of the MPO By- Laws. No one spoke in favor or against. 1. Amend Article II, Section 2.1 and 2.2 to allow the Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson to rotate every two years between the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. Mr. Mendive, gave a briefstatement on the proposedamendments to the MPO By-Laws. He went over the changes that have been proposed and discussedin previous meetings. He statedt that in accordance with the PublicP Participation Plan, itrequires: a 10-day public review and comment period to revise the By-Laws. Mr. Mendive stated that they are amending Article II, Section 2.1 and 2.2 to allow the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to rotate every two years oetween the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. He presented the By-Law document that was included in the packet SO the Committee can see the actual language on it. Mr. Mendive further stated that while they were reviewing the By-Laws theyalso found the needto make some changes to the Technical Committee membership. 2. Amend Article II, Section 2.3 to update the Technical Committee membership. Mr. Mendive, discussedthe proposedamendmento Section 2.3 to update the Technical Committee membership, and lastly staff and the Technical Committee recommend initiatingthe 10-day publicreview and comment period. Judge Tijerina, asked Mr. Mendive ifhe can briefly explain the status ofthis item to bring up to speed some of the committee members and the public. Mr. Mendive, explained that the language to make the changes to the By-Laws that was recommend at the last Policy Committee meeting has been approved. He further explained that the 10-day public review and comment period is being open in May and the final changes to the By-Laws will be in June. CM. Galo, mentioned he thought the language had been approved four months ago. Mr. Mendive, stated that the language had been approved back in March, but since there was no meeting heldi in April the process had seemedto be longer. Mr. Mendive, presented the committee with the changes that are being proposed to be made to the By-Laws. He showedthe committee the changes and the language that was added that talks about the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson and how they will rotate everytwo years, and all the other proposed changes. CM. Galo, asked what occurs if there happens to not be a Chairperson or a Vice- Chairperson present in one of the meetings. Mr. Brown, also asked who would actually conduct the meeting if that were to ever be the situation. Mr. Mendive, stated that if that were to occur, the Committee members would decide who would Chair the meetingthat day as stated inthe By-Laws. Mr. Mendive, stated that all the responsibilities of the Chairperson and the Vice- Chairperson were staying the same. He further stated that the sections where it specifically says the Mayor or the Judge. were just stroke out. Mr. Mendive, presented the changes on the Technical Committee membershipa and how they are also adding a seat for the RMA, the Webb County City of Laredo Reginal Mobility Authority (RMA) representative. Mr. Brown, stated that the RMA has attended every Technical Committee meeting since he has been chaired in November 2019, he stated that they have participated in dialogue and are familiar with the projects of the MPO. Mr. Mendive, stated the last thing was a review of the By-Laws just some cleaning up like the Laredo Community College to reflect the new name which is Laredo College. He furtherstated that they are opening the 10-day comment period, and will be coming back in June for the final one. Judge Tijerina, asked ifhe will be chairing the meetinginJune or until July. Mr. Mendive, stated that the By-Laws will be finalized: lat the June meeting and once that action happens Judge Tijerina will become the Chairperson SO he would Chair the July meeting. Mr. Mendive, further stated that any comments that were provided would be presentedinthe June meeting, and then the final changes would be done. C. Discussion with possible action on a motion to approve the fourth version of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2023 and to incorporate into the metropolitan planning process. Mr. Mendive, stated that this was a Safety Plan that comes by them every year as FTA federal requirement for transit agencies to provide. The Safety Plan has already been adopted by the Mass Transit Board on April 17, 2023. Mr. Mendive explained that the MPO's role was to incorporate it into a planning process and that was why it was presentedbefore the committee. Judge Tijerina, made a motion to approve the item: as written. Second: CM. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: ) Motion carried unanimously. D. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. Mr. Chavez, gave a brief update on the status of the project. He stated they were currently working on the Utility Relocation plan and that there was a schematic already submittedto TxDOT along with the pot holdingplan which is all on schedule. He further stated that the COL Real Estate Division had been continuously working with all the property owners on the property acquisitions. He further stated that they have already received two appraisals, and the rest of the appraisals were expected to be received by Friday after the meeting. He explained that once they receive the appraisals it would be a two-week period for a third party to review the appraisals, before they could begin closing on the properties. Hel lastly stated thatas oft that pointhe did not foresee anything to report that may cause a delay on the project. He also mentioned that their utility consultant had beenin constant communication with the TxDOT's utility consultant ast far as the project is concerned. CM. Perez, asked if the issue with one of the property owners about the changing of the alignment had been resolved. Mr. Chavez answered that yes, the issue had been resolved. He stated that at that point there was no report of anything that would cause a delay to the project. CM. Perez, asked Mr. Chavez if his department had enough staff in order to continue, without anything affecting the project. Mr. Chavez, stated that at that point they were managing with the resources and the staff that the Department had to continue to move forward with the project. CM. Galo, asked Mr. Chavezi for clarification about the process of waiting two weeks after received the appraisals Mr. Chavez explained that a two-weekthird-partyreviewneededtotake place as part of the process and TxDOT requirements. CM. Galo also asked if the property owners were to sign-up after they receive letter offeringto buy the property, and hoping they would donate it. Mr. Chavez, confirmed and stated that process was after the two-week period of the third-party review. CM. Galo, asked ifit was all coming from the Verde Corporation. CM. Perez, asked Mr. Chavez what was the timeline that he had for the acquisition to be finalized. Mr. Chavez, stated that they had a table that was being followed and the next step after Friday whent the appraisals are received there would be a two-week periodfor1 the third- party review, and the offerletters would be send out afterwards. He further stated that he did not have an exact date that they were working as theygo with part of the process and they were following all of TxDOT's requirements. CM. Perez asked if they will be able to finalize it within this fiscal year or this calendar year. Mr. Chavez, He furthered offered to present a more detailed report at the next Policy Committee meeting. He further stated that they were on schedule with TxDOT and they were making sure there were no delays. CM. Perez, stated that TxDOT had breaking ground or letting date for April and she knew that ifthey could get their part of it done faster, they could possibly move that date up. Mr. Gonzalez, TxDOT District Engineer, stated that the project was set up for an April letting date. He commented how TxDOT was alwayslooking at opportunities: and ways to accelerate the project. Mr. Gonzalez, further stated that a week from the following day the Transportation Commission would be passing a minute order to bring Hachar- Reuthingeron system, SO that was movingthe project further along. CM. Galo, asked Mr. Chavezi if all the appraisals were going to Verde Corp. or ifthere were multiple parties. Mr. Chavez stated that there were 5 different property owners that they were working with. CM Galo asked Mr. Chavez how long they had to wait from the property owners once the offerletters were sent. Mr. Chavez, stated that they had been in constant communication with all the property owners and they were all willing to work with them. Mr. Gonzalez, presented project manager Ms. Ana Duncan to give a quick update of the project on the behave of TxDOT. Ms. Duncan stated that the Plan Development and everything was already ongoing, and that the 60% set of the plans would be coming to them by the end of June. Ms. Duncan further informed the committee that they had the environmental process moving forward, and that a virtual publichearing would be held on June 15th in the evening with an opportunity for in-person at the Barbara Fasken Rec. Center. She lastly stated the environmental clearance would be by the end of August or early September, due to the comment periods and other timelines thatneededto be followed. Mr. Mendive, asked Mr. Gonzalezabout the minute orderi that would be presented at the next Transportation Commission meeting, forthe acharPeurningertem. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that for the Hachar-Reuthinger to bring on system wouldi take place that month ofMay. Mr. Mendive mentioned that the agenda for the Transportation Commission meeting hadn't been posted but had confirmed with Mr. Gonzalez that the item would be on the agenda for the next meeting. CM. Perez, and Judge Tijerina asked if the Committee was sending someone in representation to the Transportation Commission meeting. Mr. Mendive, stated that it was a consent agenda typeitem. He further stated that in his Director's report he was going to mention that there would be a meeting in June to discuss the UTP, where the funding gets discussed. He also statedi thatthey were targeting to attend that meeting, but they could attend the May meeting as well. Mr. Mendive mentioned that theya all could coordinate to attend this meeting. CM. Perez suggested to coordinate for someone from the City, from the County and the RMA to attend that meeting. Judge Tijerina stated that the County could probably send their consultant, Mr. Anthony Garza as a representative ofthe County. Mr. Mendive, stated they would also target the June meeting which would be on 29th of June and he would confirm the UTP Draft wouldbe on the agenda of thisregular meeting not on a special meeting. He also stated that he had provided the linkto all the agendas in his Director's report. E. Discussion with possible action on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposed road along the Rio Grande as it relates to the River Road project and other future mobility projects in the region. Judge Tijerina, stated that this item was not the same as the item that was discussedon Monday's City Council meeting. Judge Tijerina stated that this item was about the River Road Study. Judge Tijerina, suggested for this item to be tabled and brought back on the next Policy Committee meeting SO that Customs and Border Protection could provide more information about it. He also stated how the Customs and Border Protection had reached out to him about that proposedi droad. CM. Cigarroa, stated that the Roads and Bridges project that was presented on Monday at the City Council meeting was to make improvements to the road that exists from below Father McNaboe all the wayto pass Chacon creek. CM. Cigarroa furtherstated that it was an existing road and it was not intended fora any access otherthan pedestrian and cycling SO, there wouldn't be any motorized vehicles other than the Border Patrol motol rized vehicles that would be allowed on the road. CM. Cigarroa also stated that she believed this was separate from the River Road which is in District 7 primarily. CM. Cigarroa, stated that perhaps they were looking for access to the future River Road in District 7. Judge Tijerina, stated howtheyjusthad some publicmembers speak about that particular Road as well, and that it can maybe helpi them alleviate some of the traffic congestion on Mines Road. CM. Perez, stated the way these items could be related was when they started talking about the River Road back in 2014 - 2015, Border Patrol had beenincluded because they had talked about maybe using some of the BorderSecurityt fundingto help buildthe road. She further stated that this was a different type of road than the one they had talked about on Monday, but it was still related in the sense that it would also help the Border Patrol with theiri mobility. She also stated that the River Road that was being constructed through the RMA study would actually! be for vehicular traffic and not just for patrolling, but itwould serve both purposedi dif Border Patrol could usei it. She furtherstatedi that they had talked about this back then and how they had talked about puttingthe road as close to the riveras possible to address some of the line ofs sightissuethattheyl have. CM. Perez, mentioned that Congressman Cuellar had attended a Town Hall meeting, she also mentioned that Mr. Brown and a lot other were present there. She went further and stated that Congressman Cuellar did said that he would help withi funding on the project. She mentioned that she could see how it could be related ini that sense. Judge Tijerina asked CM. Perezift this would benefit District 7. CM. Perez confirmed that this road would benefit and that the Policy Committee had kickedit back up for the study through the MPO for the River Road and the RMA is doing it. Jed Brown, stated that they are definitely two different roadways, the one in the newspaperand discussed earlierthat weeki in the City Council meeting was approximately 16 miles starting at Father McNaboe Park and down to Santa Rita it was right along the river's edge. He further stated that the similarity is the name, and that for the RMA's purpose, the RiverRoad Corridors Study that had just been performed and completed, and that should be presented next month in June to the MPO, actually starts north of the World Trade Bridge and coincidentally was about the same length of 15 or 16 miles. Mr. Brown also stated that six (6) different alignments were studied and there were two (2) high scored recommended alignments that would! Ibe presented toi the MPO but these did not fall along the river'sedge necessarily, butini the recommended: alignment there were places that would get close but further in and it wouldI be a paved dedicated publicright of way road versus a road that may be of dirt or caliche and closert to the river'sedge. He further mentioned these might have similar names but they were two different projects. Judge Tijerina, stated that Customs and Border Patrol were trying to be at present at the meeting but they weren'table to make it. Judge Tijerina, made a motion to table the itemfor the future. Second: CM. Perez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Mr. Brown, stated that a report was included ini the packet with descriptions and updates of the 10 following projects: WC-CL RMA May 2023 Status Report to LWCAMPO 1. FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. Turn Lanes - The commencement of work at Killam Industrial Blvd. at FM 1472 occurred in early May 2022. Construction of the pavement widening componentsis complete. Construction ofthe traffics signal is also complete. The trafficsignalisfully, operational, and trafficis now utilizing the newi turnl lanes on FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. The main outstanding components are the sidewalk and driveways at the far north end of the project and should be complete by next week, May 12th. Part of the reason for the slow completion for these last itemsis due to the lack of availability of concrete int the area. Project is 98% complete and substantial completion is scheduled for end of May 2023. 2. Los Presidentes (Cuatro Vientos to Brownwood) Traffic is now operating on the project. The final outstanding items are the lighting. Awaiting the final Construction Change Orderto balance the quantities and record drawings. Project is 99+% Complete. 3. Loop 20 South (Cuatro Vientos) Acceleration/ Deceleration Lane Project -Currently closing out records drawings. Project is 99+% Complete. 4. Springfield Phase III - Final walkthrough of the project occurred on 12/9/22. The Shiloh TrafficSignal is complete. The lightingiss scheduledforcompletion by May. Projectis 95% Complete. 5. Webb County Fair Grounds TIA - The TIA report is complete. The WC-CL RMA stands ready to provide a presentation to the County at their request. 6. River Road Corridor Study - The traffic analysis, cost estimating, report development and presentation is complete. An overview of the study will be provided in May to the Laredo Economic Development Corporation and the Laredo and Webb County MPO at a later date. 7. Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant - In partnership with the MPO and the City of Laredo, the RMA developed a $2M grant application to develop an action to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. On the 30th of January, the RMA was informed by US Congressman Cuellar's Office that the grant was approved for $1.6M. A formal announcement: by Congressman Cuellar was conducted at City Hall on 2/21/23. The RMA is coordinating with the FHWA for the completion of the draft Grant Agreement. Upon completion, the WC-CLRMA will work with the Cityofl Laredoi for the execution ofan Inter Local Agreementforthe sharing ofthe local funding match for the grant. The Studyeffort is anticipated to commence in September 2023. 8. Vallecillo Road - In the August MPO Policy Committee meeting, funding for construction of the project was concluded. Afterthe dedication of $16.5M dollars of Category 71 funds from the MPO, US Congressman Henry Cuellar has pledged $3M of federal earmark funds. These monies are in additionto the $16.24M dedicated tothe project byt the RMA, City of Laredo and the Killam Company. Congressman Cuellarhad ajoint press conference with the City and State officials to announce the funding of the project. Approval of the $3M funds were included as part of the Omnibus Bill that was approved by Congress at the end of December 2022. The RMA received the draft AFA from TxDOT on 3/2/23. The RMA Board of Directors approved the AFA on April4, 2023. Chairman Brown signed the AFA on 4/11/23. AFA with TxDOT isfullyexecuted. Contract agreements between City of Laredo and Killam Developmentis: ongoing. 9. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - Similar to the Los Presidentes project, the WC-CL RMA will sponsor and lead the design and construction of a newlocation 1.3 mile, 2-lane minor arterial roadway extension from Los Presidentes to Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur within a nominal ROW width of 90' in partnership with the City of Laredo. The WC-CL RMA has committed $1 million to the development of the project. The project will provide a parallel route to Cuatro Vientos and provide additional access toi the new Laredo Sports Complex andi the Municipal WaterPark. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City ofl Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is working with the City of Laredo to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter Local Agreementfor the project. 10. Springfield Phase , II, and IV - Similar to Springfield Phase III, the WC-CL RMA has committed up to $1 million to the City of Laredo to assist with the funding of the construction of the next Phase of the project. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement between the City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is working with the City of Laredo to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter Local Agreement for the project. VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS Mr. Mendive, MPO Director provided the following comments/eport: 1. We would like to welcome and introduce our newest MPO team member, Eduardo Bernal, Plannerill. He brings over 23 years of experience at El Metro Transit in planning, operations, project management, publicrelations, and grant writing. Additionally, he has served as a representative of El Metro on the MPO Technical Committee for many years. We are glad to have him join our team and look forward to his contributions. commissioner Jesse Gonzalez left the meeting at 2:07 P.M. 2. The next Texas Transportation Commission Meeting will be held on May 25, 2023. The draft listof projects for the 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is expected to be presented at a Texas Transportation Commission meeting in June. Staff will continue monitoring upcoming meetings and agendas for items pertinent to the MPO and/or the Laredo and Webb County area. Upcoming meetings and agendas can be found on the followinglink.https/wwwIxdotgov/abouv/leadershp/lexas-tas-transportation- commission/meeting-dates-agendas.html. 3. The TxDOT Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) meeting was heldin Laredo on April 20, 2023. MPO staff as well as Technical and Policy Committee members were in attendance. BTAC provides a forum for the exchange of communications between the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT, the governor, and committee members representing border trade interests. The next meeting will be held in the Rio Grande Valleyon August 22, 2023. 4. On May 2nd, 2023, MPO staff met with our FHWA representative, Mr. Kirk Fauver, during an informal visit. The MPO team provided an update on our ongoing planning activities and projects. Ms. Sara Garza, our TxDOT fieldrepresentative was alsoin attendance. 5. May is National Bike Month - The City of Laredo and the MPO Active Transportation Committee helda a proclamation ceremony on May 3rd, 2023 proclaiming May as National Bike Month in Laredo. Aligned with the MPO's mission and efforts of the Active Transportation Committee, we continue to advocate for safe, accessible, and alternate modesoftransportation. 6. Upcoming regularly scheduled meetings: Active Transportation Committee May 31, 2023 Technical Committee -June 13, 2023 Policy Committee - June 21, 2023 VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Policy Committee reserves the right to adjourn into executive session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any posted agenda item when authorized by Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 Deliberations about Real Property), 551.074 (Personnel Matters), 551.076 Deliberations about Security Devices), and/or 551.086 (Economic Development). Following closed session, the open meeting will reconvene at which time action, if any, may be taken. A. Request for Executive Session regarding personnel matters pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to establish an annual salary amount for the full- time MPO Director, return to open session for possible action, and any other matters incident thereto. Judge Tijerina, asked Mr. Mendive if he wishedto go into Executive Session. Mr. Mendive, responded Ihe did wish to go into Executive Session at that time. CM. Galo, made a motion to move the meetinginto Executive Session at 2:15 P.M. Second: CM. Perez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Committee came back from Executive session at 2:35 P.M. Judge Tijerina, stated there was no action taken in the back. CM. Perez, made a motion to move forward with Mr. Mendive'srequest. Second: CM. Gutierrez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Judge Tijerina, stated that Mr. Mendive would be making $115,000.00 yearly salary. CM. Galo, asked when that would start. CM. Perez, suggested they should make his salary effective the following day. CM. Perez, made a motion for Mr. Mendive to start getting the salary as determinedthe following day aftert the day of the meeting. Second: CM. Cigarroa For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Mendive thanked the Committee and the MPO team for the support. CM. Cigarroa, asked Mr. Mendiveif he needed a formal letterfrom the Committee. Mr. Mendive, stated yes, that in form of a memo the City of Laredo had asked for the Chairperson to sing off on the determined: salary. Mr. Mendive, further stated that since the Chairperson was not presenthe would like to ask the Vice-Charperson.uoge Tijerina and Mayor Pro Temp CM. Perezt to do SO instead. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Judge Tijerina, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:39 P.M. Second: CM. Perez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstained: J Motion carried unanimously. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Director LWCAMPO Chairperson LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.B. Receive public testimony and initiate a (10) ten-day public review and comment period for the proposed amendment/s) to the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-21-23 ITEM: IV.B SUBJECT: MOTION Receive publictestimony and initiate a (10) ten-day publicreview and comment periodfor the proposed amendment(s) tothe 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: The MPO Policy Committee approved Resolution No. MPO 2022-05 adopting the 2023-2026 TIP on May 18, 2022. The firstformal revision to the 2023-2026 TIP was approved on October 19, 2022 through Resolution No. MPO 2022-08. A second revision to the 2023-2026 TIP was approved on January 18, 2023 through Resolution No. MPO 2023-01. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM BACKGROUND: The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a federally required document which MPO's developin cooperation with all their planning partners to program mobility and transit projects for a four-year period. On May 18th, 2022, the MPO Policy Committee approved the Laredo MPO 2023-2026 TIP. All MPO TIP documents are subsequently combined tot form the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Revisionsto the TIP involving major changes require a public review and comment period and formal action by the MPO Policy Committee. 1. Revision of projects CSJ 0922-33-165 and CSJ 0922-33-166 to combine the Hachar-Reuthinger project into new CSJ 3843-02-002 fori the new location construction of a 4-lane dividedh highway (SH 84) from FM1472 to IH35 west frontage road. Purpose of amendmentis to add the new project CSJ 3843-02-002, update the project information to reflect the designation of State Highway 84 and revise funding amounts and project letting date to FY 2024. Funding amounts will be adjusted to reflect the funding strategy and additional programming of Category 7 funds approved by the Policy Committee on March 22, 2023. Thisincludes: $100,000,000 in Category 7 funds, $32,488,674 in Category 4 funds, and $15,188,067 in Category 2 funds. 2. Revision of project CSJ 0018-05-089 for the replacement of bridge structure at Uniroyal Drive. Purpose of amendment is to revise the existing funding amounts. Funding amounts will be adjustedi to increase Category 12 funds from $45,000,000 to $100,921,714. 3. Revision of project CSJ 0086-16-008 for the construction of an overpass at Lomas Del Sur Blvd. and State Loop 20. Purpose of amendment is to revise the existing funding amounts. Funding amounts will be adjustedto increase Category 2 funds from $23,209,713 to $34,535,033. 4. Revision of project CSJ 0018-06-185 for the construction of a new direct connector (#3 and # 6) northbound and southbound IH35 to US59 eastbound. Purpose of amendment is to revise the existingfunding amounts. Funding amounts will bea adjustedto increase Category 12 funds from $39,200,000 to $41,505,334 and add Category 1 fundsi in the amount of $13,000,001. 5. Revision of project CSJ 0086-14-077 forthe construction of US 59 interchange ata airport. Purpose of amendment is to revise the existing funding amounts and project letting date to FY 2026. Funding amounts will be adjusted to increase Category 12 funds from $16,418,996 to $23,640,497. 6. Revision of project CSJ 0086-14-086 for the reconstruction of existing 6-lane divided highway to proposed 6-lane freeway with a sectionincluding 3-lane frontage roads. Purpose of amendmenti is to revise the existingfunding amounts and project letting date to FY 2026. Funding amounts will be adjustedto increase Category 12 fundsfrom $29,290,676 to $57,790,767 and add Category 1 fundsin the amount of $19,000,001. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM Administrative Amendments: Additionally, the amendmentsi to the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will also include administrative modificationstot the following three (3) projectsto reflectupdatedletting dates from FY 2023 to FY 2025: CSJ 0922-33-076 - FM 1472/Flecha Ln CSJ 0922-33-093 - Calton and Santa Maria Interchange CSJ 0922-33-177 - RiverVega Trail The estimatedletting datesfor the listed projects have been revised from FY 2023 to FY 2025. No other changes were made to these projects. The administrative modificationi is being presentedforinfomatoni purposes. Changing a letting date within the TIP years does not require a formal revision. The Laredo Webb County Area MPO PublicParticipation Plan does not require Policy Committee action for non-substantive revisionsto the MPO long-range plans and programs such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommends approval. Staff recommendsa approval. TIP Highway Financial Summary Year of Expenditure Cost TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORIATION Laredo MPO District 22 FY 2023 - 2026 Transportation improvement Program Funding by Category FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Total FY2023- 2026 Category Description Programmed Authorized Programmed Authorized Programmed Authorized Programmed Authorized Programmed Authorized Preventive Maintenance 1 and Rehabilitation $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $32,000,002 $32,000,002 $32,000,002 $32,000,002 Urban Area (Non- TMA) 2 Corridor Projects $105,450,000 $105,450,000 $17,879,491 $17,879,491 $34,535,033 $34,535,033 $12,355,990 $12,355,990 $170,220,514 $170,220,514 Non-1 Traditionally Funded 3 Transportation Project $0 $0 $10,750,000 $10,750,000 $0 $0 $14,780,000 $14,780,000 $25,530,000 $25,530,000 Statewide Connectivity 4 Corridor Projects $0 $0 $32,488,674 $32,488,674 $65,000,000 $65,000,000 $0 $0 $97,488,674 $97,488,674 5 CMAQ $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 6 Structures $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 7 Metro Mobility & Rehab $0 $0 $101,250,000 $101,250,000 $7,030,287 $7,030,287 $16,500,000 $16,500,000 $124,780,287 $124,780,287 8 Safety $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 9 TAP TASA $0 $0 $0 $0 $696,850 $696,850 $0 $0 $696,850 $696,850 Supplemental 10 Transportation $0 $0 $0 $0 $18,040,154 $18,040,154 $0 $0 $18,040,154 $18,040,154 10CBI Corridor Border $43,502,580 $43,502,580 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $43,502,580 $43,502,580 11 District Discretionary $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 11 Rider 11B $26,000,000 $26,000,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $26,000,000 $26,000,000 12 Strategic Priority $18,000,000 $18,000,000 $52,342,567 $52,342,567 $100,921,714 $100,921,714 $126,936,598 $126,936,598 $298,200,879 $298,200,879 SBPE Strategy Budget PE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 SB102 Strategy: 102 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total $194,452,580 $194,452,580 $214,710,732 $214,710,732 $226,224,038 $226,224,038 $202,572,590 $202,572,590 $837,959,940 $837,959,940 Funding Participation Source Source FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Total FY23-26 Federal $155,562,064 $163,636,973 $181,965,326 $150,234,072 $651,398,435 State $38,890,516 $40,073,759 $41,497,407 $34,258,518 $154,720,200 Local Match $0 $250,000 $2,761,305 $3,300,000 $6,311,305 CAT 3- Local Contributions (LC) $0 $10,750,000 $0 $14,780,000 $25,530,000 CAT3 3-F Prop 1 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 CAT3 3- Prop 12 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 CAT3-F Prop 14 Bonds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 CAT 3- Texas Mobility Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 CAT3-1 TDC $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Other- Strategy PE Budget $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Other Strategy 102 Budget $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total $194,452,580 $214,710,732 $226,224,038 $202,572,590 $837,959,940 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.C. Receive public testimony and initiate a (10) ten-day public review and comment period for the proposed revisions to the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-21-23 ITEM: IV.C SUBJECT: MOTION Receive publictestimony and initiate a (10) ten-day publicreview and comment periodfor the proposed revision(s) toi the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: On. January 21, 2020, the Policy Committee adopted the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The Policy Committee approved Revision #1 on April, 20, 2020, Revision #2 was approved on June 15, 2020. Revision #3 was approved on February 22, 2021. Revision #4 was an administrative modification on April 19, 2021. Revision #5 5 was approved on February 8, 2022. On October 19, 2022, the Policy Committee approved Revision # 61 through Resolution No. MPO 2022-09. On. January 18, 2023, the Policy Committee approved Revision #7 through Resolution No. MPO 2023-02. BACKGROUND: Metropolitan Planning Organizations are required to developand update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for their respective metropolitan area covering a planning horizon of at least 20 years. The Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan is an official, comprehensive, intermodal transportation plan developed dand adopted for the metropolitan planning area. The 2020-2045 MTP identifies the existing and future transportation needs and develops coordinated strategiesto provide the necessary transportation facilities essential forthe continued mobility and economicvitality of the region. Projects includedi in the MPO's Transportation Improvement Program shall be consistent with the approved Metropolitan Transportation Plan. On April 19, 2021, an admil nistrative modification toi the MTP added Appendix A - Short Range Projectsldentfied in the MTP and Listed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to facilitate theidentification of projects on both the TIP and the MTP, and to ensure constenybetweenboth documents. The proposed revisionis intendedi to make the necessary changes to the MTP, specifically. Appendix A - Short Range Projects Identified in the MTP and Listed in the TIP to incorporate and reflect the proposed revisionsto the 2023-2026 TIP. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommends approval. Staff recommends approval. Laredol Webb County Areal MPO (Appendix A) Short Range Projects Identifiedi int thel Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)a and Listedi int thel Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) FY2023 FY2026 CSJ PROJECT NAME SCOPE FROM TO SPONSOR PROJECT CATEGORY YOE COST FY2023 1 0086-01-073 SH3 3591 Widening Widenr roadwayf from3 3-lanet to 5-lane 4.06miesEofSL20 8.935milesE EofSL 20 TxDOT 11,12 $25,000,000 undividedH Highway 2 0086-02-023 SH3 3591 Widening Widenr roadwayfr from2 2-lanet to4 4-lane 8:935milesEofSL: 20 9.830n milesE EofSL 20 TxDOT 11 $6,000,000 divided highway Reconstruction ofe existinge 6-la lane 3 0086-14-088 USS 59( (Loop: 20) dividedhighwayt toproposed6 6-lane 0.36r mi South ofl University Blvd 0.51 mi South of Shiloh Dr. TxDOT 2U, 10, 11, Reconstruction freewayf facilityw with3 3-lanef frontage $45,394,778 roads atl University Blvd. tos Shiloh Dr. 4 0086-14-076 Interchangea US59(Loop2 at Shiloh 20) Dr. Constructiono ofir interchange Dr. at: Shiloh 0.50n mi Sofs ShilohD Dr. 0.50r mi Nof ShilohD Dr. TxDOT 2M,1 10 $31,856,549 Reconstruction ofe existinge 6- lane 5 0086-1 14-089 US5 59( (Loop: 20) highwayt toproposed6-1 lanef freeway 0.51r mis Southo of Shiloh International Blvd. TxDOT 2U,10, 11 $38,390,491 Reconstruction with3-lane frontager roads US5 59( (Loop: 20) Constructiono at 6 0086- 14-079 Interchangea atl University ofinterchange: 0.50r mis of UniversityE Blvd. 0.50r min of University Blvd. TxDOT 2M, 10 $19,364,639 Blvd. UniversityE Blvd. 7 0086-14-075 US 59( (Loop20) Constructiono oflr Interchange atl Del 0.50 mi South ofD Del MarE Blvd. 0.50 mil North of Del Mar Blvd. TxDOT 2M,1 10 $28,446,1 123 Interchangea atD DelMar MarE Blvd. 7PROJECTSF FORF FY20231 INT THE AMOUNTOF: $194,452,580 FY: 2024 Preliminarye and constructionf fort F expansionc oft the Worid1 Trade Bridge Worid Trade Bridge consistingofs 8 1 0922-33-213 Expansion lanesb byb buildingan new8laneb bridge Worid Trade Bridge City 7,3LC $12,000,000 adjacentt tot thee existingb bridgef for a total of 161 lanes aftero completiono of theproject Reconstructionc ofe existinge 6-la lane 2 0086- 4- 8 US 59 (Loop: 20) highwayt top proposede 6- lanef freeway 0.4r miN North ofE Corridor Rd 0.36 mi South ofl University TxDOT 12 Reconstruction faciityv with3-1 lanef frontager roads at (Airport). Blvd. $30,600,000 0.4miNofa airportt tol UniversityE Blvd. 3 0086-14-078 US59( (Loop: 20) Constructiono ofir interchange at 0.50n mis ofJ Jacaman Rd 0.50minofJ Jacaman Rd TxDOT 12,2M $24,433,991 Interchange at. Jacaman Rd. Jacaman Rd. 3483-02-002 SH8 84 New locationo constructionc of4 4-lane FM1 1472 IH3 35 West 7,4,2 (Hachar- Reuthingern Road) dividedhighway Frontager road City $147,676,741 4PROJECTS FORF FY2024 INT THE AMOUNT OF: $214,710,732 FY: 2025 1 0018-05-089 Replace Bridge atl Uniroyal Replacemento oft bridge structure at 0.5m mis southo ofUniroyal 2.68m mir northofu Uniroyal TxDOT 12,4 $165,921,714 Dr. Uniroyal Dr. Interchange Interchange 2 0086-16-008 SL2 20Interchangea at Constructo overpassa atLomas Del Sur 0.1miess southo ofL Lomas 0.1milesn northo ofLomas TxDOT 2,7 $41,565,320 Lomas Del SurE Blvd. Blvd. Del Sur Blvd. Del Sur Blvd. 3 0922-3 33-076 FM14721 Flechal Lane Realingmento ofF FlechaL Ln. Intersectiono ofFM 1472 0.1 174n miles easto ofFM 1472 City 10 $1,800,000 andL Las CrucesE Blvd. andFlechal Ln. 4 0922-33-093 Caltona and SanM Maria Construtionofagrade: separation 0.25m me easto of Calton/San Maria 0.25m westo of Calton/San Maria City 10 $16,240,154 Interchange interchange intersection Intersection 5 0922-33-177 River Vegal Trail Constructh hike & biketr trail AnnaF Park LCCC Campus City 9-TAP $696,850 SPROJECTSF FORF FY2025 INT THE AMOUNTOF: $226,224,038 FY2 2026 NewD Directo Connector( (#3 and# 6) 1 0018-06-185 Direct Connector: #3 and#6 northbounda ands southboundi IH: 35 to 0.5mieastoflk IH35 0.5min northo of US5 59 TxDOT 12,1 $54,505,335 US59e eastbound Comrucondrewlme Joff. 2 0922-33-20 205 VallecilloF Road system]h highwayw witho continuoust turn FM1 1472 IH35 RMA 7, 3LC,12 $35,280,000 3 0086-14-077 US5 590 (Loop: 20) Constructionofir interchange 0.500 mis SouthofE 0.50 mil NorthofE ECorridor TxDOT 2M, 12 $35,996,487 Interchangea atA Airport atA Airport Corridor Rd/Airpor). Rd/Airport). Reconstructiono ofe existinge 6-lane 0086-14-086 USS 59( (Loop: 20) divided highwayt top proposede 6-lane 0.4r mil North OfEC Corridor Rd. Reconstruction freeway facilityv withas section US59 TxDOT 12,1 $76,790,767 including3 3-lanef frontager roads at US (Airport) 591004miNofa airport. 4PROJECTSF FORF FY2026 INT THE AMOUNTO OF: $202,572,589 TOTAL OF 20 PROJECTS IN THE AMOUNT OF: $837,959,939 Funding Category Types CAT1 1: Preventive! Maintenancea andF Rehabil ilit itaion CAT: 2: Metropolitana andu Urban Corridor Projects CAT3 3: Non-T TraditionallyF Funded1 Transportatinf Projects- includes state bondf funds, proposition 12or 14, etc. CAT 4: Statewide Connectivity Corridor Projects (Urban Connectivity) CAT7: Metropolitan Mobilitys andF Rehabilitation CAT 9: TransporationA Alternativess Set-AsideF Program (TASA) CAT 10: Supplementall Transportation! Programs CAT District Discretionary 11: CAT1 12: StrategicF Priority addresses projecty withp priority to State Prop 1: Propostion1 1: Effectivei in: 2015H Highwayl TrustF Fund allo 00 tion fromg gas taxr revenue Prop 7: Proposition 7: MPO allocationsf fromf formulaf funds divertedf from state general sales, uset tax, vehicle sales, and rental tax Updatedh by GSB on 06-16-23 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.D. Receive public testimony and initiate a (20) twenty-day public review and comment period for the draft FY 2024 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (LWCAMPO) ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-21-23 ITEM: IV.D SUBJECT: MOTION Receive publictestimony and initiate a 20-day publicreview and comment period for the draft 2024 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: None BACKGROUND: The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is one-yearwork program which describes in detail transportation planning programs and activitiest to be performed by the MPO in a fiscal year. The FY 2024 UPWP outlines and schedulestasks to be undertaken by the Metropolitan Planning Organization during the fiscal period. Some of the tasks outline may require more than one year to complete and are carried forward from one UPWP to the next. Final draft will be due. July 31, 2023. Listed belowi is the proposed budget: SUBTASK AMOUNT 1.1 Planning and General Administration $ 530,000.00 1.2 PofessonalDevebpment: Travel and Training $2 25,000.00 1.3 Public Participation Plan (PPP) $20,000 1.4 ComputerE Equipment, Furnishing and Office Supplies $ 15,000 1.5 Building Maintenance and/orRepairs $10,000 2.1 General Data Administration $1 15,000.00 3.1 General Administration $2,500.00 3.2 Planning Assistance $7,500.00 3.3 Complete Streets Set-Aside $15,000 4.1 2020-2045 Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) $5,000.00 4.2 2025-2050 MTP Update $ 365,000.00 5.1 Long Range Freight Mobility Plan $ 125,000.00 5.2 Microtransit Feasibility Study $ 150,000.00 5.3 Resiliency Study $ 50,000.00 5.4 World Trade Bridge Expansion Study $ 75,000.00 TOTAL $ 1,410,000.00 The total estimated Transportation Planning Funds (TPF) that will be available for FY 2024 is $2,429,997. This consists of an estimated $562,039 TPF estimatedto be awarded in FY 2024 based on authorizationsfrom previous) years and an stmatedunexpended C caryoverof51.86/958 from FY 2023. At total of $1,410,000 in TPF is proposedto be programmed in FY 2024. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The LWCAMPO Technical Committee Staff recommendsapprova. recommendsapproval. FY 2024 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM (UPWP) 2 DRAFT 2 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY de AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Transportation Management Area (TMA) AIR QUALITYSTATUS: Attainment The preparation of this report has beenfinanced in part through grant(s) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), U.S. Department of Transportation, under the State Planning and Research Program, Section 505 [or Metropolitan Planning Program, Section 104(f)] of Title 23, U.S. Code. The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Approved by the Policy Committee on: Revised: Federal Approval: Revised: LWCAMPO - 1413 Houston St. Laredo, TX. 78040 - (956) 794-1613 - htp/Pwlardompoor LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I. INTRODUCTION. 1 A. PURPOSE 1 B. DEFINITION OF AREA 4 C. ORGANIZATION 4 D. PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT. 6 E. PLANNING ISSUES AND EMPHASIS. 6 Planning Issues. 6 Planning Emphasis Areas 7 II. TASK 1.0 -A ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT. 12 A. OBJECTIVE. 12 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 12 C. PREVIOUS WORK 13 D. SUBTASKS 15 SUBTASK 1.1- Planning and General Administration. 15 SUBTASK 1.2- - Professional Development, Travel and Training. 15 SUBTASK 1.3 - Public Participation Plan (PPP) 16 SUBTASK 1. 4 - Computer Equipment, Furnishing and Office Supplies. 16 SUBTASK 1.5 = Building Maintenance and/or Repairs. 16 E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY. 16 III. TASK 2.0- DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE. 17 A. OBJECTIVE. 17 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 17 C. PREVIOUS WORK 17 D. SUBTASKS 17 SUBTASK 2.1- General Data Administration. 17 E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY. 18 IV. TASK 3.0- - SHORT RANGE PLANNING 18 A. OBJECTIVE. 18 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 18 C. PREVIOUS WORK 18 D. SUBTASKS 19 SUBTASK 3.1- General Administration. 19 SUBTASK 3.2- Planning Assistance. 19 SUBTASK 3.3 - Complete Streets Set-Aside. 19 E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY. 20 V. TASK 4.0 - METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN.. 20 A. OBJECTIVE. 20 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 20 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION C. PREVIOUS WORK 20 D. SUBTASKS 21 SUBTASK 4.1- 2020-2045 Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). 21 SUBTASK 4.2- 2025-2050 MTP Update. 21 E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY. 21 2020-2045 Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). 21 VI. TASK 5.0- - SPECIAL STUDIES. 21 A. OBJECTIVE. 21 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 22 C. PREVIOUS WORK 22 D.: SUBTASKS 22 SUBTASK 5.1- Long Range Freight Mobility Plan.. 22 SUBTASK 5.2- Microtransit Feasibility Study.. 22 SUBTASK 5.3 - Resiliency Study. 22 SUBTASK 5.4 - World Trade Bridge and Freight Mobility Impacts Study. 23 E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY. 23 VII. BUDGET SUMMARY 24 VIII. APPENDICES. 25 APPENDIX A. 25 POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 25 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP. 25 MPO STAFF 25 APPENDIX B.. 26 METROPOLITAN AREA BOUNDARY MAP. 26 APPENDIX C.. 27 DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION 27 APPENDIX D 28 LOBBYING CERTIFICATION 28 APPENDIX E. 29 CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE. 29 APPENDIX F. 30 CERTIFICATION OF INTERNAL ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAM 30 ii I. INTRODUCTION The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962 promulgatedthe requirementtnat all urban areas of 50,000 or more population develop and maintain a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) transportation planning process. The process would establish a transportation plan and provide the procedure by whichit would be maintained and revised on a continuing basis. In July 1979, the Governor of Texas designated Laredo Urban Transportation Study (LUTS) Steering Committee as the MPO for the Laredo urbanized area. In February 2020, The Policy Committee approved the amendment of the MPO Bylaws to change the name of the MPO from Laredo Urban Transportation Study (LUTS) to the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO). A. PURPOSE The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is the instrument that serves as the document for coordinating and identifying ways to carry out the continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process for Laredo, Texasand portions of Webb County. An MPO is required to perform all planning tasks set forth in federal laws and regulations, many of which are conducted annually. This UPWP is a one-year transportation planning work program which describes in detail transportation planning programs, and activities to be performed in LWCAMPO for the FY 2024. However, some tasksr require more than one yearto complete andare carriedforward from one UPWP to the next. To effectivelyidentifyal. work tasks, the Laredo MPO preparesthis! UPWP withi inputfrom federal, state and localj jurisdictions, and transportation providersin the region. The MPO's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will comply with all applicable federal and state regulations. Several transportation bills have been implemented in the past. These include the following: ISTEA- The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which emphasized the efficiency of the intermodal transportation system. TEA-21- - The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, signed by the Presidentin 1998, builds on the initiatives established in ISTEA with a particular focus on equityi through access, opportunity, and fairness. SAFETEA-LU- The Safe,Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, was enacted in 2005 authorizing the Federal surface transportation programs for highways, highway safety, and transit for the 5-year period 2005-2009. MAP-21-The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, was enacted in 2012 and created a streamlined and performance-based surface transportation program and builds on many of the highway, transit, bike, and pedestrian programs and policies established in 1991. FAST Act- The Fixing America's! Surface Transportation Act, was passed in 2015 covering a 5- year period and was the first Federal law in over ten years to provide long-term funding certainty for surface transportation (for fiscal years 2016 through 2020). The FAST Act continuest the Metropolitan Planning Program and authorizes $305 billionforthe Departments FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 1 highway, highway and motor vehicle safety, public transportation, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials safety, rail, and research, technology and statistics programs. IIJA- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is the first long-term surface transportation act since the FAST Act in 2015. The IIJA continues the established structure of various highway-related program and adds several newlederalyltmoedgant programs. IIJAI Planning Factors The IIJA contains ten (10) planning factors that should be considered when developing plans and programs. The work tasks contained in this UPWP have considered the following areas, some more directlythan others: 1. Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency; 2. Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users; 3. Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users; 4. Increase accessibility and mobility of people and freight; 5. Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the qualityof life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and conomicdevelopment patterns; 6. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight; 7. Promote efficientsystem management: and operation; 8. Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system; 9. Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate storm water impacts of surface transportation; and 10. Enhance travel and tourism. Further, the work tasks considerthe federal performance goals (23 USC S 150.b) ini the following seven areas: 1. Safety: achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. 2. Infrastructure Condition: maintain the nighwaylntrastructure asset systemin a state of good repair. 3. Congestion Reduction: achieve a significantr reductionin congestion on the National Highway System. 4. System Reliability:improve the efficiency ofthe surface transportation system. 5. Freight Movement and Economic Vitality: Improve the national freight network, strengthen the ability of rural communities to access national and international trade markets, and support regional economic development. 6. Environmental Sustainability: enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. 7. Reduced Project Delivery Delays: reduce project costs, promote jobs and the economy, and expedite the movement of people and goods by accelerating project completion through FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 2 eliminating delays in the project development and delivery process, including reducing regulatory burdens and improving agency work practices. Performance Management The IIJA maintains the FAST Act and MAP-21 focus on safety and efforts to streamline project delivery and continuesthe overall performance-based, planning approach. MAP-21 instituted Performance Management to provide greateraccountablity and transparence and help achieve the most efficient and effective investment of transportation resources. The FAST Act continued MAP-21's overall performance management approach, within which States invest resources in projects that collectively will make progress toward national goals. The IIJA continues these efforts. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation in consultation with stakeholders establishes performance measures to chart progress toward accomplishment of national goals establishedin MAP-21: safety, infrastructure condition, interstate system condition, congestionreduction,systemrelabilly, freight movementand economic vitality, environmentalsustainability,andreduced project delivery delays. Performance targets established by the State and MPO will be based on national performance measures and will improve decision making through performance- basedp planning and programming. The FAST Act adjusted the timetrame for States and metropolitan planning organizations to make progress toward meeting their performance targets under the National Highway Performance Program and clarifiesi the significant progress timeline forthe Highway Safety Improvement Program performance targets. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN (PPP) The MPO believes ini the proactive involvement of citizens, affected publicagencies, representatives of transportation agencies, private providers of transportation, and other interested parties in the development and updates of transportation plans and programs. The Laredo MPO has a Public Participation Plan (PPP) intended to provide an opportunity for meaningful, active, ongoing public participation and involvement for citizens, groups, agencies, and public providers of transportation. The Laredo MPO conducts all planning activitiesin: accordance with the adopted (PPP). The MPO continuesto engage interested parties during the development ofthe PublicParticipation Plan (PPP), and the short-term and long-term transportation plans. Per 23 CFR 450.316, interested partiessuch as those listed below, shall have reasonable opportunitiesto. commenton projectsof the short-term and long-term transportation plans: Affected public agencies Freight shippers Private providers of transportation services Representativesof: publictransportation employees Representativesoftne disabled epresentatvesoluerso: publictransportation epresentatvesoluerso: pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 3 Other interested parties The MPO continuesto consult and cooperate withfederal, state, and local agencies and tribal nations responsible for land use, natural resources, and other environmentalissues duringthe adoption oflong and: short-term plans. The MPO consults with agencies responsible for historic preservation, natural resource conservation, environmental protection, and land use management, as appropriate, in the development of the short and long-term transportation plans. The Laredo MPO periodically evaluates the effectiveness of its Public Participation Plan (PPP) for enggngtransportation-disadvantaged communitiesin the transportation decision making process. B. DEFINITION OF AREA The Laredo Metropolitan Area Boundary (MAB) includes the City of Laredo and portions of Webb County (See Map, Appendix B) The MAB was approved by the Governor in 2004. The Laredo urbanized area (as determined by the 2010 Census) surpassed 200,000 in population and was designated a Transportation Management Area (TMA) effective July 18th, 2012. C. ORGANIZATION The City of Laredo is the fiscal agent for the Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO). The LWCAMPO is composed of two organizational units: The Policy Committee and the Technical Committee. The Policy Committee. In accordance with the adopted MPO Bylaws, is the policy body that was established pursuant to 23 USC 134, and created to address overall regional transportation making sure all projects, plans, programs and studies are evelopedincomplance with federal and state laws, rules andr regulations. The Policy Committeeis: also esponsbletortasingtne required approval actions as the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Policy Committee is comprised of those governmental agencies identified in the original designation agreement and those agencies or organizations subsequently added to the membership of the board. As the governing body of the MPO, the Policy Committee shall have decision-making authority over issues such as: The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) The Congestion Management Plan (CMP) Voting members of the Policy Committee must include representation of local elected officials, officials of agencies that administer or operate major modes or systems of transportation, and appropriate state officials, as per 23 CFR 450.310. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 4 The Policy Committee is currently chaired by the Mayor of the City of Laredo and includes as voting members: Three (3) City of Laredo Council members, [Two (2) members representing the City of Laredo, and one (1) representing the Laredo Mass Transit Board] The Webb County Judge (as Vice-Chairman) Two (2) Webb County Commissioners The Laredo TXDOT District Engineer One (1) Member at Large The State Senator for District 21, the State Representative for District 80 and the State Representative for District 42 serve as non-voting, ex-officio members. The Technical Committee. Its responsibilities include professional and technical review of work programs and transportation planning activities. The Technical Committee is also responsible for providingplaningrecongrecommendationsto the Policy Committee: for action. A List of the Policy Committee and Technical Committee respective memberships is provided in Appendix A. Other Committees. The Active Transportation Committee (ATC) was created after the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was adopted by the City of Laredo on February 22, 2021. The ATC provides recommendation on activities and transportation planningissuesto the Technicaland Policy respective Committees. The Title VI/EJ Working Group is comprised of 9 members, including representatives of the City of Laredo, the MPO, TxDOT, transit and the County Planning Department. The Group'spurpose isto assist the MPO ini improving data collection, monitoring and analysis to ensure that transportation related programs and policies do not have a disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minorityand! low-income populations. The Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), in cooperation with the TxDOT, Webb County/Cityof Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (WC-CL RMA), mass transit operators, planning agencies and local governments is the organization responsible for carrying out and maintaining the urban transportation planning process to include a cooperative decision-making, principally, by elected officials of local governments. LWCAMPO also executes contracts and/or agreements necessaryto carry out the work outlinedinthe UPWP. In addition, the MPO develops and maintainstransporation databases and analytical tools. The MPO staff providing service and support include:T The Director, three Transportation Planners and an Administrative assistant. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 5 MPO staff has the following general responsibilities: 1. Provide staffsupport to the Policy Committee, the Technical Committee, and sub-committees; 2. Review and report on items on the agenda(s) for the Policy Committee, the Technical Committee, and other appropriate committees; 3. Coordinate and perform the planning and data collection activities contained in the UPWP; 4. Prepare and submit an annual budgetoutinedinthe UPWP for approval; 5. Receive and review all bills from consultants that the MPO has contracted with to perform work outlined in the UPWP; 6. Submit requestsfor reimbursementto the appropriate federal and/or state agenciesfor work performed according to the UPWP; 7. Prepare and submitgrant applications for edera/otherassistance in transportation planning, and related fields, as appropriate; 8. Prepare and submitthe annual performance and expenditure report and annual projectlisting 9. Coordinate the activitiesfor the development and maintenance of the Unified Planning Work Program, the long-range metropolitan transportation plan and the Transportation Improvement Program; 10. Refine and maintaina process for engaging the publicin the transportation planning process; 11. Perform any other administrative duties as required by the Policy Committee;and, 12. Ensure compliance with Title VI Civil Rights, Environmental Justice and other federal equirementsrelatedto the MPO's operations, activitiesand programs. City of Laredo staff and servicesfrom the Accounting, Purchasing, Legal, Human Resources, .S.T. and other Departments may be required. D. PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT The Laredo & Webb County Areal MPO encourages the private sectorto participate in the development of all transportation programs and plansincluding the Transportationlmprovement Program (TIP)and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) development. Staff also maintains and periodically updates a list of consultant firms that provide transportation planning services. E. PLANNING ISSUES AND EMPHASIS The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have jointly issued Planning Emphasis Areas (PEAs). The PEAS are planning topics that FHWA and FTA emphasize for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and State Departments of Transportation (DOTS) to develop, identify, and ultimately support associated work tasks with the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and the Statewide Planning and Research Program. The PEAS include: Planning Issues Roadways and Livability - System capacity issues will pose a major challenge in light of expected population and freight movement growth levels. However, while investments are made in transportation infrastructure, the safety and livability of communities in the Laredo MPO should be considered. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 6 Population - The Cityoflaredo ist the third most populated U.S. city on the U.S.-Mexico border. The city has a population of over 250,000. The cross-border Laredo-Nuevo Laredo Metropolitan Areahas an estimated population of over 650,000. Basedupon the most recently developed estimates, the population is expected to grow by more than 50 percent between the years 2018 and 2045, with an estimated population ofapproxtmate'y419.00 people. The number of jobs in the Laredo MPO region are also expectedto grow by more than 50 percent overthe next25 years. Growth in the past has been accommodated mainly thorough sprawl. The City of Laredo recognizes that for many reasons this type of growth is unsustainable. In order to plan for future growth in the region-a considerable share of which is expected to occur through infill and redevelopment-a more efficient allocation of transportation resources should be considered. There is an increased desire for multi-modal transportation alternatives, butradlitesforwakng biking, and other options are lacking. Table 2-6 from the current MTP: Laredo MPO Employment Forecasts. ForecastYear ForecastEmployment 2018 105,267 2030 133,613 2040 166,083 2045 180,099 Source: TxDOT-TPP 2008 Validated Travel Demand Model Freight - Recent projections indicate that the trade values ofall outbound, inbound ori internal typesoff freight movement are projected to be more than double than the current levels. Said growth will continue to add capacity burdens on the network. Transit - Key issuesf facing the transit system in the upcoming years include: more customers, more service needs, andlessfunding. More customers - Population projections show a growing transit dependent population, especiallying growth areas in south Laredo. More service needs - The Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) of El Metro final report from December 2021, provided a great opportunity to understand the challengesfacing El Metro today and developed recommendationstoimprove the system'sservice, efficiency, and effectiveness: and prepare Laredo for a bright future. In lighto cof all of the above, careful and effective transportation planning and investment will be critical to providingfor the area's future transportation needs while balancing the livability of communities. Planning Emphasis Areas Tackling the Climate Crisis - Transition to a Clean Energy, ResilientFuture Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) divisions and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regional offices should work with State departments of transportation (State DOT), metropolitan planning organizations (MPO), and providers of public transportation to ensure that our transportation plans and infrastructure investments help achieve the national greenhouse gas reduction goals of 50-52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050, and increase resilience to extreme weather events and other disasters FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 7 resulting from the increasing effects of climate change. Field offices should encourage State DOTS and MPOS to use the transportation planning process to accelerate the transition toward electricand other alternative fueled vehicles, plani fora a sustainable infrastructure system that works for all users, and undertake actions to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Appropriate Unified Planning Work Program work tasks could include identifying the barriers to and opportunitiesfordeployment offueling and charginginfrastructure;evaluating opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and increasing access to publictransportation, shiftto loweremission modes of transportation; and identifyingi transportationsystemystemyuinerabitesto: climate change impacts and evaluating potential solutions. LWCAMPO has programmed a resiliency study as part ofthis UPWP. Additionally, the MPO will seek ways to contribute towards this emphasis area through its planning activities and work efforts of the MPO's Active Transportation Committee. The MPO is committed to enhancing safe, accessible, and alternative modes of transportation in the region. Equity and Justice40 in Transportation Planning FHWA Division and FTA regional officess shouldwork with State DOTS, MPOS, and providersof publictransportation to advance racial equity and support for underserved and disadvantaged communities. This will help ensure public involvementin the planning process and that plans and strategies reflect various perspectives, concerns, and priorities from impacted areas. We encourage the use of strategies that: (1) improve infrastructure for non-motorized travel, public transportation access, and increased public transportation service in underserved communities; (2) plan for the safety of all road users, particularly those on arterials, through infrastructure improvements and advanced speed management, (3) reduce single-occupany vehicle travel and associatedair pollution in communitiesi nearhigh-volume corridors; (4) offer reduced public transportation fares as appropriate; (5) target demand-response service towards communities with higher concentrations of older adults and those with poor access to essential services; and (6) consider equitable and sustainable practices while developing transit-oriented development including affordable housing strategies and consideration of environmentalyustice populations. Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities) defines the term "equity" as the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment ofalli individuals, includingindviduals who belong to underserved communities thathave been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific slanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. The term "underserved communities" refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunityto participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the listin the preceding definition of "equity.' " In addition, Executive Order 14008 and M-21-28 provides a whole-ol-government approach to advancing environmentaljustice by stating that 40 percent of Federalinvestmestmentsflowtodisadvantaged FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 8 communities. FHWA Division and FTAI regional offices should work with State DOTS, MPOS, and providers of public transportation to review current and new metropolitan transportation plans to advance Federalinvestmentsto. disadvantaged communities. To accomplish both initiatives, joint planning processes should support State and MPO goals for economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalizedand overburdened! byp pollution and unoerinvestmentinnousing transportation, water and wastewaterintrastructure,recreation, and health care. LWCAMPO worked on updating its Public Participation Plan which was approved by the Policy Committee on. September 21, 2022. LWCAMPO continues in the updating process ofthe Limited English Proficiency Plan, and Title VI Plan. All these plans will help set the foundation for equitable planning practices. A godlofLWCAMPO. is to enhance its data development efforts. Through enhanced data we can better understand and analyze the needs of undeserved communities, and develop plans that will create opportunities. in disadvantaged communities. Complete Streets FHWA Division and FTA regional offices should work with State DOTS, MPOS and providers of public transportation to review current policies, rules, and procedures to determine their impact on safety for all road users. This effort should work to include provisions for safety in future transportation infrastructure, particularly those outside automobiles. A complete street is safe, and feels safe, for everyone using the street. FHWA and FTA seek to help Federal aid recipients plan, develop, and operate streets (with an emphasis on arterials roadways) and networks that prioritize safety, comfort, and access to destinations for people who use the street network, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, micro-mobility users, freight delivery services, and motorists. The goal is to provide an equitable and safe transportation network for travelers of all ages and abilities, includingthose from marginalized communities facing historic disinvestment. This vision is not achieved through a one-size-fits-all solution, each complete street is unique and developed to best serve its community context and its primary role in the network. Perthe 2019 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 62% of the motor vehicle crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities happened on arterials. Arterials are usually designed for vehicle movement rather than mobility for non-motorized users and oftenlack convenient and safe crossing opportunities. They can function as barriers to a safe travel network for road users outside of vehicles. To be considered complete, these roads should include safe pedestriant facilities, safe transit stops (if present), and safe crossing opportunities on aninterval necessaryfor: accessing destinations. A safe and complete network for bicycles can also be achieved through a safe and comfortable bicycle facilitylocatedon the roadway, adjacentto the road, oron a nearby parallel corridor. Jurisdictions will be encouraged to prioritize safety improvements and speed management on arterials that are essential to creating complete travel networks for those without access to singe-ocmupancyvehides: LWCAMPO supports and endorses the design and development of Complete Streets; And, is committed to enhancing safe, accessible, and alternative modesoftronsportotion in the region. The MPO's Active Transportation Plan includes a chapter dedicated to Complete Streets. The chapter outlines a set of recommendations and a sample Complete Streets Policy to assist with FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 9 implementing safe roads for all users. The MPO'sActive Transportation Committee have also discussed the need to implement a Complete Streets Policy at the local level and are exploring the development of a Complete Streets Policy. for the MPO. Public Involvement Early, effective, and continuous publicinvolvement. brings diverse viewpointsinto the decision- making process. FHWA Division and FTA regional officess shouldencourage MPOS, State DOTS, and providers of public transportation to increase meaningful public involvement in transportation planning by integrating Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) tools into the overall public involvement approach while ensuring continued public participation by individuals without access to computers and mobile devices. The use of VPI broadens the reach of informationto the publicand makes participation more convenient and affordableto greater numbers of people. Virtual tools provide increased transparency and access to transportation planning activitiesand decision-making processes. Many virtual tools also provide information in visual and interactive formats that enhance public and stakeholder understanding of proposed plans, programs, and projects. Increasing participation earlier in the process can reduce project delays and lowers staff time and costs. LWCAMPO prepared in-houseits Public Participation Plan (PPP) update. As part oft the plan, a set of outreach strategies are recommended, including virtual tools. As the updated Public Participation Plan (PPP) has been approved, LWCAMPO seeks to create a Title VI/Public Outreach Subcommittee. LWCAMPO continues to use its website and social media accounts to provide information of meetings and public comment opportunities, and meaningfully engage with the public and its stakeholders. Additionally, the MPO evaluates its PPP and outreach strategies using meugureso/efedlveness andhasupdated the PPPandstrategies as necessary to ensure that all people in the community are able to participate and has provided opportunities to be meaningfully involved in the decision-making processes, including individuals without access to the internet or computers and mobile devices. Strategic Highway Network STRAHNET)/U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Coordination. FHWA Division and FTA regional offices should encourage MPOS and State DOTS to coordinate with representatives from DOD in the transportation planning and project programming process on infrastructure and connectivity needsfor: STRAHNET routes and other publicroads that connect to DOD facilities. According to the Declaration of Policy in 23 U.S.C. 101(b)(1), it is in the national interest to accelerate construction of the Federal-aid highway system, including the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, because many oft the highways (or portions oft the highways) are inadequate to meetthe needs of national and civil defense. The pOpfadlitesindludeniteay, bases, ports, and depots. The road networksthat provide access and connectionsto these facilitiesare essential to national security. The 64,200-mile STRAHNET system consists of public highways that provide access, continuity, and emergency transportation of personneland equipmentin times of peace and war. It includes the entire 48,482 miles of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and 14,000 miles of other non-Interstate publichighways: on the National Highway System. The STRAHNET also contains approximately 1,800 miles of connector routes linking more than 200 militaryinstallations and portst to the primary highway FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 10 system. The DOD's facilities are also often major employersin a region, generatingsubstanta volumes of commuter and freight traffic on the transportation network and around entry pointsto the militaryfadlities. As recommended by FHWA and FTA, the STRAHNET maps and recent Power Project Platform studiescan be a useful resource in the MPO areas covered by these route analyses. LWCAMPO will review these maps and studies and will incorporate them as necessary in its planning activities. Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) Coordination. FHWA Division and FTA regional offices should encourage MPOS and State DOTS to coordinate with FLMAS in the transportation planning and project programming process on infrastructure and connectivity needs related to access routes, and other public roads and transportation services that connect to Federal lands. Through joint coordination, the State DOTS, MPOS, Tribal Governments, FLMAS, and local agencies should focus on integration of their transportation planning activities and develop cross-cutting State and MPO long range transportation plans, programs, and corridor studies, as well as the Office of Federal Lands Highway's developed transportation plans and programs. Agencies should explore opportunities to leverage transportation funding to support access and transportation needs of FLMAS before transportation projects are programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Each State must consider the concerns of FLMAS that have jurisdiction over land within the boundaries of the State (23 CFR 450.208(a)(3). MPOS must appropriately involve FLMAS in the development of the metropolitant transportation plan and the TIP (23 CFR 450.316(d)). Additionally, the Tribal Transportation Program, Federal Lands Transportation Program, and the Federal Lands Access Program TIPS must be included in the STIP, directly or by reference, after FHWA approval in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 201(c) (23 CFR 450.218(e)). LWCAMPO will coordinate with FMLAS in the transportation, planning and project programming process when applicable. Additionally, LWCAMPO will stay up to date on information provided by the Office of Federal Lands Highway including its plans and programs. Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) FHWA Division and FTA regional offices should encourage State DOTS, MPOS and Public Transportation Agencies to implement PEL as part of the transportation planning and environmental review processes. The use of PELisa collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economicgoals early in the transportation planning process, and uses the information, analysis, and products developed during planning to inform the environmental review process. PEL leads to interagency relationship building among planning, resource, and regulatory agencies in the early stages of planning to inform and improve project delivery timeframes, including minimizing duplication and creating one cohesive flow of information. This results in transportation programs and projects that serve the community'stransportation needs more effectively while avoiding and minimizing the impacts on human and natural resources. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 11 LWCAMPO will work with its Technical Committee and partners such as TxDOT to identify opportunities to implement PEL as part of the transportation planning and environmental review processes. Additionally, the MPO will seek training opportunities related to PEL to learn more about this approach and how to incorporate it in our planning process. Data in Transportation Planning. To address the emergingtopic areas of data sharing, needs, and analytics, FHWA Division and FTA regional offices should encourage State DOTS, MPOS, and providers of public transportation to incorporate data sharing and considerationinto the transportation planning process, because data assets have value across multiple programs. Data sharingprinciplesand data management can be used for a variety of issues, such as freight, bike and pedestrian planning, equity analyses, managing curb space, performance management, travel time reliability, connectedand autonomous vehicles, mobility services, and: safety. Developing and advancing data sharing principles allowsforefficient use of resources and improved policy and decision-making at the State, MPO, regional, and local levelsforall parties. A godofLwCAMPO is to enhance its data development efforts ands serve as the centralhubfor data sharing. As we continue to build our data sharing partnerships and agreements with regional stakeholders, we will begin identifying the key datasets that will enhance our transportation planning activities. Recently the MPO hasbeen working closely with its partners such as the local: schooldistricts to discuss data sharing opportunities. LWCAMPO will continue to add maps, including interactive maps to its website, which will allow the public and stakeholdersto download data that is free, accessible, anduserf friendly. The MPO will work on developing aframework and set ofstonderdsjfornowdeto will be generated land how it will be distributed. II. TASK 1.0 = ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT A. OBJECTIVE To accomplish, on a continuing basis, budgeting and managing transportation planning activities in coordination with local, state and federal agencies. To conduct MPO Staff hiring process and to coordinate the professional development and training of such Staff. To coordinate plans and programs necessary to administerfederal transportation planingrequirements and maintain the cooperative, comprehensive, and continuous (3-C) transportation planning processin: andfori the Laredo and Webb County Metropolitan Organization's planning area. B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS The operation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization including the following: 1. Administration ofthe LWCAMPO to include the updating of existing or the completion ofr new plans, studies, and reports. 2. Fulfillment of planning objectives. 3. Supply/Equipment purchases 4. Compliance with state and federal requirements. 5. Submitingrecaptulation of costs for billingsto Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 12 6. Maintenance, updates and dissemination of the Public Participation Plan (PPP) and Title VI Program and Environmental. Justice (EJ) material(s). 7. Travel for MPO Director and Staff to attend conference for staff development purposes. 8. Continuation of a proactive publicinvolvement process. 9. Maintenance of LWCAMPO Website and Social Media. C. PREVIOUS WORK For the past two years the Laredo MPO has been undergoing a process review as part of the efforts to create a full-time Director position for the organization. This position was finally approved by the Fiscal Agent and the Policy Committee during FY2023. The MPO reorganized staff and hired an Administrative Assistant and a Planner III. Throughout these additions, the MPO has been able to accomplish all the required administrative duties. Ithas also allowedstaffto develop new plans and completed updating of existing documents in-house which has representedsignificant cost savings and time reductions (over hiring consultants for these activities). It has also provided experience to staff that has clearly benefited the operations of the organization. Staff has continuously maintained and updated the MPO's website and social media. It has also implemented the recommendations of the Active Transportation Plan as well as participated of the Active Transportation Committee and other Transportation related meetings such as the Webb County-Cityofi Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), TEMPO and Texas Transportation Commission. The MPO By-laws were officially amended in June 2023 regarding the: structure and terms of the Chairperson andy Vice-Chairperson to allow the Webb County Judge to serve as the Chair through the end of 2024 once the By-laws have been amended, with the Mayor of the City of Laredo starting a full two-yearterm in January 2025. It also updated official title of the Technical Committee, South Texas Development Council representative as Executive Director, the addition of a Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) Representative and the name of the Laredo College under the School system representative section. As part of the process review, the Laredo MPO worked with Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the City of Laredo as the MPO's Fiscal Agent to coordinate changes to the existing Planning Agreement. These efforts resulted in the hiring of a full-time permanent MPO Transportation Planning Director. The following organizational chart has been updated to reflect current MPO staff structure: MPO DIRECTOR PLANNERI III PLANNER III PLANNERIII ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 13 The MPO Staff has performed general administrative functions for the operation of the Organization that include processing requisitions, purchase orders, billings/invoices on a monthly basis. It has also approved timecards and processed payroll documents. MPO Staff has also assisted with the coordination of public meetings as required by FHWA, FTA, the State and local government in the development of transportation planning documents, and reports. Both, the Technical and Policy Committee meetings were held on an ongoing basisto make appropriate revisionsto documents and to approve programs including, but not limitedt to, the following: PublicParticipation Plan (PPP) update. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Title VI Civil Rights, Environmental Justice, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plans updates. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for FY2023 approval. Planning Agreement revision. MPO By-laws/policy amendments. Under Professional development trainings, MPO Staff attended several meetings, workshops and conferences such as the Texas American Planning Association Conference, the TXDOT Transportation Planning Conference and otherworkshops. Staff made several presentations at publiçmeetings. Staff updated and implemented policies to maintain the "3-C" Planning Process. All Policy Committee and Technical Committee meetings were held in person. Some Active Transportation Committee meetings were held in virtual format and in person quarterly. Staff developed outreach material to make the public aware of the meetings and format they were held. It also coordinated and prepared all necessary materials for the following meetings: TECHNICAL COMMITTEE POLICY COMMITTEE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 1 10/11/22 10/19/22 10/26/22 2 11/08/22 11/16/22 11/30/22 3 01/10/23 01/18/23 01/25/23 4 02/07/23 02/15/23 02/22/23 (Virtual) 5 03/07/23 03/22/23 03/29/23 6 04/11/23 No meeting in April 04/26/23 7 05/09/23 05/17/23 05/31/23 (Virtual) 8 06/13/23 06/21/23 9 10 To date in fiscal year 2023, LWCAMPO has held a total of 6 Policy Committee meetings, 7 Technical Committee meetings, and 7 Active Transportation Committee meetings. The MPO in collaboration with the City of Laredo Purchasing Department coordinated the developmentofa Request for Qualfications/RFQ) for the selection of a Professional Firmto provide servicesfor the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) update. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 14 The MPO continued utilizing City of Laredo staff assistance to enter into contracts for private consultants in an effortto reach the goals of the MPO. For fiscal year 2024, the MPO will considerthe possibility ofissuing an RFQ to select one or more General Planning Consultant(s) for on-call services to support the MPOS technical activities and tasks outlinedinthis UPWP. D. SUBTASKS SUBTASK 1.1 - Planning and General Administration. This activityi includesg general administration, equpmentinventory, maintaining financialrecords such as billings (recapitulation of costs) and invoices, preparation of budgets, managing of transportation planningfunds and ensuring resources are spent appropriately. In addition, this subtask also includes coordinating MPO staffh hiring process and payroll processing (timecards). Providing staff development and adequate trainings to prepare and complete regional plans, studies, reports, etc. It includes as well, the cost of operating the MPO, that includesoffice. lease if applicable, purchase/ease/entald office furniture and equipment and, all expenses associated with the planning effort and products to be delivered within the UPWP. It also includes monitoring the completion of UPWP projects, audits, developing and distributing reports required by federal government or by the Policy Committee, interagency coordination, developing and implementing policies and guidelines necessaries to carry out and maintain the 3C planning process, coordinating planning activities to include hosting and conducting public meetings and preparation of meeting minutes. And, an Annual Performance and Expenditure Report (APER) is prepared at the end of each fiscal year (FY2024) in accordance with TxDOT policy and procedures for tasks that utilized FHWA and FTA planningfunds. The MPO will seek state ccommendaton/edera: approval forany expenditure exceeding $25,000. SUBTASK 1.2 = Professional Development, Travel and Training. This activity supports staff developmentint the technical activitiesassociated with the transportation planning process. The MPO may organize training sessions for the Policy Committee, the Technical Committee, the Active Transportation Committee, any sub-committees, and for local governments and participating agencies. This task may also allow the MPO Director and staff to travel to attend appropriate conferences, courses, seminars, and workshops such as, but not limitedtothe following: Annual Texas APA Conference (Tobe heldin Corpus Christi, TX from November gth. - 10th, 2023) American Association ofState Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) American Publictransportation Association (APTA) Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization (AMPO) Conference Border Trade Advisory Committee Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) User Conference and other ESRI seminars National Highway Institute (NHI) National Planning Conference (held by the American Planning Association) National Transit Institute (NTI) Texas Association of MPOS (TEMPO) Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Conferences/Trainings For out of state travel, the MPO will seek prior TXDOT (TPP) approval. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 15 SUBTASK 1.3 = Public Participation Plan (PPP) This activity consists of the implementation ofthe PublicParticpation Plan (PPP) that was adopted by the Policy Committee on September, 2022, by facilitating citizen participation and providing answers to the public, either by phone or e-mail. It also includes holding public meetings, conducting community outreach, and monitoring social media, the development of surveys, newsletters, bilingual materials, posting of public notices, as well as managing the MPO website and updating information as needed. SUBTASK 1.4 = Computer Equipment, Furnishing and Office Supplies. This activity includes upgrades and/or additions of computer hardware and software equipment, furnishings, wirelessinterneto contracts, provision of technical support for the network of computers, printers, plotters, iPads and other devices that support the efficiency of the MPO office operations. Computer hardware, software licenses and agreements, and/or equipment expenditures of Federal Planning funds over $5,000 will receive prior approval from FHWA. This activity also includes the acquisition of furnishing and office supplies needed by personnel filling MPO staff roles. All City of Laredo procurement process and Federal regulations will be followed during the purchase of all computer equipment, furnishing and/or office supplies. SUBTASK 1.5 = Building Maintenance and/or Repairs. This activity includesthe use of planningfunds for non-routine building maintenance and/or repairs. E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY Task 1.0 - ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT - FY 2024 Subtask Responsible Transportation FTA Local Total Agency Planning Funds Sect. 5307 (TPF)1 1.1 Planning and General LWCAMPO $ 530,000 $0 $0 $ 530,000 Administration 1.2 Professional Development, LWCAMPO $ 25,000 $0 $0 $ Travel and 25,000 Training 1.3 Public Participation Plan (PPP) LWCAMPO $ 20,000 $0 $0 $ 20,000 1.4 Computer Equipment, LWCAMPO $ 15,000 $0 $ and Office $0 Furnishing 15,000 Supplies 1.5 Building Maintenance and/or LWCAMPO $ 10,000 $0 $0 $ 10,000 Repairs TOTAL $ 600,000 $0 $0 $ 600,000 TPF-This includes bothFHWA! PL-112and FTAS Section5303 Funds. TxDOT willapply transportation development creditssufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the creditsreflect neithercashnor man-hours, they are not reflectedin thet fundingt tables. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 16 III. TASK 2.0 - DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE A. OBJECTIVE To participate in collecting, processing and analyze demographic and geographic data to include population forecasting, employment information and food deserts status. And, to maintain and update existing information necessary to develop and implement regional transportation plans and systems that support the Metropolitan Planning Organization's planning efforts. B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS LWCAMPO will continueto enhance and to regularly update the MPO website with online interactive maps and data to help with performance-based planning and programming. MPO staff will also continue to create and maintain databases including traffic crash locations, roadway network information, bicycle counts, and demographic data. In addition, data and mapping support will be providedfor MPO plans, studies, and reports. C. PREVIOUS WORK MPO Staff updated MPO website to provide access to meeting agendas, packets, and publications as they became available. It was also regularly updated with online data and maps. Project maps were developed, retrieved and or printed as new projects were approved or considered. Staff has provided data and mapping support for plans, studies, and reports. Staff continued to work with TxDOT and Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) representatives in the development of the 2013-2045 Travel Demand Model to be usedin the development oft the 2025-2050 MTP. D. SUBTASKS SUBTASK 2.1 - General Data Administration. This subtask allows for planning and administrative activities related to data development, maintenance, procurement, and contract management for the developing related performance measuresand the followingactivities: a) General GIS: Specific activities will include reviewing and providing direction on the development and dissemination of geospatial databases on residential and commercial growth and transportation data; mapping databases supporting Laredo MPO programs; maintenance of the demographic and modeling databases of the MPO; develop and maintain the interactive weby viewer for sharing GIS data on growth and projects; develop maps and materials: for work group and publicmeetings; support MPO staffi in the creation of plans, studies, and reports. b) Demographic Forecasting: Create a database of population and demographic statistics for the Laredo MPO and develop projectionsto be utilizedforthe MPO planningeffort. c) Travel Demand Modeling: Coordinate with TXDOT on development and maintenance of updated travel demand models to be used for the TIP and other plans; refinements ofin- house modeling capabilities; and regular updates of computer hardware, software, and necessary peripherals for supporting the demographic forecasting and travel demand modeling activities. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 17 d) Sidewalk Gap Analysis: To identify existing gaps in the current sidewalk network to help local officials prioritize strategic improvements based on key criteria. The sidewalk gap analysis is a recommendation of the Laredo & Webb County Active Transportation Plan adopted by the City of Laredo in February 2021. This analysis will continue to collect data to develop an inventory of sidewalks and network gaps, the development of prioritization criteria for sidewakimprovements, andrecommendations: E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY Task 2.0 - DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE - FY 2024 Transportation FTA Sect. Responsible Local Subtask Planning Funds 5307 Total Agency (TPF)1 2.1 General Data LWCAMPO $ 15,000 $0 $0 $ 15,000 Administration TOTAL $1 15,000 $0 $0 $ 15,000 TPF -This includes bothFHWAI PL-112and FTASection5303Funds. TxDOTV willapply trar nsportation development creditssufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the creditsr reflect netfercashnormanhours they are not reflectedin thet fundingt tables. IV. TASK 3.0 - SHORT RANGE PLANNING A. OBJECTIVE To complete those planning activities associated with short-range planning and implementation of projects that will be undertaken within the nextfive yearstoinclude the development and/orr revision of the federally mandated Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that outlines a four (4) year regional spending plan for near-term of all surface transportation improvements including streets, alleys, bridges, street lighting, streetsignage, sidewalks, etc. It also includes project development of selection process criteria and award of Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) program, as well as development and/orrevision of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), annual performance and expenditure reports, annual listing of projects. B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS MPO Staff will work on the development and/or revision of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the MPO By-Laws, the Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP) and, the Title VI documentation as deemed necessary. Additionally, the MPO will continue to provide staffsupport to MPO committees, and will assisti in implementation activities relatedi to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Active Transportation Plan (ATC). C. PREVIOUS WORK MPO Staff initiated and completedthe Public Participation Plan (PPP) update and it was approved on September 21, 2022. MPO staff also worked on updating the project selection criteria and Call for Projects process. In February of 2023, two (2) projects including the Downtown Safe Sidewalk Improvements, and the EL Metro ADA Bus Stops and Bicycle Plazas Enhancement Project were FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 18 awarded with Transportation Alternative Set-Aside funds. MPO Staff continued assisting in the revision of the 2021-2024 TIP and the developmentofthe 2023-2026 TIP. The Active Transportation Committee was formed to help improve and promote active modes of mobility within the MPO boundarystaffhas otinouaynepedoodhnste its activitiesa and meetingsas well asimplementing the recommendations of the Active Transportation Plan. Staff has initiated the Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP) update which was originally adopted and implemented in accordance with federal and state guidelinesanditsexpectedto be completedin August 2023. D. SUBTASKS SUBTASK 3.1 - General Administration. This subtaska allowsfor MPO staff support for administrative activitiesrelatedto: short-range planning, including the development and management of agency contracts; procurement, development and management of consultant contracts for projects sin Task 3; and the reviewand processingof monthly billings for work related to Task 3. Specific activities will include, but are not imited to the update and/or revision of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the Unified Planned Working Program (UPWP), MPO By-laws, the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), the Public Participation Plan (PPP), the Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP), and Title VI documents. This subtask also includes public outreach activities such as video production, developing website information, writing articles, developing other printed materials, and public meeting facilitation as needed. SUBTASK 3.2 - Planning Assistance. This subtask will allow the MPO staff to provide planning assistance to entities within the MPO planning area boundary such as El Metro Transit, City of Laredo, Webb County, and Cityof Rio Bravo. This may includei items such as data sharing, mapping, and generaltransportation planning activities. An example of this task is the MPO's collaboration with the City of Laredo Planning Department to update the Future Thoroughfare Plan for Laredo. This task will also include transit planning activities to support El Metro and can include grant development: support and technical assistance. SUBTASK 3.3 - Complete Streets Set-Aside The development ofa alocal Complete Streets! Set-Aside Policy willfocus on the incorporation of spedific language intol MPO planning doçuments, includingt the TIP and MTP. It will provide recommendations for the design of transportation infrastructure to ensure the transportation networkis equitable toall users. The MPO Staff will include Complete Streets related criteria into the scoring system for proposed projects. Furthermore, LWCAMPO is committed to enhancing safe, accessible, and alternative modes of transportation in the region. The MPO's Active Transportation Plan adopted by the City of Laredo in February 2021 includes a chapter dedicated to Complete Streets. The chapter outlinesa set of recommendations and a sample Complete Streets policy to assist with implementing safe roads for all users. The MPO's Active Transportation Committee have also discussedthe needto implement a Complete Streets Policy at the local level and are exploring the development of a Complete Streets Policyfor the MPO. Additionally, the MPO will work with its Active Transportation Committee to develop a Complete Streets prioritization plan. LWCAMPO along with its partners will continue to find ways to promote safety forall street users and to plan an equitable and safe transportation network for all ages and abilities. LWCAMPO's equity FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 19 analysis efforts will provide additional insights on how best to address underserved communities. LWCAMPO has a continued commitment to promoting safety for all users and provides programs to teach safety and evaluate community conditionsfor safer access. The MPO staff will ensure that, at a minimum, 2.5% of its PL funds will be used to increase safe and accessible options for multiple travel modes for people of all ages and abilities as prescribed in Section 11206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY Task 3.0 - SHORT RANGE PLANNING - FY 2024 Subtask Responsible Transportation FTA Sect. Local Total Agency Planning 5307 Funds (TPF)1 3.1 LWCAMPO $2 2,500 $0 $0 $ 4 2,500 General Administration 3.2 Planning Assistance LWCAMPO $7 7,500 $0 $0 $ 7,500 3.3 Complete Streets Set-Aside LWCAMPO $15,000 $0 $0 $15,000 TOTAL $2 25,000 $0 $0 $ 25,000 17 TPF- -T This includes bothFHWA! PL-112and FTAS Section5303Funds: TxDOTwillapplyi trai nsportation development creditssufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the creditsreflect neithercashnorn man-hours, they are not reflectedin thet fundingt tables. V. TASK 4.0 - METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN A. OBJECTIVE To continue. study and analysisof projects and data for long-range planningelementsand long-range project studies. Includes activities associated with publishing or updating the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), formerly called the Long Range Plan. B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS MPO Staff is expected to assist in the continual revision of the existing Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) as well as the development of the updated plan to conform to state and federal requirements, particularly those of the FAST Act. This willinclude working with Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to update the Travel Demand Model. Additionally, the Congestion Management Process (CMP) will be updated as needed in preparation for the next MTP update. C. PREVIOUS WORK MPO Staff assisted in the continuous revision of the 2020-2045 Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan which was adopted on January 21, 2020. Also, Staff developeda Requestfor Qualifications (RFQ) that included a project task list and schedule related to the upcoming 2025-2050 MTP update. Staff evaluated which tasks would be perrormedinternaly and which would be carried out by consultants. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 20 D. SUBTASKS SUBTASK 4.1 - 2020-2045 Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The current 2020-2045 MTP and TIP will continue to be reviewed and amended in order to comply with the Fixing America'sSurface Transportation (FAST) Act requirements as needed. Specifically, the review and amendments will address and achieve conformity with all FAST Act and new IIJA requirements. The existing MTP will also be updated to conform to state and federal requirements. Staff will continue to monitor the implementation of the MTP and assist with any necessary amendments to the MTP. SUBTASK 4.2 - 2025-2050 MTP Update. MPO staff will coordinate the evaluation of RFQs submittals received from private firms to develop the 2025-2050 MTP update. The MTP study includestasks that will be perfommedinteralyand some that will be done by consultants. This subtask will also entail updating the Travel Demand Model and CMP with the assistance of consultants if needed. Additionally, as part of this subtask, the MPO will work closelyin collaboration with TxDOT and other stakeholdersto find specificstudies necessary to create a regional transportation network that Wlinvolveidentilyng keylocationsforfuture highway interchanges, multi-modal options, andincorporation of newtechnologieswith efficient and seamless connectivity that will factor in critical connections, especially as new interstatesare designatedinthe Laredo metropolitan area. E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY Task 4.0 - METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN / LONG RANGE PLAN - FY 2024 Subtask Responsible Transportation FTA Sect. Local Total Agency Planning 5307 Funds (TPF)1 4.1 2020-2045 Laredo Metropolitan LWCAMPO $5,000 $0 $0 Plan $5,000 Transportation (MTP). 4.2 LWCAMPO $ 365,000 $0 $ 2025-2050 $0 365,000 MTP Update TOTAL $ 370,000 $0 $0 $ 370,000 TPF -This includes bothFHWAI PL-112and FTAS Section5303 Funds. TxDOT willapply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the creditsreflect neithercashnorr man-hours, they are not reflectedin thefundingt tables. VI. TASK 5.0 - SPECIAL STUDIES A. OBJECTIVE To further the goals and objectives of the transportation planning process through special studies undertaken by MPO staff or consultants in support of existing or projected local needs. To maintain the transportation managementsystems required by federal and state regulations, to assist decision- makers in selecting cost-effective strategies to improve the efficiency and safety of and protect the investment systems. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 21 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS These are specific studies and projects that address special problem areas or help promote and support transportation relatedtopics. C. PREVIOUS WORK The Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LW/CAMPO), in coordination with Webb County City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (WC-CL RMA) worked on a study to develop a final alignment of the River Road project identified in the 2020-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and determine trafficbenefits for the surrounding area. The study investigated two possible alignment routes and a No-Build option. This study was conducted by a General Engineering Consultant procured byt the Webb County City of Laredo RegionalMobility Authority (WC- CLI RMA). The MPO participated in thisstudythrough an interlocal agreement with the WC-CL RMA by sharing 50% of the cost associated with the River Road Corridor Study. The total cost of the study is $250,000 with the MPO and the WC-CL RMA each contributing $125,000 and was completed and presentedto the Policy CommitteeinJune 2023. D. SUBTASKS SUBTASK 5.1 - Long Range Freight Mobility Plan. This study will evaluate freight movementi ini the study area in ordert to identify freight mobility needs and challenges, develop goals and objectives to improve goods movement, evaluate the impact of freight movement on the regional economy, identify freignttransportation facilities and investments necessary for economic growth, define freight policiesand programs, and provide recommendations for short, mid-range and long-term recommendations for infrastructure improvements. This study will serve as an investment, guide for freight mobllyimprovementsin the region. Itis intended that staff will primarily be responsible for overseeingi the development ofthe plan. However, consultants may be utilizedto provide technical assistance to develop the plan. (Tobe conducted as routine work effort or by consultant if needed). SUBTASK 5.2 - Microtransit Feasibility. Study. Microtransit transportation, defined as a flexible, eal-time-requestes, and technology-enabled transportation service, has demonstrated the ability to effectively complement fixed-route transit systems throughout the World. While the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI), local public transportation provider, has seenimpressive growthinridership, there are still areas inits community that are underservedby or have low frequency and low demand for fixed-route transit. The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential for Microtransit transportation to provide service to these areas to complement the fixed route system. SUBTASK 5.3 - Resiliency Study. This study is intended to assess the current transportation system's vulnerabilities to major transportation incidents orweatnerreatechaard; the existence ofalternativer routes, anda ability to recover. The MPO is working on requesting TTI assistance to develop a more detailed scope fort this study that will help advance FHWA's efforts in working with MPOS to consider resilience in the transportation planning process. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 22 SUBTASK 5.4 - World Trade Bridge and Freight Mobility Impacts Study. This study is intendedtohelp assess the impacts of recent and proposedimprovementsto the World Trade Bridge, including the World Trade Bridge Expansion project. The study will provide an analysis of environmental and equity effects. The study will help propose recommendations for congestion relief, freight movement options on the surrounding transportation network, truck parking, and mitigation ofanye equity and environmental justice concerns. Itise expected thatthe results of this study willhelpinform the environmental review processforthe World Trade Bridge Expansion project. E. FUNDING & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY Task 5.0 SPECIAL STUDIES - FY 2024 Subtask Responsible Transportation FTA Local Total Agency Planning Sect. Funds (TPF)1 5307 5.1 LWCAMPO $ 125,000 $0 $0 $ 125,000 Long Range Freight Mobility Plan 5.2 LWCAMPO $ 150,000 $0 $0 $ 150,000 Microtransit Feasibility Study 5.3 LWCAMPO $ 50,000 $0 $0 $ 50,000 Resiliency Study 5.4 LWCAMPO $ World 75,000 $0 $ Trade $0 andF 75,000 Bridge Freight Mobility Impacts Study TOTAL $ 400,000 $0 $0 $ 400,000 1 TPF - This includes bothFHWAPL-12andi FTAS Section5303 Funds. TxDOTV willapply transportation development creditss sufficient to provide the match for TPF. Ast the creditsreflect: neither cash nor man-hours, they arer notreflected inthef fundingt tables. FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 23 VII. BUDGET SUMMARY LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION = FY 2024 FTA UPWP Task Description TPF1 Funds Local Total Funds Sect. 5307 Management & 1.0 $6 600,000 $0 $0 $ 600,000 Administration Data Development 2.0 $ 15,000 $0 $0 $ 15,000 and Maintenance Short Range 3.0 $ 25,000 $0 $0 $ 25,000 Planning MTP / Long Range 4.0 $3 370,000 $0 $0 $ 370,000 Plan 5.0 Special Studies $ 400,000 $0 $0 $ 400,000 TOTAL $ 1,410,000 $0 $0 $1,410,000 TPF This includes both FHWAF PL-112 and FTASection 5303 Funds. TxDOTV will applyt tansportatonoevetopment creditssufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor man-hours, theya arenot reflected in the funding tables. FY 2022-2023 Combined Transportation Planning Funds2 $ 562,039 Estimated Unexpended Carryover3 $ 1,867,958 TOTAL TPF $2,429,997 Total TPF Programmed $1,410,000 2, Estimate based on prior years' authorizations. 3 Thea accounting below provides the estimated unexpended carryover for FY2019-2020 (as shown above). FY 2021-2022 Unexpended Carryover $ 1,865,919 FY 2022-2023 Combined Transportation Planning Funds + $ 562,039 FY 2022-2023 Expenditures (estimated) $ 560,000 FY 2022-2023 Unexpended Carryover (estimated) $1,867,958 FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 24 VIII. APPENDICES APPENDIX A POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP VOTINGI MEMBERS Honorable Dr. Victor D.7 Trevino Mayor - Commi ttee Chairman CityofL Laredo Honorable Tano E. Tijerina Judge - Vice Chairman Webb County Honorable Melissa R. Ggarroa Councilmember City ofl Laredo Honorabler Ruben Gutierrez, Jr. Councilmember City ofl Laredo Honorab ble Vanessal Perez Cdhems.eetolepee Laredo Mass Transit Board HonorableJohn Galo Commissioner Webb County HonorableJ Jesse Gonzalez Commissioner Webb County Jed Brown Member At Large RegionalMobility. Authority Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. District Engineer TxDOT EX-OFFICIO NON-VOTINGMEMBERS HonorableJudith Zai ffirini Senator - District21 StateofTexas HonorableRichard Raymond Representative District42 StateofTexas Honoraltietraty0.King Representative- District80 StateofTexas TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP MPO Representative: Stater Representatives: MPO Director (Chairperson) TxDOT Planning Representative/Vice(Vice-Chairperson, TxDOTPlanning Representative City Representatives: TxDOTArea Engineer Laredo Airport Director npoTTanpetatonPamng and ProgrammingField Laredo Bridge Director Representative Laredo City Engineer Laredo Planning Director Laredo Traffic Sat fety Director The General Manager of the CityTransitSystem Federalr representatives: School's systemrepresentatives HWAPlanringRepresentative/Austin, Arepresentativeoftinetaedolndependent School District Arepresentatived ofthe United IndependentScho.! District Ar representative of Texas AMinternatonatunlversity Arepresentative of! Laredo College Countyand! RegionalR Representatives: Privates Sector Representatives: Webb County Planning Dir rector Ar representative oft thek Kansas CitySouthern Railway Webb County Engineer Company South Texas Development Council Executive Arepresentative oft the Union PacificRailroad Company Director Arepresentative ofthe Laredo Transportation: Association The General Manager oft thel Rural Transit System ATransportation' Provider Representativer who shallalso serveont thel Laredo Transportation, AdvisoryCommitee MPO STAFF MPO Director Juan S. Mendive, AICP Planner III Graciela S. Briones Planner III JulioA. Nino Planner III Eduardo Bernal Administrative Assistant Adriana Vigil FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 25 APPENDIX B METROPOLITAN AREA BOUNDARY MAP Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 5 83 255 4 5h4 6 FN 142 a 09 593 359 MPO Planning Area Boundary 83 * 4 8 Miles FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 26 APPENDIX C DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION NEGOTIATED CONTRACTS 1) The Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planningorganzation, as Contractor, certifiesto the bestof its knowledge and belief, thatit and its principals: a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposedforuebarment, dedlaredineligibleor voluntarily excluded from coveredtransactions by any federal department or agency; b. Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civiljudgment: rendered againstthemfor commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public* transaction or contract under a publictransaction; violation offederal orstate antitrust statutesor commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; C. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity * with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1) (b) of this certification;and d. Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more publictransactions* terminatedfor cause or default. 2) Where the Contractor is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such Contractor shall attach an explanation to this certification. * Federal, State, or Local Victor D. Trevino Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee Mayor City of Laredo Date FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 27 APPENDIX D LOBBYING CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS The incerignedcerufestote best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: 1) No federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any federal agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any federal contract, the making of any federal grant, the making of any federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. 2) Ifany funds otherthan federalappropriated funds have been paid orwilll be paidto any person forinfluencing or attempting to influence an officeror employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form - LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying, 1 in accordance with itsinstructions. 3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all sub awards at all tiers (inçluding subcontracts, sub grants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub recipients shall certify and disclosure accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certificationis a prerequisite formaking or enteringinto this transaction imposed by Section 1352, Title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who failsto file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure. Victor D. Trevino Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee Mayor City of Laredo Date FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 28 APPENDIX E CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE I, Victor D. Trevino, Chairperson of the Laredo MPO Policy Committee, a duly authorized representative of the Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), do hereby certify that the contract and procurement procedures that are in effect and used by the forenamed MPO are in compliance with 2 CFR 200, "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit equlirementsforfeder.l Awards, as it may be revised or superseded. Victor D. Trevino Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee Mayor City of Laredo Date Attest: Jose A. Valdez, Jr. City Secretary City of Laredo FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 29 APPENDIX F CERTIFICATION OF INTERNAL ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAM I, Victor D. Trevino, Chairperson of the Laredo MPO Policy Committee, a duly authorized oficer/representative of the Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) do hereby certify that the forenamed MPO has adoptedand does enforce an internal ethics and compliance program that is designed to detect and prevent violations of law, including regulations and ethical standards applicable to this entity or its officers or employees and that the internal ethics and compliance program satisfies the requirements of by 43 TACS 31.39 "Required Internal Ethics and Compliance Program" and 43 TAC S 10.51 "Internal Ethics and Compliance Program" as may be revised or superseded. Victor D. Trevino Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee Mayor City of Laredo Date Attest: Jose A. Valdez, Jr. City Secretary City of Laredo FY2024 UPWP LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO PAGE 30 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.E. Receive public testimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-05, adopting the following proposed amendment(s) of the MPO By-Laws: LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (LWCAMPO) ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-21-23 ITEM: IV.E SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Receive publictestimony and approve Resolution MPO 2023-05, adopting the following proposed amendment(s) of the MPO By-laws: Article I, Section 1.1, entitled Definitions, shall be amendedt toinclude a definition fori the Metropolitan Planning Organization Active Transportation Committee;and, Article II, Section 2.3, shall be amendedto include subsection (d)1 and 2 intendedtoidentifly the responsibilities andi the membership of the Active Transportation Committee (ATC). INITIATED BY: Staff STAFF SOURCE: Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: The MPO Policy Committee adopted the By-Laws in 1997. The Laredo MPO By-Laws were subsequently amendedin 2000, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, and in Septemberof 2021. Policy Committee approved public review and comment period on May 17, 2023 BACKGROUND In accordance with the MPO'sPublic Participation Plan, a 10-day public review and comment period is required for revisions to the By-Laws prior to final action by the MPO Policy Committee. At the request of the Policy Committee, staff initiateda review of potentialchanges to the MPO By-Lawsregarding the structure and terms of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The MPO Staff conducted a peer-review of the By-Lawsof other MPOS in Texasand provided its recommendation at the March 22nd, 2023 Policy Committee meeting based on the findings and structure of other MPOs serving a Transportation Management. Area (TMA), an urbanizedarea with a population of over 200,000. Additionally, staff recommends minor updates to its Technical Committee membership to reflect accurate titles of members and to add a representative of the Webb County-City of Laredo RegionalMobility Authority (RMA). As per CFR 450.310(d)(1), each metropolitan planning organization that: serves a designated TMA, shall consist of local elected officials, officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes of transportationin the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation, and appropriate state officials. As per CFR 450.310 (d)(3), the designation or selection of officials or representativesof MPOS serving a TMA shall be determined by the MPO according to thel By-Laws or enabling statute of the organization. The existing By-Lawsof the Laredo Webb County Area MPO designates the City of Laredo Mayor as the Chairperson and the Webb County Judge as the Vice-Chairperson. Ati the March 22nd Policy Committee meeting, the Committee voted in favor of moving forward with the proposed changes to the By-Laws and allowing the Webb County Judge to serve as the Chair through the end of 2024 once the By-laws have been amended, with the Mayor of the City of Laredo starting at full two-yearterm in January 2025. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommends approval. Staff recommends approval of Resolution MPO 2023-05 LAREDO WEBB & COUNTY - AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION NO. MPO 2023-05 BY THE LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE AMENDING THE LWCAMPO BY-LAWS WHEREAS, the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Laredo Urbanized Area has reviewed the revisions to the LWCAMPO Bylaws; and, WHEREAS, the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization finds that the revisions to the LWCAMPO Bylaws meet federal and state requirements, and meet the transportation needs of the Laredo Metropolitan Area; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Laredo Urban Area, revised the LWCAMPO Bylaws, which are attached hereto and made a parthereof for all purposes on this the 21st day of June, 2023. Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee We certify that the above resolution was adopted on the above cited date, at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. MPO Director Laredo District Engineer BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MISSION STATEMENT To set transportation related policy, identify existing and future local transportation needs in cooperation with TxDOT, and propose and recommend projects for all modes of transportation including mass transit and active transportation, with special attention to freight ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY Section 1.1 Definitions Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) is the organization, formerly known as the Laredo Urban Transportation Study, designated by the Governor of the State of Texas, to serve as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Laredo Urbanized Area. It shall be hereinafter referred to as the "MPO." Metropolitan Planning Area- The geographic area for which the MPO is responsible and in which the metropolitan transportation planning process must be carried out pursuant to Title 23 USC Section 134 and Title 49 USC Section 5303. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - The forum for cooperative transportation decision-making, as designated by the Governor, and units of general-purpose local government representing 75 percent of the affected metropolitan population. The MPO is responsible for identifying local transportation needs, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), following a "Continuing, Comprehensive, and Cooperative" transportation planning process pursuant to 23 USC 134. The MPO is also responsible for proposing and recommending projects for all modes of urban transportation to those governmental units that are responsible for program development and project implementation. Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee (Policy Committee) - The policy body, established pursuant to 23 USC 134, with the responsibility for establishing overall transportation for, and taking the required approval actions as the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Policy Committee is comprised of those governmental agencies identified in the original designation agreement and those agencies or organizations subsequently added to the membership of the board. The Policy Committee shall have decision-making authority over issues such as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Review Committee (Technical Committee) - The body of the MPO responsible for professional and technical review of work programs, policy recommendations and transportation planning activities. The Technical Committee shall review issues for accuracy and advise the Policy Committee on recommended actions. The Technical Committee is composed of representatives of the City Page 1 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION of Laredo, the County of Webb, the Texas Department of Transportation and private sector representatives. Metropolitan Planning Organization Active Transportation Committee - the body of the MPO responsible for improving and promoting active modes of mobility in the MPO study area by monitoring the implementation of the Laredo Webb County Active Transportation Plan, and providing recommendations on MPO active transportation related activities. Fiscal Agent for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Fiscal Agent) - The governmental entity or agency designated by written agreement between the MPO Policy Committee and the governmental entity or agency providing fiscal administrative services and other services (which may include personnel and staff support) to the MPO Policy Committee and the Staff of the MPO. Laredo Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) - The MTP is an official, comprehensive, intermodal transportation plan developed and adopted for the Laredo Metropolitan Area through the transportation planning process. The MTP identifies the existing and future transportation needs and develops coordinated strategies to provide the necessary transportation facilities essential for the continued mobility and economic vitality ofI Laredo. These coordinated transportation strategies include roadway development and operations, truck and rail freight movement, transit operations, bikeways and pedestrian facilities. The development of the MTP is required under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users SAFETEA-LU) to assure the continuation of federal transportation funds. The plan shall address a continuous twenty- year planning horizon. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - A staged, multiyear, intermodal program, of transportation projects which is consistent with the metropolitan transportation plan and which is also financially constrained. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) - Shall mean the program of work that includes goals, objectives and/or tasks required by each of the several agencies involved in the metropolitan transportation planning process. The UPWP shall describe metropolitan transportation and transportation-related planning activities anticipated in the area during the next one-year period and reflect transportation planning work to be funded by federal, state or local transportation or transportation-related planning funds. Section 1.2 Purpose The MPO is the designated organization responsible for identifying local transportation needs in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The MPO is also the entity responsible for proposing and recommending projects for all modes of urban transportation to those governmental units that are responsible for program development and project implementation. Page 2 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Section 1.3 Authority The MPO shall have the following authority pursuant to 23 CFR Part 450: (a) To develop and establish policies, procedures, plans and programs for the metropolitan area. (b) To certify such actions as may be necessary to comply with state and federal regulations. (c) To establish such rules of procedure and approve such actions as it deems necessary to fulfill its purposes. (d) To ensure those requirements of 23 USC 134 and 135 and 49 USC, Chapter 53, 5301, et seq. are carried out. (e) To use federal transportation planning funds, as well as in-kind matching funds as authorized by the Texas Transportation Commission, to develop and maintain a comprehensive regional transportation planning program in conformity with requirements of 23 USC 135 and 49 USC 5303. (f) To adopt a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)for the metropolitan planning area that will complement the Statewide Transportation Plan required by state and federal laws, a Transportation Improvement Program and a Unified Planning Work Program and such other planning documents and reports that may be required by state or federal laws or regulations. (g) To establish one or more advisory committees to assist in the transportation planning process and/or assist in promoting the implementation of approved plans. The Policy Committee may create ad-hoc committees or other technical subcommittees. ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP, TERMS AND ADMINISTRATION Section 2.1 Membership and Qualifications (a) The MPO shall be comprised of a Policy Committee and a Technical Committee. The Policy Committee shall include the following members: City of Laredo: Mayor (Chairpersen) Two City Councilmembers, as appointed by the Mayor in his/her sole discretion. Page 3 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Laredo Mass Transit Board One Laredo Mass Transit Board member as appointed by the Board's presiding officer/Mayor in his/her sole discretion. County of Webb: County Judge Viee-Chairpersen) Two County Commissioners as appointed by the Webb County Judge in his/her sole discretion. State of Texas: IxDOT District Engineer Member at Large Member to be appointed by the Policy Committee *** EX-OFFICIO *** State of Texas: State Senator(s) State Representative(s) (b) Members shall serve until a replacement is qualified pursuant to section 2.1 Subsection (e-(f). (c) The Mayor of the City of Laredo shall appoint the two City Councilmembers that represent the City of Laredo. (d) Laredo Mass Transit Board's presiding officer/Mayor shall appoint one member to represent the Laredo Mass Transit Board. (e) The County Judge of the County of Webb shall appoint the two County Commissioners that represent the County of Webb. (f) Appointments to the Policy Committee shall be for a period of two years. A member may be reappointed with no limitation to number of terms, except that such term will not continue in the event an officer becomes ineligible for membership on the Policy Committee. Section 2.2 Meetings, Quorum and Voting (a) The Policy Committee shall meet at least twice per year or as often as necessary to fulfill its purposes. (b) Quorum shall consist of four (4) members of the voting membership. (c) The use of proxies by the voting members of the Policy Committee is prohibited. (d) The official actions of the Policy Committee shall be by affirmative action of the majority of the voting membership present and voting at public meetings. All meetings are to be held as Page 4 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION open meetings as defined in Chapter 551, Texas Government Code (Texas Open Meetings Act), and the Transportation Planning Director of the MPO shall insure that the written notice of the meeting is posted at City of Laredo City Hall and Webb County Commissioners Court Building at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Additionally, the notice may be posted at TxDOT Laredo District Office, and on the City of Laredo and Webb County website. The Transportation Planning Director shall insure that at least two copies of the agenda and such supporting documentation as is available to the Policy Committee are made available for public inspection in the MPO offices at the same time they are made available to the Policy Committee members. (e) All official actions of the Policy Committee shall be duly recorded in the minutes of the meeting. (f) The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall rotate every two years between the City of Laredo Mayor and Webb County Judge. The term of each office shall begin the 1st of January in odd number years. There is no limitation to the number of terms each member may serve as an officer. 6 (g) he-Mayerefthe-calseressCharpetseeFRePaHey-Cemmittee. The responsibilities of the Chairperson shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Preside at all meeting of the Policy Committee. 2. Authenticate, by signature, all resolutions adopted by the Policy Committee. 3. Serve as chief policy advocate for the Policy Committee. 4. Represent the committee at hearings, conferences, and other events as required or designate another member of the Committee or the Chairperson of the Technical Committee to represent the Chairperson. ) (h) the-Ceunty-adgeeftheCeuny-ef-Webb-shalls 16 es-Viee-ChairperseneFHe-Paley Committee--During the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson shall preside over: meetings and shall exercise all the duties of the Chairperson. (h) (i) In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from a Policy Committee meeting at which a quorum is present, the remaining members present shall elect a presiding officer who shall serve until the conclusion of that meeting or until the arrival of the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. Section 2.3 Administration (a) The MPO shall be led by a full-time MPO Transportation Planning Director. The responsibilities of the Director shall include, but are not limited to the following: 1. All staff support for the Policy Committee, oversight and coordination of MPO administration and transportation planning activities, grant Page 5 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION administration, maintaining records and providing notice of meetings as required by the Public Participation Process. 2. Shall act as Chairperson of the Technical Committee with responsibility for drafting findings and recommendations of the Technical Committee for review by the Policy Committee. 3. Shall be responsible for all plans and reports prepared by and for the review and consideration of the Policy Committee and for submitting the recommended policies, procedures and programs of the Technical Committee to the Policy Committee. 4. Supervise the MPO staff. 5. Serve as a liaison to the Texas Department ofl Transportation's; planning program through the department's district office and the department's Transportation Planning and Programming Division's representative. 6. In cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation, collect, maintain, forecast, and report to the department appropriate socioeconomic, roadway, and travel data. 7. Prepare and submit all required plans, reports, programs, data, and certifications. 8. Develop and present to the MPO Policy Committee a Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the metropolitan planning area, a Transportation Improvement Program and a Unified Planning Work Program and such other planning documents and reports that may be required by state or federal laws or regulations. (b) The Technical Committee shall include the following: 1. City Representatives: Laredo City Planner The General Manager of the City Transit System Laredo Director of' Traffic Safety Laredo Airport Manager Laredo City Engineer Laredo Bridge Director 2. County and Regional Representatives: Webb County Planning Director South Texas Development Council epe-PaREPReeN Executive Director The General Manager of the Rural Transit System Page 6 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Webb County Engineer Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority Representative 3. State Representatives: TxDOT Planning Representative (Vice-Chairperson) TxDOT Planning Representative TxDOT Area Engineer TxDOT TPP Field Representative 4. Federal representatives: FHWA Planning Representative (Austin) 5. Private Sector Representatives: A representative of the Kansas City Southern Railroad Company A representative of the Union Pacific Railroad Company A representative of the Laredo Transportation Association A Transportation Provider Representative who shall also serve on the Laredo Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee 6. School system representatives A representative of the Laredo Independent School District A representative of the United Independent School District A representative of Texas A&M International University A representative of Laredo Community College (c) Each voting member of the Technical Committee may have a designated alternate member to serve on the committee in the member's absence. Appointed alternate members will have the voting rights and privileges of members when serving in the absence of the Technical Committee member. The responsibilities of the Technical Committee include technical review of work programs, policy recommendations and transportation planning activities. (d) The Active Transportation Committee (ATC) 1. The responsibilities of the Active Transportation Committee shall include the following: a. Monitor the implementation of the Laredo and Webb County Active Transportation Plan. b. Recommend active transportation related planning studies to be conducted. C. Provide recommendations to the MPO Policy Committee regarding active transportation planning activities. d. Advise the MPO Policy Committee on active transportation related technical and policy issues. Page 7 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION e. Explore and recommend funding options and opportunities for active transportation related projects. f. Promote community outreach efforts such as bicycle and pedestrian safety campaigns and educational programs. 2. Membership a. The Active Transportation Committee shall be composed of a broad group of representatives from the regional community. b. Members shall be selected by MPO staff. C. The MPO Director shall select the Active Transportation Committee Chair. Section 2.4 Ethic Policy for MPO Policy Members and Employees (a) A policy board member or employee of a metropolitan planning organization may not: (1) accept or solicit any gift, favor, or service that might reasonably tend to influence the member or employee in the discharge of official duties or that the member or employee knows or should know is being offered with the intent to influence the member's or employee's official conduct; or, (2) accept other employment or engage in a business or professional activity that the member or employee might reasonably expect would require or induce the member or employee to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of the official position; or, (3) accept other employment or compensation that could reasonably be expected to impair the member's or employee's independence ofjudgment in the performance of the member's or employee's official duties; or, (4) make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a substantial conflict between the member's or employee's private interest and the public interest; or, (5) intentionally or knowingly solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit for having exercised the member's or employee's official powers or performed the member's or employee's official duties in favor of another. Page 8 BYLAWS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ARTICLE III AMENDMENTS Section 3.1 Bylaw Revisions The Bylaws may be revised or amended by approval of the Policy Committee at a meeting at which a quorum, as defined herein, is present. PASSED AND APPROVED, on this the 21S day of June. 2023. Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee We certify that the LWCAMPO By-laws were revised at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. MPO Director TxDOT District Engineer Page 9 Chair and Vice-Chairperson Structure - Select Texas MPOS MPO Method Term Alamo Area MPO Chair, Chair Elect, and Vice-Chair rotate between three constituencies (City of San Antonio, 11 two-year term Urban County/Suburban Cities and Rural Counties/Rural Cities); by election. Amarillo MPO Mayor of the City of Amarillo serves as Chairperson. N/A Byran/College Station MPO unlimited two-year terms Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected by majority vote of membership present. Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected in even numbered years; each must be from Capital Area MPO two-year terms different counties. Corpus Christi MPO Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected by majority vote of membership. unlimited one-year terms EIF Paso MPO unlimited one-year term Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected annually ; each much be from different entities. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: are elected by a simple majority vote of membership Killen-Temple MPO up to 2 consecutive one-year terms present. Longview MPO Mayor of the City of Longview serves as Chairperson. N/A Lubbock MPO Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected by majority vote of the membership. unlimited two-year terms Chair and Vice-Chairperson are elected in even numbered years by majority vote of the Permian-Basin MPO unlimited two-year terms membership present. Chair and' Vice-Chairperson must come from different counties and rotate; elected by RGVMPO two-year term simple majority of membership present. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: are elected by a majority of membership present; each Texarkana MPO up to 2 consecutive two-year terms must be elected official. Tyler MPO Mayor of the City of Tyler serves as Chairperson. N/A Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected annually by majority vote of membership Waco MPO 1 Lone-year term present. 23 CFR 450.310 (up to date as of3/14/2023) 23 CFR 450.310 Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignat.. This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial. Title 23 - Highways ChapterI-] Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation Subchapter E - Planning and Research Part 450 - Planning Assistance and Standards Subpart C-1 Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming Authority: 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 42 U.S.C. 7410 et seq.; 49 U.S.C. 5303 and 5304; 49 CFR 1.85 and 1.90. Source: 81 FR 34135, May 27, 2016, unless otherwise noted. S 450.310 Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignation. (a) To carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process under this subpart, an MPO shall be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 individuals (as determined by the Bureau of the Census). b) MPO designation shall be made by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population, as named by the Bureau of the Census) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable State or local law. (c) The FHWA and the FTA shall identify as a TMA each urbanized area with a population of over 200,000 individuals, as defined by the Bureau of the Census. The FHWA and the FTA shall also designate any urbanized area as a TMA on the request of the Governor and the MPO designated for that area. d) TMA structure: (1) Not later than October 1, 2014, each metropolitan planning organization that serves a designated TMA shall consist of:) Local elected officials; (ii) Officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes of transportation in the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation; and (ii) Appropriate State officials.) 2) An MPO may be restructured to meet the requirements of this paragraph (d) without undertaking a redesignation. 3) Representation (i) Designation or selection of officials or representatives under paragraph (d)(1) oft this section shall be determined by the MPO according to the bylaws or enabling statute of the organization. (ii) Subject to the bylaws or enabling statute of the MPO, a representative of a provider of public transportation may also serve as a representative of a local municipality. (iii) An official described in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) shall have responsibilities, actions, duties, voting rights, and any other authority commensurate with other officials described in paragraph (d)(1) oft this section. 23 CFR450310d)3)tdi)enhanced display) pagelof3 23 CFR 450.310 (up to date: as of3/14/2023) 23 CFR 450.310(d)(4) Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignat.. 4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with the authority, under any State law in effect on December 18, 1991, of a public agency with multimodal transportation responsibilities To develop the plans and TIPS for adoption by an MPO; and II) To develop long-range capital plans, coordinate transit services and projects, and carry out other activities pursuant to State law. (e) To the extent possible, only one MPO shall be designated for each urbanized area or group of contiguous urbanized areas. More than one MPO may be designated to serve an urbanized area only if the Governor(s) and the existing MPO, if applicable, determine that the size and complexity of the urbanized area-make designation of more than one MPO appropriate. In those cases where two or more MPOs serve the same urbanized area, the MPOs shall establish official, written agreements that clearly identify areas of coordination, and the division of transportation planning responsibilities among the MPOs. Nothing in this subpart shall be deemed to prohibit an MPO from using the staff resources of other agencies, non-profit organizations, or contractors to carry out selected elements of the metropolitan transportation planning process. g) An MPO designation shall remain in effect until an official redesignation has been made in accordance with this section. (h) An existing MPO may be redesignated only by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing metropolitan planning area population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population, as named by the Bureau of the Census). For the purposes of redesignation, units of general purpose local government may be defined as elected officials from each unit of general purpose local government located within the metropolitan planning area served by the existing MPO. Redesignation of an MPO (in accordance with the provisions of this section) is required whenever the existing MPO proposes to make: (1) A substantial change in the proportion of voting members on the existing MPO representing the largest incorporated city, other units of general purpose local government served by the MPO, and the State(s); or 2) A substantial change in the decisionmaking authority or responsibility of the MPO, or in decisionmaking procedures established under MPO by-laws. k) Redesignation of an MPO serving a multistate metropolitan planning area requires agreement between the Governors of each State served by the existing MPO and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing metropolitan planning area population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population, as named by the Bureau of the Census). (I) The following changes to an MPO do not require a redesignation (as long as they do not trigger a substantial change as described in paragraph () of this section): (1) The identification of a new urbanized area (as determined by the Bureau of the Census) within an existing metropolitan planning area; 2) Adding members to the MPO that represent new units of general purpose local government resulting from expansion of the metropolitan planning area; 23 CFR45031002/emhanced display) page2of3 23 CFR 450.310 (up to date as of3/14/2023) 23 CFR 450.310(1)(3) Metropolitan planning organization designation and redesignat.. (3) Adding members to satisfy the specific membership requirements described in paragraph (d) of this section for an MPO that serves a TMA; or 4) Periodic rotation of members representing units of general-purpose local government, as established under MPO by-laws. (m) Each Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan area and the appropriate MPOs shall, to the extent practicable, provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire MPA. The consent of Congress is granted to any two or more States to: (1) Enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under 23 U.S.C. 134 and 49 U.S.C. 5303 as the activities pertain to interstate areas and localities within the States; and 2) Establish such agencies, joint or otherwise, as the States may determine desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective. [81 FR. 34135, May 27, 2016, as amended at 81 FR 93470, Dec. 20, 2016; 82 FR. 56543, Nov. 29, 2017] 23 CRA5030a2leahaned display) page3of3 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.F. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2023- 06, adopting and supporting the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Targets for Pavement and Bridge Performance Measures (PM2). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (LWCAMPO) ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-21-2023 ITEM: IV.F. SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Receive publictestimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-06, to considera adopting the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Targets for Pavement and Bridge Performance Measures (PM2). INITIATED BY: Staff STAFF SOURCE: Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: On June 21, 2021, the Laredo Webb County MPO approved resolution MPO 2021-07 adopting the pavement, bridge, and travel time reliability performance measures (PM2) targets, establishedbyt the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), as required by Fixing America' S Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 and by Map-21. BACKGROUND Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), surface transportation legislation requiredthat metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processesincorporate performance goals, measures, and targets into the process ofidentifying neededtransportationimproveme nts and project selection. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and Fixing America'sSurface Transportation (FAST). Act of 2015 continued the requirements established by MAP-21, and stipulated that States and MPOS must: Use a set of federallye established performance measures;and, Set targets and monitor progress for each of the performance measures. On February 10, 2023 TxDOT adopted six (6) targets for (PM2) Pavement and Bridge Condition Measures according to the last submittal. The rulemaking establisheda an August 9, 2023 deadline for State Departments of Transportation (DOTS) to consider mid-range adjustmentst to statewide 2024 pavement and bridge targets as they each submit a Mid-Performance Period (MPP) Progress Report to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The MPO staffrecommends to adopt the proposed Infrastructure Condition Targets for the Second Performance Period; 2-Year and 4-Year Targets as follows: Performance Measures Baseline 2-Year Target 4-Year Target (2022) (2024) (2026) 1.Percentage of Pavements ofthel Interstate: System In Good Condition 64.5% 63.9% 63.6% 2.Percentage ofF Pavements oft thel Interstate Syst tem In Poor Condition 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 3.Percentage ofF Pavements oft the Non-Interstate NHS In Good Condition 51.7% 45.5% 46.0% 4.Percentage of Pavements ofthe Non-Interstate NHS Inl Poor Condition 1.3% 1.5% 1.5% 5.Percentageof NHS Bridges Classified In Good Condition 49.2% 48.5% 47.6% 6.Percentagec of NHS Bridges Classified In Poor Condition 1.1% 1.5% 1.6% LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (LWCAMPO) ACTION ITEM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The LWCAMPO Technical Committee MPO staff recommends approval of resolution. recommends LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION NO. MPO 2023-06 BY THE LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE ADOPTING THE 2023 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TARGETS FOR PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE PERFORMANCE MEASURES (PM2) WHEREAS, the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, for the Laredo Urbanized Area; and, WHEREAS, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), required metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes include the incorporation of performance goals, measures, and targets into the process of identifying needed transportation improvements and project selection; and, WHEREAS, Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 (FAST Act), continued the requirements established by MAP-21, and stipulated that States and MPOs must: use a set of federally established performance measures, set targets and monitor progress for each of the performance measures; and, WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) adopted six (6) targets for (PM2) Pavement and Bridge Condition Measures as indicated below: 1. Percentage on Interstate System pavement in good or better condition. 2. Percentage on Interstate System pavement in poor condition. 3. Percentage of Non-Interstate National Highway System pavement in good condition. 4. Percentage of Non-Interstate National Highway System pavement in poor condition. 5. Percentage of Bridge Classified on the National Highway System in good condition. 6. Percentage of Bridge Classified on the National Highway System in poor condition; and, WHEREAS, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are required to either reaffirm support for the adjusted statewide targets or establish new targets for their Metropolitan Planning Area; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization LWCAMPO), that: Section 1: Hereby agrees to adopt and support the TxDOT 2023 the six (6) Pavement and Bridge Performance Measures (PM2) as shown on Exhibit No. 1. 1 Section 2: That, the Laredo Webb County Area MPO Policy Committee of the LWCAMPO hereby agrees that it will plan and program projects that contribute to the accomplishment of said targets. We certify that the above resolution was passed and adopted on this 21st day of June 2023, at a public meeting oft the Policy Committee of the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO). Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee Juan S. Mendive, AICP Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. MPO Director Laredo District Engineer 2 Exhibit No.1 Resolution No. MPO 2023-06 June 21, 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Performance Based Planning and Programming (PBPP) Targets PM-2 Pavement and Bridge Condition (Second Performance Period) 2-Year 4-Year Performance Measures Baseline Target Target (2022) (2024) (2026) 1. Percentage of Pavements of the Interstate System In Good Condition 64.5% 63.9% 63.6% 2. Percentage of Pavements of the Interstate System In Poor Condition 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 3. Percentage of Pavements of the Non-Interstate NHS In Good Condition 51.7% 45.5% 46.0% 4. Percentage of Pavements of the Non-Interstate NHS In Poor Condition 1.3% 1.5% 1.5% 5. Percentage of NHS Bridges Classified in Good Condition 49.2% 48.5% 47.6% 6. Percentage of NHS Bridges Classified in poor condition 1.1% 1.5% 1.6% 3 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.G. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-07, adopting and supporting the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Targets for System Performance Measures (PM3). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (LWCAMPO) ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-21-2023 ITEM: IV.G. SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Receive publictestimony and approve Resolution No. MPO 2023-07, to consideradopting the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Targets for System Performance Measures (PM3). INITIATED BY: Staff STAFF SOURCE: Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: On July 19, 2021, the Laredo Webb County MPO approved resolution MPO 2021-09 adopting the statewide system performance measures (PM3) targets, establishedbyt the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as requiredl by Fixing America's S Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 and by Map-21. BACKGROUND Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), surface transportation legislation required that metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processesincorporate performance goals, measures, and targets into the process ofidentifying needed transportationimprovements and project selection. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and ixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST). Act of 2015 continuedthe requirements established by MAP-21, and stipulated that States and MPOS must: Use a set of federally established performance measures; and, Set targets and monitor progress for each of the performance measures. On February 10, 2023 TxDOT adopted three (3) targets for System Performance Measures (PM3) according to the last submittal. The rulemaking established an August9, 2023 deadline for State Departments of Transportation (DOTS) to consider mid-range adjustments to statewide 2024 targets as they each submit a Mid-Performance Period (MPP) Progress Report to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The MPO staff recommendsto adopt the proposed TxDOT 2023 PM3 Infrastructure Condition Targets for the Second Performance Period; 2-Year and 4-Year Targets as follows: Performance Measures Baseline 2-Year Target 4-Year Target (2022) (2024) (2026) Percentage ofthe Person-Miles TraveledThatAre Reliable 84.6% 70.0% 70.0% Percentageofthe Person-Miles on thel Non- Interstatel NHS ThatAre Reliable 90.3% 70.0% 70.0% Truck Travel Time Reliability (TTTR) Index 1.39 1.55 1.55 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The LWCAMPO Technical Committee MPO staff recommends approval of resolution. recommends approval. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION NO. MPO 2023-07 BY THE LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE ADOPTING THE 2023 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TARGETS FOR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE MEASURE (PM3) WHEREAS, the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, for the Laredo Urbanized Area; and, WHEREAS, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), required metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes include the incorporation of performance goals, measures, and targets into the process of identifying needed transportation improvements and project selection; and, WHEREAS, Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 (FAST Act), continued the requirements established by MAP-21, and stipulated that States and MPOS must: use a set of federally established performance measures, set targets and monitor progress for each of the performance measures; and, WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) adopted three (3) System Performance Measures (PM3) targets as indicated below: 1. Percentage of the Person-Miles Traveled on the Interstate That Are Reliable 2. Percentage of the Person-Miles Traveled on the Non-Interstate NHS That Are Reliable 3. Truck Travel Time Reliability (TTTR) Index; and, WHEREAS, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are required to either reaffirm support for the adjusted statewide targets or establish new targets for their Metropolitan Planning Area; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), that: Section 1: The Laredo Webb County Area MPO herby agrees to adopt and support the TxDOT 2023 the three (3) system Performance Measures (PM3) as shown on Exhibit No. 1. 1 Section 2: That, the Laredo Webb County Area MPO hereby agrees that it will plan and program projects that contribute to the accomplishment of said targets. We certify that the above resolution was passed and adopted on this 21st day of June 2023, at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LW/CAMPO). Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee Juan S. Mendive, AICP Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. MPO Director Laredo District Engineer 2 Exhibit No. 1 Resolution No. MPO 2023-07 June 21, 2023 Texas Department of Transportation PM-3 Service Performance Measure Targets (Second Performance Period) 2-Year Target 4-Year Target Performance Measure Baseline (2024) (2026) Percentage of the Person-Miles Traveled on the Interstate That Are Reliable 84.6% 70.0% 70.0% Percentage of the Person-Miles Traveled on the Non- Interstate NHS That Are Reliable 90.3% 70.0% 70.0% Truck Travel Time Reliability (TTTR) Index 1.39 1.55 1.55 3 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.H. Discussion with possible action on the Hachar-Reuthinger Road project. CITY OF LAREDO Engineering Department € www.cilaredo.fxIs/engineering AREDO TEXAS 1755 Status Report June 2023 State Highway 84 (SH84) TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION 125 East 11th Street Austin, Texas THURSDAY May 25, 2023 Routine Minute Orders and Reports Enclosed/Attaches, C. Highway Des signations Webb County - In the city of Laredo, consider designating SH 84 along a new location (MO) This minute order designates SH84 along a newlocation on the state highway system from FM 1472 eastward to I-35, a distance of approximately8.0 miles. Approved Real Estate (Property Acquisition) Parcel 1 UBJECT Area: 115,116 sq. ft. Draft appraisal received: June 5, 2023 PARTACQUIRED 1110 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. (956) 791-7346 ACCESSDEN PARTACQUIRED Parcel 3 Area: 10,271 sq. ft. a - a Draft appraisal received: June 5, 2023 * a > TTITN 3 TI PARTA ACQUIRED ACCESSDENIAL Parcel 5 ACCESSDENIAL Area: 805,225 sq. ft. Draft appraisal received: June 6, 2023 OW BJECT BOUNDARY ACCESSDENIAL 1110 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. (956) 791-7346 Parcel 7 Area: 24,078 sq. ft. Draft appraisal received: June 6, 2023 - A 2N 1110 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. (956) 791-7346 Utility Coordination Project Schedule (Attached) Project Timeline- - FY23- -ENG-o3 Hachar- -Reuthinger Roadway MpV 1 - PREMIERA from FM14721 tol IH-35 Utility Engineering Services Cityo ofL Laredo Engineeringt Department cm E UR oN TASK es EETESHIIEHT MAMEIIDAKCNAEN 1013 Implementa ande comply the establishedn XDOT preiectu utiltye coordin tion o ond tdna a i ay E Mere = E ets ma ere E pasedu ny - ied an = Pate Minys daaranced dariment ahngneststyws CemktAssmentD Developn af Anematives, CoitEstimates cor -y an nens fic nake and mpa eve tya mesE maedad - Comstrvc tion Coordinats tion dN foritor DOL y a ese an dor = y priane eid hangea S a SUBSURFACEUTUIYN IMVESTISATION SNCOM MP Qualyl levelD rough aks dia intorn ew tim TASKS MISCELANEOUSTASKS GENERAL igs and ont ol R ems TASK * ADDITONALS SIRVICES- mo so4s PROPOSED mury ROSS DEVELOPMEN rel min - Sneer n a Cig - Prgject Manageme net Projed dose UE E n E GENERAL POTHOLING PLAN Proposed letting date: May 2024 1110 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. (956) 791-7346 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.I. Discussion with possible action on the MPO and member organizations representation at the June 29th Texas Transportation Commission meeting, and any other matters incident thereto. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.J. Presentation by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) on the River Road Route Alternatives Study, with possible action. RIVER ROAD ROUTE ALTERNATIVES STUDY MAY 2023 FINAL REPORT County City of & WEBB C 9 JM 5e 6 E Mobility PLANNING [PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK] River Road Route Alternatives Study Table of Contents 1. River Road Route Alternatives Study Introduction 1 Project Background 1 Study Area. Purpose and Need. 2 Organization of the Report.. 3 2. Existing Conditions and Alternatives 4 Environmental Constraints Methodology 4 Drawing Initial Alternatives 7 Explanation of the Alternatives. 7 3. Stakeholder Involvement. 9 Stakeholder Meeting Format. 9 4. Evaluating Alternatives 12 Level 1 Evaluation 12 Level 2 Evaluation 13 5. Evaluation Results 17 Level 1 Evaluation Results. 17 Level 2 Evaluation Results. 19 Locally Preferred Alternative. 19 6. Build VS. No-Build Traffic Analysis. 21 Conclusions from Traffic Analysis. 21 7. Next Steps for Project Development. 23 Opinion of Probable Cost 23 Proposed Project Schedule. 24 Summary of Implementation 25 Appendices A. Stakeholder Engagement B. Basis of Design Report C. Cost Estimates D. Traffic Analysis i Contents List of Figures Figure 1: River Road Project Study Area.. 2 Figure 2: Methodology for Mapping Environmental Constraints and Initial Alternatives 4 Figure 3: Natural Environmental Constraints in the Study Area. 5 Figure 4: Development Constraints in the Study Area. 6 Figure 5: River Road Initial Alternatives 8 Figure 6: Adjusted Alternatives Used in Level 1 Evaluation. 11 Figure 7: Laredo River Road Alternatives Evaluation Methodology. 12 Figure 8: Final Alternatives Used in Level 2 Evaluation 14 Figure 9: River Road Level 2 Evaluation, Typical (150') Section 15 Figure 10: River Road Level 2 Evaluation, Constrained (90') Section 15 Figure 11: Example of Bridge Location - Concept Station Engineering Review. 16 Figure 12: Example Wetlands intersecting Alternative ROW-Concept Station Engineering Review : 16 Figure 13: Locally Preferred Alternative 20 Figure 14: Typical capital project development process. 23 Figure 15: River Road Project Schedule (2 lanes in each direction). 24 List of Tables Table 1: Goals and Performance Criteria for Level 1 Evaluation. 13 Table 2: Level 1 Alternative Evaluation Results. 18 Table 3: Level 2 Alternative Evaluation Results. 19 Table 4: Key takeaways from the traffic analysis 21 ii River Road Route Alternatives Study 1. River Road Route Alternatives Study introduction Project Background The Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (WC-CL RMA), in cooperation with the City of Laredo and the Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), has conducted a route alternatives study for a new north-south roadway extending generally from Bernadette Lane and Aquero Boulevard in the south to FM 1472 in the north, intersecting somewhere between Copper Mines Road and Vidal Cantu Road. Locally, the project is known as the River Road Route Alternatives Study. The City of Laredo is the third most populated United States (U.S.) city on the U.S.-Mexico border, with an existing population of 286,442 and is anticipated to reach a total population of 450,024 by 20451. Moreover, Laredo's sister city, Nuevo Laredo, has an estimated existing population of 650,000 and is directly connected to the region making the border critical for the region's mobility, access, and economy. As the region continues to grow, there is a need to study new alternate routes that increase overall connectivity in the Webb County-City of Laredo region. The LWCAMPO 2020- 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and North Laredo-Webb County Transportation Planning Study both support the need for and recommend a River Road alternative route, further emphasizing the need for this alternatives study. FM 1472 is the busiest roadway in the region, carrying 60,000 vehicles daily, more than 30% of which are freight trucks2 due to its proximity to the World Trade Bridge commercial port-of-entry and the freight-supportive land uses that predominate the area surrounding FM 1472. The roadway is a critical northwest connection for freight traffic that lacks nearby parallel routes. As residential and commercial development continues to expand into the areas around FM 1472, the lack of alternative routes threatens to severely exceed capacity on the FM 1472. Implementation of River Road will improve mobility by providing more choice to users, reducing congestion, and improving travel time reliability. Study Area The project study area is bounded by FM 1472 to the north and east, I-69W to the south, and the US- Mexico border to the west. Significant features of the study area include the El Pico water treatment plant, and the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry, each indicated in Figure 1. There are two existing large industrial parks and distribution centers in the southeast, the Interamerica Distribution Park, around Interamerica Boulevard, and the International Trade Center, around Trade Center Boulevard. Additionally industrial and commercial development occurring on Vidal Cantu and W. Peak Roads will significantly increase the freight and commercial traffic generated from within the study area. The study area also contains a residential neighborhood, La Bota Ranch, located between the Interamerica Distribution Park and International Trade Center, off of A.F. Mueller Boulevard. Expansions to La Bota Ranch are in development and permitting with the city. Currently, FM 1472 is that neighborhood's only point of ingress and egress. 1 MTP: 2020-2045 - Laredo & Webb County Area MPOlaredompo.or) 21 In AMI Peak Hour balanced volumes, taken from 20181 traffic study used for Synchro analysis. See. Appendix D for full numbers. 1 Introduction Figure 1: River Road Project Study Area 1472 M 3338 - Bo 6 L N & MEXICOL Vidal Cantu Rd Pinnacle Rd a o EL Pico Rd 1472 Pan American Blvd J Trade Center Blvd 8 AF Muller BIvd Interamerica Bivd Aquero Blvd. / River Rd. Study Area Laredo Roadways e bank Dr a Water Treatment Plant Aquero Blvd World Trade Bridge Logistic Dr u 0.5 1 2Miles Purpose and Need Project Purpose The purpose of the River Road Route Alternatives Study is to provide a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that will delineate a new roadway in north Laredo to enhance mobility in the region by providing an alternate route that increases network capacity in the area that will serve to relieve congestion on FM 1472. Specifically, the LPA will provide a link between FM 1472 (between Copper Mines Road 2 River Road Route Alternatives Study and Vidal Cantu Road) in the north, and Bernadette Lane/Aquero Boulevard to the south. The project is being studied to achieve the following goals: 1. Safety and Mobility - Provide a safe multimodal transportation system that enhances the efficient mobility of people and goods throughout the region. 2. Connectivity and Accessibility Improve multimodal transportation system connectivity and enhance local and regional access. 3. Economic Competitiveness - Promote the efficient movement of goods while reducing the impacts to neighborhoods and single-occupant vehicle (SOV) travel and complement existing and planned economic development opportunities in North Laredo. 4. Environmental Sustainability Minimize impacts to the natural and/or built environment where applicable. Project Needs Existing and future transportation issues to be addressed by the project include: Expected population and employment growth will continue to increase travel demand and place greater pressure on existing North Laredo roadways. North Laredo is experiencing, and will continue to experience, residential, commercial, and industrial growth. Existing conditions suggest current transportation infrastructure in North Laredo is inadequate for existing demand, and investments in improving the transportation network have been focused in other areas of the Webb County-City of Laredo region. The existing transportation network has unreliable and lengthy travel times. The existing roadway system is increasingly congested due to the previously mentioned regional growth and an increase in cross-border traffic at the World Trade Bridge. This has led to higher traffic volumes for both freight and SOVS and has in turn increased travel times and decreased reliability. The existing and projected strain on the transportation system suggests north Laredo currently has an inadequate amount of alternative route choices. More route choices are necessary to support connectivity to and from large industrial centers, residential communities, and other major activity centers within north Laredo and the greater Webb County-City of Laredo region. Organization of the Report This report provides a summary of the existing conditions in the study area that were analyzed prior to developing initial alternatives. Following the development of initial alternatives, the project team engaged stakeholders for feedback, and began the initial alternatives evaluation process. The process contained two rounds of quantitative evaluation, including traffic modeling and cost estimates. The results of the evaluation are presented with the locally preferred alternative, and a brief discussion of potential unknowns to be aware of, and project implementation cost drivers. 3 Existing Conditions and Alternatives 2. Existing Conditions and Alternatives Prior to drawing preliminary alternatives for the River Road right-of-way, the project team engaged in a detailed environmental constraints mapping effort to understand the obstacles and ideal paths within the study area. Environmental constraints included both natural constraints (i.e. topography, floodplains, etc.) and development constraints (i.e. existing lot lines, zoning and development). This section details the methodology used to map environmental constraints and draw initial alternatives. Environmental Constraints Methodology The environmental constraints mapping methodology is summarized in Figure 2. Figure 2: Methodology for Mapping Environmental Constraints The process began with mapping two and Initial Alternatives previously proposed aligments for River Road from previous studies, including the North o 0000 Previous Plan Laredo Webb County Transportation Planning Alignments Study (2020), and the Future Thoroughfare Plan (2021). 0000 o Natural environmental constraints were then mapped atop these previous alignments. This Environmental map included: 100-year floodplains, Constraints topography, waterways, wetlands, and pipelines. Development constraints also considered: existing and planned roadways, municipal Development zoning districts, and existing property parcel Constraints lot lines. A number of additional constraints were mapped but did not appear within the study area (wells, schools, fire stations, parks, cemetaries, oil and gas leases, and historical sites and markers). Sketch Initial Alternatives On Once this data was gathered and mapped, Previous Layers the project team delineated preliminary alternative alignments. This mapping process revealed several challenges for alternative development. Natural environmenta. constraints mapping (Figure 3) revealed topographical challenges in the southern part of the study area, especially along Sombrerito Creek. Initial alternative segments 1, 2, and 5 attempted to minimize topographical challenges in this area. Segments 1 and 2 also attempt to navigate flat terrain through the center of the study area. All Initial alternative segments avoid wetlands and 100-year floodplains. Within the development constraints (Figure 4), the previously planned alignments intersect 26 individual parcels, owned by 15 different property owners. The parcels are situated in a predominantly East-West rectangular fashion. South of Pan American Boulevard the parcels take on more irregular boundaries. Because of the north-south direction of the planned River Road is at odds 4 River Road Route. Alternatives Study with the east-west orientation of parcels, strictly following parcel boundaries with the new route alignments would not be feasible. There are opportunities however, especially in the central and northern portions of the study area, to construct River Road along certain parcel boundaries or existing roads. When deciding which parcels to split and which to border, ownership and existing development was being considered. There is significant development under way in the central part of the study area along El Pico Road and Vidal Cantu Road. The preliminary alternatives avoid existing development and construction where possible. Figure 3: Natural Environmental Constraints in the Study Area 1472 N MI C MEXICO idal Cantu d 531 5 & Aquero Blvd. / River Rd. Environmental Constraints Study Area Elevation 100-Year Floodplain 000 2021 Thoroughfare! Plan 390-490 Streams ROW 490.1-530 *. Wetland 000 2020 Transportation 530.1-570 Study ROW 570.1-640 Pipelines 640.1-700 Waterbody 0 0.5 2Miles 1 5 Existing Conditions and Alternatives Figure 4: Development Constraints in the Study Area - - - 1472 N * B a - o e 5 MEXICO idal Cantu-Rd Rd Peoples Blvd e e 1472 ) 531 S 9 Development Constraints Municipal Zoning Districts Single Family Aquero Blvd./ River Rd. Agriculture Residential Study Area Heavy Manufacturing Multi-Family 000 2021 Thoroughfare Plan Light Manufacturing Residential 000 2020 Transportation: Study Highway Commercial Intersecting Parcels Laredo Roadways Parcel Boundaries Community Business Water Treatment Plant Limited Business World" Trade Bridge 2 0 0.5 1 2 Miles 69 6 River Road Route. Alternatives Study Drawing Initial Alternatives The initial alternatives developed for the River Road Route Alternatives Study were drawn to conform to six-guiding principles to the greatest degree possible. Guiding Principles of the River Road Phase Alternatives (in no particular order): Conform with Previous Plans Minimize Displacements Minimize Impacts on Environmental Resources Feasible Topography Conforming to Existing and Future Roadways and Property Boundaries Minimize Potential Conflicts with Existing and Planned Roadways Most, if not all roadway alternatives are not able to achieve all these principles in equal measure, and each alternative presents tradeoffs. For example, an alternative may represent a route over ideal topography, but will cut through property boundaries as a result. Others will follow existing property lines more closely but may present more challenging topograpny. After drawing initial alternatives, the project team actively engaged with local stakeholders to gauge priorities when it comes to these tradeoffs. The results of stakeholder engagement and further refinement of these priorities is discussed in greater detail in the following sections. The purpose of this initial mapping was to provide stakeholders an array of roadway options with clear tradeoffs and they were used to begin the engagement and refinement process. Six initial alternatives were developed. Each is displayed in Figure 5, and discussed further. Explanation of the Alternatives The six initial alternatives developed following environmental constraints are explained in the following paragraphs and depicted in Figure 5. The descriptions all follow the alternatives from south to north, beginning at their common terminus at Aquero Boulevard. Alternatives 1 and 2 both curve around the creekbed south of La Bota Ranch to avoid bridge construction. They then diverge to follow slightly different paths through the topography before reaching El Pico Road. After El Pico, both alternatives cross through the new commercial/ndustrial hub around Vidal Cantu Road, rather than west of the development like alternatives 4 through 6. While crossing through the development, alternatives 1 and 2 seek to follow existing parcel boundaries and roadways wherever possible, before diverging to align with either the planned Las Tiendes Road (FM 3338) realignemnt and planned Hachar Parkway, respectively. Alternatives 3 and 4 represent the proposed North Laredo Transportation Planning Study and Future Thoughfare plan alignments respectively. The project team felt it important to recognize and include the proposed alignments from these previous plans in the evaluation as a benchmark to measure newly drawn alternatives against. Neither alternative follows the area's topography very well, however, each connects to one of the two chosen northern termini, future Hachar Parkway or Las Tiendes Road. Alternatives 5 and 6 diverge over the La Bota Ranch creekbed and follow varying paths through the topographically variable undeveloped land that follows. The alternatives rejoin however, at El Pico Road where they follow the existing El Pico Water Treatment Plant access road west of adjacent industrial developments in the area. By avoiding the ongoing development around Vidal Cantu Road, 7 Existing Conditions and Alternatives these alternatives avoid business displacement. Alternative 6 then follows W. Peak Road to planned Hachar Parkway, while Alternative 5 continues north to the planned Las Tiendes Road realignment. Figure 5: River Road Initial Alternatives 1472 N 3338 - Ro € L AIN CA MEXICOL a Vidal Cantu Rd Pinnacle Rd - & Pico Rd 1472 Pan American Blvd J Trade Center Blvd & AF Muller Blvd Interamerica Blvd Aquero Blvd. / River Rd. Initial Alternative Study Area Segments Dr Alternative 1 Laredo Roadways a Alternative 2 Water Treatment Plant Alternative 3 Aquero Blvd Alternative 4 World Trade Bridge Alternative 5 Logistic Dr Alternative 6 0 0.5 2Miles 8 River Road Route. Alternatives Study 3. Stakeholder Involvement A critical component to this study included discussions with several public and private-sector stakeholders that are very familiar with the study area and the issues surrounding the need for an alternative route to FM 1472. While conducting analysis with data and considering environmental constraints is a great tool for determining which alignment would work best, the people who are most familiar with the nuaces of the issue help with how the data can be interpreted, contributing to a proposed solution that offers a better fit for the area. To gather input from a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the study area, a series of stakeholder meetings was held over a two-day period, from Thursday, October 20 through Friday, October 21, 2022, at various times and locations throughout Laredo and Webb County. The purpose of the meetings was to: Provide an overview of the study purpose, goals and objectives. Collect input on transportation needs and challenges. Collect feedback on the draft preliminary purpose and need, evaluation criteria, and proposed alignments of River Road from previous studies. Help the project team understand and interpret data analysis in a way that is consistent with how stakeholders understand the area and how this roadway can benefit the community. Collect input on priorities related to various transportation issues and corridors in the study area. Coordinate planning and implementation efforts with local, state, and federal government and transportation authorities. Stakeholder Meeting Format Stakeholder meetings that were carried out over a two-day period included groupings of approximately 60 various stakeholders who provided valuable input and insight to the project team: Thursday, October 20 Friday October 21 El Portal Conference Room Fasken Recreation Center Multi-purpose Room Department of Homeland Security, Developer Association Group Customs and Border Protection HOA Board and Developer Association Group City of Laredo and TxDOT Custom Brokers, ALFA, LMCA Webb County, Webb County Sheriff's Department After this initial round of stakeholder meetings, approximately 10 additional stakeholders that were not available during these dates were engaged to collect further information. These meetings, held in early November 2022 included discussions with United Independent School District as well as various property owners and their representatives with interest in the area. For a more complete list of attendees and other details of what was covered, please refer to Appendix A. Each of these meetings began with a presentation that covered study packground, evaluation criteria, preliminary alternative alignments, study process, and schedule. An open input session with stakeholders followed the presentation. The discussion was guided by maps of the study area a Stakeholder Involvement depicting proposed alignments, environmental constraints, intersecting parcel owners, and zoning. Participants were also provided comment cards to submit written comments. During this activity stakeholders provided comments about needs and challenges in the study area, and feedback on the draft preliminary purpose and need, evaluation criteria, and preliminary aternative alignments for River Road. Comments were recorded, and participants were encouraged to comment directly on the study area maps. Some of the key takeaways and common themes from the Stakeholder meetings as a whole included the following: River Road should primarily serve passenger vehicles and prohibit commercial truck traffic. There is a need for coordination among the City, County, and developers with interests in the area about ongoing development to ensure that roadway alternatives and implementation do not interfere with development. Connection with the planned Hachar Parkway is guaranteed, SO providing connectivity to the planned Las Tiendas Road realignment with the project's northern terminus should be prioritized. Based on this feedback from the stakeholder input sessions, Alternatives 5 and 6 were adjusted to address these local priorities. These new alternatives, mapped in Figure 6 incorporated the most well-received aspects of the previous six. These six alternatives were used in the evaluations described in the following section. 10 River Road Route. Alternatives Study Figure 6: Adjusted Alternatives Used in Level 1 Evaluation * 1472 3338 - Ro E a AI MEXICOI idal Cantu Rd Pinnacle Rd 3 & Pico Rd 1472 Pan American Blvd / Trade Center Blvd AF Muller Blvd Aquero Blvd., / River Rd. River Road Interamerica Blvd Study Area Adjusted Alternatives Alternative 1 Laredo Roadways (2020 Study ROW) Dr Alternative 2 a Water Treatment Plant (2021 TF Plan ROW) Aquero Blvd n Alternative 3 World Trade Bridge Alternative 4 Adj. Alternative 5 Logistic Dr Adj. Alternative 6 0 0.5 1 2 Miles 11 Evaluating Alternatives 4. Evaluating Alternatives The alternative evaluation process is outlined in Figure 7. Phase I Identification of Preliminary Alternatives includes the work completed in the existing conditions analysis that resulted in the six initial alternatives. Phase II contains two separate evaluations, Level 1 and Level 2. Each level of evaluation is detailed in the following sections. In short, the Level 1 evaluation used qualitative and quantitative measures to select two alternatives for advancement. The Level 2 evaluation reviewed the top two alternatives using a more quantitative process to identify a single, locally preferred alternative. Results from these evaluations are discussed in Section 5. Figure 7: Laredo River Road Alternatives Evaluation Methodology Phase I: Identification of Phase Il: Evaluation of Alternatives Preliminary Alternatives Q-1F10 Identify & Develop Initial Alternatives Level 1: Level 2: (Economic, Environmental, and Engineering (Purpose and Need) (Detailed Evaluation) Feasibility) Identify Feasible Alternatives that Evaluate Adherence to Preliminary Detailed Evaluation of TopA Alternatives Avoid Conflicts and Minimize Impacts Purpose and Need for Each Alternative Compared to No-Build Alternative Guiding Principles Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Criteria Account for Previous Plans Safety Traffic Analysis Minimize Displacements Mobility Transportation Network Benefit Feasible Topography and Minimize Connectivity Capital Costs Impact to Environmental Resources Accessibility Structural Needs Conforming to Existing and Future Roadways and Property Boundaries Economic Competitiveness Minimize Potential Conflicts with Environmental Sustainability Existing and Planned Roadways Identify 6. 10 Alternatives Identify 2Alternatives Identify the Locally Preferred Alternative Stakeholder Input Stakeholder Updates and Follow-Up Level 1 Evaluation The purpose and need (Section 1) was used to guide the evaluation criteria for the Level 1 analysis. At the core of the Level 1 evaluation is an analysis of how the six preliminary alternatives performed in their ability to satisfy the goals included in the purpose for the project. Table 1 shows the four goals for the project that can be described by the criteria that includes the maximization of safety, mobility, connectivity, accessibility, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. The evaluation criteria were quantifiable, data driven, and tracked through the development of performance measures. The performance measures were organized according to the criteria to which they apply (safety and mobility as well as connectivity and accessibility were grouped together, as performance measures for those criteria apply to both). Performance measures were identified, assessed, and finalized using input from stakeholder engagement to ensure public priorities were quantified in the evaluation process. 12 River Road Route Alternatives Study Table. 1: Goals and Performance Criteria for Level 1 Evaluation Goal # Goal Description Performance Measure Number of conflict - Safety and Mobility Provide a safe multimodal points 1 transportation system that enhances the efficient Acreage of industrial/light industrial uses within the buffer mobility of people and goods throughout the region. Vehicle hours of travel (VHT) Creates a novel roadway connection Connectivity and Accessibility Improve multimodal not otherwise planned (FM: 3338) 2 transportation system connectivity and enhance local Number of Parallel and crossing and regional access. facilities Level of bike suitability Economic Competitiveness - Promote the efficient Ability to limit drayage and industrial movement of goods while reducing the impacts to truck traffic (bypass industrial land 3 neighborhoods and SOV travel and complement existing uses or no) and planned economic development opportunities in Percentage of roadways serving north Laredo. residential uses Wetland features within 250ft buffer Floodplain features within 250ft Environmental Sustainability Minimize impacts to the buffer 4 natural and/or built environment where applicable. Estimated number of bridges needed Number of impacted properties within ROW The Level 1 evaluation sought to eliminate four of the six alternatives from consideration. It utilized 12 performance metrics, for which each alternative was rated as either 'Low', Medium', or 'High' and symbolized using red, yellow, and green colors respectively as shown in Section 5. These ratings were assigned based on various thresholds identified for each performance measure. The two alternatives with the highest cumulative ratings we advanced into the Level 2 evaluation. To develop the performance metrics used in this evaluation, the project team began with the four goals from the project purpose and need, shown in Table 1. The performance measures identified for this evaluation correspond with these goals. Results from the Level 1 evaluation can be found in the following section. Level 2 Evaluation The Level 2 evaluation sought to ground the two chosen alternatives from Level 1 in engineering feasibility. Alternatives 5 and 6 (Figure 8) were imported into OpenRoads ConceptStation, a roadway design computer program. Within ConceptStation, preliminary designs were modeled that included environmental constraints, realistic cross-sections, ramps, bridges, and cut-and-fill segments in three dimensions. This facilitated confirmation of assumptions made in the Level 1 evaluation about bridges, costs, and conflicts with the environment. 13 Evaluating Alternatives Figure 8: Final Alternatives Used in Level 2 Evaluation 1472 3338 - Ro E 7 L & MEXICO Vidal Cantu Rd Pinnacle Rd E & EIF Pico Rd 1472 Pan American Blvd J Trade Center Blvd & AF Muller Bivd Aquero Blvd. / River Rd. River Road Inter america Bivd Study Area Adjusted Alternatives Laredo Roadways Alternative 5 Dr Alternative 6 a Water Treatment Plant Aquero Bivd wwuDL World Trade Bridge Logistic Dr E 0.5 1 2Miles 14 River Road Route. Alternatives Study When creating roadway designs in ConceptStation, the project team referenced TXDOT and National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) design standards to ensure roadway geometries, cross sections, and structural needs matched state and national best practices. More detail about the specific basis of design can be found in Appendix B. The typical roadway cross section for this evaluation3 spanned 150' of right of way, with a 36' median, two 12' travel lanes in each direction, 10' shared use path on the west side and 6' sidewalk on the east side, 8' planting strips, and 17' cut and fill section on either side of the roadway (Figure 9). Figure 9: River Road Level 2 Evaluation, Typical (150') Section 17' 10' 8' 12' 12' 36' 12' 12' 8' 17' The alternatives require 3 to 6 bridges, 500 to 700 feet in total length. Alternative 6 is estimated to require more cumulative bridge length than Alternative 5, based on a maximum slope of 5% to maintain bicycle and pedestrian design standards. An alternate cross-section was used for ROW-constrained sections as the road intersects Vidal Cantu Road and runs alongside the El Pico Water Treatment Plant. This section (Figure 10) includes a 90' ROW, with a 12' 0i-directional turn lane, two 11' lanes in each direction, a 10' shared-use path on the west side, and 6' sidewalk on the east side, and 8/ planting strips. Figure 10: River Road Level 2 Evaluation, Constrained (90') Section - F 10' 8' 11' 11' 12' 11' 11' 8' 6' The Level 2 evaluation confirmed the constructability of Alternatives 5 and 6, and helped to identify where modifications to the two alternative alignments would be needed. As seen in Figure 11, bridge sections were clearly identified and estimated lengths were calculated. As seen in Figure 12, certain environmental constraints that appeared to be outside the impact of the roadway in Level 1 evaluations were shown to be well within the ROW. This required some minor modifications to the two alternatives to accommodate environmental features, topography, and development. 3 This roadway design is subject to change ini implementation planning stages of the River Road project. Traffic models for both a 2-lane and 3-lane configurations were modeled, discussed in Section 6. 15 Evaluating Alternatives Figure 11: Example of Bridge Location Concept Station Engineering Review Alternative 6 Alternative 5 Bridge Figure 12: Example Wetlands intersecting with Alternative ROW - Concept Station Engineering Review Alternative 5 Wetlands Alternative 6 16 River Road Route. Alternatives Study 5. Evaluation Results The evaluation successfully demonstrated tradeoffs between alternatives. In the Level 1 evaluation, Alternatives 5 and 6 were rated the highest. Both were carried into the Level 2 evaluation, where Alterative 5 was selected for its savings in bridge costs and distance from existing wetlands. Bridge cost savings include initial construction, maintenance costs, and future bridge widening. The evaluation revealed both of these alternatives were very similar to one another, differences in final ratings were relatively small. Level 1 Evaluation Results As seen in Alternatives 5 and 6 were rated the highest, followed by the remaining alternatives in descending order. The Alternatives 1 and 2, which were drawn from previous plans were rated the lowest. This does not suggest however, that those previous plans were poorly designed. The scale at which those recommendations were made was much larger and focused more on emphasizing a need for a roadway connection. Environmental constraints, topography, and development were not considered. The specific locations of the roadway projects recommended in each was always intended to be adjusted and finalized through a route alternatives study such as this. Alternatives 3 and 4 scored lower primarily because they traveled through the industrial development areas rather than around them, connected to Hachar Parkway instead of Las Tiendas Road, and they conflicted with wetlands, property lines, and existing roadways more than the final two alternatives. In addition to the property impacts of roadway construction through the industrial area, constructing River Road through areas already congested by truck traffic would have negative impacts for mobility. Within Alternatives 5 and 6, differences in performance measure ratings highlight tradeoffs for stakenolders to consider. Alternative 5 carries a greater amount of conflicting points (more intersections), while Alternative 6 has a greater impact on wetlands and need for bridge construction. The Level 2 evaluation discusses these tradeoffs in greater detail. 17 Evaluation Results Table 2: Level 1 Alternative Evaluation Results Level 1 Criteria Alternative Results Evaluate Adherence to Purpose and Need Criteria Performance Metric 1 2 3 4 5 6 # of conflict points High Med Low Med Low Med Acreage of industrial/light Safety and industrial uses within buffer Low High High Med Med High Mobility Vehicle hours of travel (VHT)/ Traffic Movement Efficiency High High Med High Med Med Creates a new roadway connection (not already planned, FM 3338, Hachar Low High High Low High High Connectivity and Pkwy) Accessibility # of Parallel and crossing Low Med High Med High Med facilities Level of bike suitability Med Low High High Med Med Ability to limit dreyage and industrial truck traffic (bypass Low High Med Low Economic High High industrial area or no) Competitiveness % of roadway serving Low Low High Med Med residential use High Wetland features within 250ft buffer High Med Low High Med Low Floodplain features within Environmental 250ft buffer Low Med High Med High High Sustainability # of Bridges Needed Low Low High High High Med # of properties intersecting or Med Med Low High Med Med adjacent to the alignment Cumulative Rating Low Med Med Med High High 18 River Road Route. Alternatives Study Level 2 Evaluation Results The Level 2 evaluation resulted in small changes to the Alternatives to accommodate constructability and environmental features. As seen in Figure 12, Alternative 6 needed to curve eastward to avoid wetlands south of El Pico Road. In addition, it was determined that Alternative 5 would likely require a utility easement near the La Bota Ranch residential development's retention ponds. Specific planning-level cost estimates for the two alternatives can be found in Appendix C. Table 3: Level 2 Alternative Evaluation Results Alternative Results Level 2 Considerations 5 6 Conflicts with Natural Constraints High Low Conflicts with Existing Med Med Development Transportation Network Benefit Med Med Required Utility Easements Low High Estimated Culverts Med Med Estimated Bridge Length High Low Capital Cost Med Med Cumulative Rating High Med The Level 2 evaluation showed minor differences between the two alternatives. The most significant of was roughly 100 additional linear feet of bridge structure required for Alternative 6. Because of the impacts to cost estimates this additional bridge structure would entail and the greater potential for environmental impacts, Alternative 5 is recommended to be the locally preferred alternative. An option, however, that could remain available is that aspects of both final alternatives be investigated as design options during the environmental assessment phase to make the best possible decision that limits or mitigates potential impacts to the environment. Locally Preferred Alternative The locally preferred alternative for River Road is recommended to be based on Alternative 5 as described in this study and shown in Figure 13. As the environmental assessment phase of this project progresses, features of Alternative 6 as described in this study may be considered as design options should unforeseen impacts to the built or natural environment require additional considerations. It should be noted that changes to this locally preferred alternative may be required to mitigate any potential environmental impacts, which will be documented through that process and will include continuous coordination with project partners. Should any changes be made through that process, the locally preferred alternative will be redefined according to those recommendations, with the opportunity for project partners to make comments that will have to be responded to and accounted for to complete the environmental assessment and progress the project's final design. The environmental assessment will ultimately define the alignment and right-of-way, as well as survey and appraise the property that needs to be acquired to construct the project. 19 Evaluation Results Figure 13: Locally Preferred Alternative 1472 A 3338 1. % 6 L a IN Future Rd $ Hachar Pkwy MEXICOL Vidal Cantu Rd Pir nt nacle Rd - & ELR Pico Rd Pan American Blvd J Trade Center Blvd S AF Muller Bivd Aquero Blvd. / River Rd. Proposed River Inter ramerica Bivd Study Area Road River Road Laredo Roadways ank Dr e Water Treatment Plant Blvd World Trade Bridge Logistic Dr Future Network my Improvements 0 0.5 1 2Mles 20 River Road Route. Alternatives Study 6. Build VS. No-Build Traffic Analysis With the recommended Locally Preferred Alternative for River Road selected, the traffic analysis utilized the most recent LWCAMPO regional travel demand model to consider differences in traffic volumes, and a Synchro analysis on FM 1472 to evaluate differences in delay and level of service. This helped to measure the traffic impact on FM 1472 with River Road built (Build scenario) compared to no new roadway being built (No-Build scenario). Comparisons were made in an opening year (2028) as well as a future year (2045). More detail on the traffic analysis methodology and results can be found in Appendix D. The analysis compared traffic volumes, travel times, and level of service in the Build and the No- Build scenarios. This was able to llustrate the benefit of building an alternative route to FM 1472 such as River Road, as well as the volumes that could be anticipated on River Road under a 2-lane (in each direction) and 3-lane configuration. Following popular support during stakeholder engagement, traffic modeling was conducted under the assumption that trucks and commercial traffic would be limited to FM 1472, with River Road serving passenger vehicle traffic only. Results from the traffic analysis are summarized in Table 4. Table 4: Key takeaways from the traffic analysis Build Scenario results compared to No-Build Opening Year (2028) Future Year (2045) Daily traffic volumes diverted from FM 14721 to Daily traffic volumes diverted from FM 1472 to River Road in the 2-lane (in each direction) Build River Road in the 2-lane (in each direction) Build scenario can be expected to range from 10,000 - scenario can be expected to range from 10,000 - 15,000 vehicles for various segments of River 19,000 vehicles for various segments of River Road. Road. Daily traffic volumes diverted from FM 1472 to Daily traffic volumes diverted from FM 14721 to River Road in the 3-lane Build scenario can be River Road in the 3-lane Build scenario can be expected to range from 12,000 - 25,000 expected to range from 12,000 40,000 vehicles for various segments of River Road. vehicles for various segments of River Road. Travel times on FM 1472 from Las Tiendas Road Travel times on FM 1472 from Las Tiendas Road (FM 3338) to -69W can be expected to drop from (FM: 3338) to I-69W can be expected to drop from 34 minutes in the No Build scenario to 15 40 minutes in the No Build scenario to 28 minutes in the 2-lane Build scenario. minutes in the 2-lane Build scenario. Travel times on FM 1472 from Las Tiendas Road Travel times on FM 1472 from Las Tiendas Road to I-69W can be expected to drop from 34 to I-69W can be expected to drop from 40 minutes in the No Build scenario to 12 minutes in minutes in the No Build scenario to 23 minutes in the 3-lane Build scenario. the 3-lane Build scenario. In general, northbound and sounthbound In general, northbound and sounthbound intersection movements on FM 1472 can be intersection movements on FM 1472 can be expected to have slight improvements in level-of- expected to have slight improvements in level-of- service and delay in the Build scenario compared service and delay in the Build scenario compared to the No Build scenario. to the No Build scenario. Conclusions from Traffic Analysis The traffic analysis comparing Build to No Build scenarios indicate that an alternate route such as River Road would have an immediate impact in an assumed opening year of 2028 configured with two lanes in each direction, cutting travel times along FM 1472 from Las Tiendas Road to I-69W by more than half. By 2045, traffic volumes on FM 1472 are expected to be substantially higher than they are today in that roadway's current configuration, far exceeding capacity. As was concluded in the 2020 North Laredo-Webb County Transportation Planning Study, traffic must be diverted across 21 Build VS. No-Build Traffic Analysis a network of roadway improvements and new connections such as River Road to alleviate traffic volumes to a more reasonable level of delay along FM 1472. By including a configuration for River Road with three lanes in each direction, the traffic analysis concluded that twice as many cars would be diverted from FM 1472 onto River Road in 2045 by implementing that third lane. This analysis was primarily meant to help understand and communicate the benefit to FM 1472 should an alternative route such as River Road be built. This benefit will be realized by trucks and other vehicles that would remain on FM 1472. A more detailed traffic analysis that would require additional traffic counts throughout the study area and more realistic traffic impacts from planned developments will be required to focus the analysis on the performance of River Road itself. When considering a diversion of up to 15,000 cars onto River Road in 2028 with two lanes in each direction and as many as 40,000 cars in 2045 with three lanes in each direction, this will be one of the busiest roadways in Laredo almost immediately. This analysis provides adequate information that must be factored into the roadway's design, particularly at either end of the proposed alignment. The way that Las Tiendas Road and River Road come together at FM 1472 will need to be carefully considered as will how River Road flows into Aquero Boulevard and River Bank Drive before intersecting with I-69W. Individual intersection designs along River Road and methods to deter and enforce prohibition of truck traffic will need to be another consideration. With the expected volumes on River Road, development of commercial goods and services for residents that would be traveling along River Road on a daily basis also becomes feasible given that amount of traffic. 22 River Road Route. Alternatives Study 7. Next Steps for Project Development In the 2020 North Laredo-Webb County Transportation Planning Study, River Road was identified as one of the first projects that should be built to have an immediate impact on relieving traffic congestion in the area, particularly along FM 1472. This study is the first step toward making River Road a capital project. As indicated in Figure 14, this study serves to initiate the project and provides the necessary project definition to begin establishing partnerships among public entities such as the WC-CL RMA and City of Laredo, as well as various private property owners and developers that have identified some segment of River Road in their plans. This study also offers an opinion of probable cost based on the information currently available, providing a target to begin identifying sources of funding fori implementation of the project. Following this study, the project planning phase will include a more detailed environmental analysis looking at planned land uses and an updated traffic analysis; schematic-level design considering configuration of utilities, drainage, and roadway intersections; and public input on how the proposed designs mitigate potential impacts to the built and natural environment. From there, more detailed plans, specifications, and cost estimates (PS&E) will be completed, and the necessary property acquisition will begin that is required to preserve the right-of-way that River Road will be built within, allowing construction to commence. Figure 14: Typical capital project development process Project Project Project Initiation Planning Development THIS Understand the Develop a detailed STUDY Define the need and design specifying how scope of the project project environment to build the project Formalize agreements Determine potential Acquire any necessary among project impacts or effects to right of way partners that environment Solicit public Coordinate design of Program project comment and get any utilities to be built funding or modified within the regulatory approvals right of way Opinion of Probable Cost Cost estimates for this project were developed using the 2-lane (in each direction) concept established in ConceptStation discussed in Section 4 of this study to determine roadway material quantities. Unit costs used by the Texas Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2023 for these materials were applied to determine estimated construction costs, which were escalated assuming an average annual inflation rate of 4% to reflect potential costs in fiscal year 2028, when project letting is expected to occur. Costs for work that must be completed prior to construction such as project planning and project development were estimated using standard industry percentages of the estimated construction cost, and a contingency of 20% was added on top of total construction costs to account for unknowns due to the low level of detail that the alignment identified in this study currently reflects. As the design progresses, the cost estimate will change to reflect what is known at that point, and the contingency applied will decrease along the way. 23 Next Steps for Project Development The estimated probable cost in FY 2028 dollars of the 5.57-mile locally preferred alternative for River Road is $154.8 million, which translates into roughly $27.8 million per mile. This includes an estimate for right-of-way acquisition based on average property values in the area per square foot multiplied by the square footage of the total right-of-way. This is considered to be a conservative cost estimate using an inflation rate the reflects how material costs have continued to escalate in recent years. This will change as more information becomes available. Locations where the proposed roadway encroaches on wetlands and waterways must be investigated further to ensure proper mitigations are incorporated into the design. Public utility mainlines necessary to support planned developments in the area are also unknown at the time of this opinion of probable cost that need to be identified through further investigation. Major components driving the probable cost of River Road up include new bridge structures that cross extreme changes in elevation due to creeks in the Rio Grande watershed crossing through the study area as well as locations where the landscape would be either cut or filled in requiring the use of concrete retaining walls and embankments due to the variable nature of the topography. Property acquisition for River Road's right-of-way is another major cost driver that will need to be investigated further for individual properties, and could potentially be offset by developer participation as partners in the project's development. Coordinating with individual property owners and developers that River Road is proposed to cross will be key to advancing this project forward through environmental assessment, design, and funding identification. Detailed cost estimates for the costs of construction and professional services can be found in Appendix C. Proposed Project Schedule The proposed schedule for the River Road project llustrated in Figure 15, corresponds with the project development process shown in Figure 14. The schedule begins with this study, captured in the Route Analysis row and continues into the funding identification. In the 6-9 months following acceptance of this study, project partnerships will need to be established and funding for subsequent project planning activities such as schematic design and environmental analysis needs to be identified. Figure 15: River Road Project Schedule (2 lanes in each direction) Proposed Schedule for River Road Project Development Phase 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1Q2 Route Analysis Funding Identification Project Scoping Schematic Design Environmental Analysis 30% Plan, Spec & Estimates 60% Plan, Spec & Estimates 100% Plan, Spec & Estimates Right-of-Way Acquisition Utility Coordination Project Letting Construction Project Initiation Project Planning Project Development Construction 24 River Road Route. Alternatives Study As those project planning activities commence, funding identification continues for PS&E (project development) activities and right-of-way acquisition, as well as project construction. This can take up to two years, though may also occur sooner should project partners be able to secure funds. Similarly, should funds for schematic and environmental be identified sooner, those activities may begin once the project has been scoped. The subsequent PS&E activities typically do not commence until all phases of the project have been fully funded. Summary of Implementation With this study complete, the next steps toward implementation of River Road begin with partnerships. This includes formalizing partnerships oetween participating entities in the form of Memoranda of Understanding and Interlocal Agreements for how all parties understand their responsibilities and who agrees to pay for what by when. If the schedule shown in Figure 15 is to be realized, these partnership agreements are a critical next step along with schematic and environmental activities that need to occur over the next 24 months. Next steps for the implementation of River Road over that time period include the following: Acceptance of the Locally Preferred Alternative as described in Section 5 of this study by the WC-CL RMA Board, LWCAMPO Transportation Policy Board, and Laredo City Council by resolution. Coordination between WC-CL RMA, City of Laredo, and property owners and developers that will have a stake in the development of River Road. Formalized partnerships among all participating parties establishing who will be responsible for what and by when. Programing of funding for Schematic Design and Environmental Analysis. Project scoping for River Road and commencement of Environmental. Completion of Schematic Design that includes mitigations prescribed in Environmental. Public comment on draft Environmental findings. Completion of Environmental allowing for property acquisition and PS&E to begin. Identification of all funding needed to deliver the project allowing for PS&E to begin. 25 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). nty Oy e M 3 0 . ons Mobility WC-CL RMA. June 2023 Status Reportto LWCAMPO 1. FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. Turn Lanes - The commencement of work at Killam Industrial Blvd. at FM 1472 occurred in early May 2022. The traffic signal is fully operational, and traffic is now utilizing the newturn lanes on FM 1472 and Killam Industrial Blvd. Project is pending final walk-through, TDLR inspection and final Close-out Construction Change Order. Project is 99+% complete. 2. Los Presidentes (Cuatro Vientos to Brownwood) - Trafficis now operating on the project. The final outstanding items arethe lighting. Awaiting the final Construction Change Order to balance the quantities and recorddrawings. Project is 99+% Complete. 3. Loop 20 South (Cuatro Vientos) Acceleration/ Deceleration Lane Project -Currently closing out records drawings. Projecti is 99+% Complete. 4. Springfield Phase III - Final walkthrough of the project occurred on 12/9/22. The Shiloh Traffic Signal is complete. The lighting is scheduled for completion by May. Project is 99% Complete. 5. Webb County Fair Grounds TIA - The TIA report is complete. The WC-CL RMA stands readyto provide a presentationto the County attheir request. 6. River Road Corridor Study - The study is complete. The Laredo and Webb County MPO is receiving a presentationin the. June Policy Committee meeting. 7. Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant - In partnership with the MPO and the City of Laredo, the RMA developed a $2M grant application to develop an action to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. On the 30th of January, the RMA was informed by US Congressman Cuellar's Office that the grant was approved for $1.6M. A formal announcement by Congressman Cuellar was conducted at City Hall on 2/21/23. The RMA submitted to the FHWA the draft Grant Agreement betweent the RMA: and the FHWA. Upon execution, the WC-CL RMA will work with the City of Laredo for the execution of an Inter Local Agreement for the sharing of the local funding matchf for the grant. The Study effort to commence in September 2023. 8. Vallecillo Road - The RMA received the draft AFA from TxDOT on 3/2/23. The RMA Board of Directorsapproved the AFA on April 4, 2023. Chairman Brown signed the AFA on 4/11/23. AFA with TxDOTis fully executed. Schematic, Environmental and PS&E to commence in July 2023. 9. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - Similar to the Los Presidentes project, the WC-CL RMA will sponsor and lead the design and construction of a new location 1.3 mile, 2-lane minor arterialroadway extension from Los Presidentes to Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur within a nominal ROW width of 90' in partnership with the City of Laredo. The WC-CL RMA has committed $1 million to the development of the project. The project will provide a parallel route to Cuatro Vientos and provide additional access to the new Laredo Sports Complex andthe Municipal Water Park. The sponsorship and implementation are subject tothe negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement betweenthe City of Laredoand the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMA is working with the City of Laredoto finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter LocalA Agreement for the project. 10. Springfield Phase I, II, and IV - Similar to Springfield Phase III, the WC-CL RMAI has committed up to $1 million to the City of Laredo to assist with the funding of the construction of the next Phase of the project. The sponsorship and implementation are: subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement betweenthe City of Laredo and the WC-CL RMA. The WC-CL RMAI is working with the City of Laredo to finalize the construction cost estimate for the project and complete the Inter Local Agreement for the project. 11. Other Items: WC-CL RMA conducted their June Board Meeting on 6/19/23. > WC-CL RMA: solicited an RFQ for an additional General Engineering Consultant in May 2023. > Boardof Directorspassed a resolution directing Chairman Brown and the Executive Committee to commence contract negotiations with the highest scoring proposer. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.B. Presentation and project updates by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.C. Update by City of Laredo Engineering staff on the FM 1472/Flecha Ln. Realignment (CSJ 0922-33-076) and Calton Road Grade Separation (CSJ 0922-33-093) projects. CITY OF LAREDO Engineering Department € www.cilaredo.fxIs/engineering AREDO TEXAS 1755 Status Report June 2023 Realignment of Flecha Lane / Las Cruces Drive along FM 1472 (Mines Road) Environmental Mitigation J&R Gon Investments, Ltd has authorized permission for right of entry to access property on May 17, 2023 KCI Environmental Sub will update field data for PCN between May 15th and June 16, 2023. City investigating utilizing on-call maintenance contractor for off site mitigation. This should simplify the procurement process and reduce cost. H&H Environmental Department to check with H&H consultant for status of watershed modeling. KCI requesting early notification of any changes to the proposed drainage structure at Las Cruces Utilities ) KCI checking on status of C3 letter. Real Estate (Property Acquisition) October 21, 2019, City Council approved Ordinance 2019-0-181 City Manager to execute all documents for the purchase of three tracts of land: 0.54 acre, 0.25 and 0.11 acre (87,120 sq. ft.) from Jose C. Resendez. May 15, 2023, City Council authorized City Manager to execute all documents for the purchase of two tracts of land: 0.67 acre (29,137 sq.ft.) and 0.05 acre (2,382 sq. ft.) from J&R Gon Investments, Ltd. 1110 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. (956) 791-7346 Funding Preliminary Cost Estimate Original $3,557,183.02 Updated April 2023 $4,887,150.45 (Attached) Estimated funding gap $1,329,967.43 TxDOT is not able to reallocate funds from Calton Road to Las Cruces Re- alignment. Any increase in construction cost will be the City of Laredo's responsibility Project Schedule (Attached) SCHEDULE D Task Name Duration Start Finish 2023 2024 Jani Febl Mari Apt Mayl Nnl Jul Augl Sepl Oct Deci an Feb Mar LAS CRUCES ROW Acquired 88 days Mon 1/23/23 Wed5 5/24/23 Manadas Creek H&H 1100 days Mon 1/23/23 Fri6/23/23 Incorporate Prop Las Cruces6 days Mon 6/26/23 Mon 7/3/23 CoL Verify Funding 25 days Mon 1/23/23 Fri: 2/24/23 TxDOT Coord & Updates 20 days Mon 2/27/23 Fri 3/24/23 - Drainage Struture Revs 9 days Tue 7/4/23 Fri 7/14/23 - Final Plans 100 days Mon 7/17/23 Fril 12/1/23 LOA & Letting 65 days Mon 12/4/23 Fri 3/1/24 10 11 MITIGATION: SITE 12 Updatef field data 20days Mon 5/22/23 Fri6/16/23 13 Update PCN Mitigation Plan 30 days Mon 6/19/23 Fri 7/28/23 14 CoL TxDOT Review PCN 20 days Mon 7/31/23 Fri 8/25/23 M 15 USCE Review 135 days Mon 8/28/23 Fri 3/1/24 16 Finalize Conservation 20 days Mon 3/4/24 Fri 3/29/24 Easement 17 Mitigation Construction 45d days Mon 3/4/24 Fris/3/24 Documents 18 Mitigation Construction 85d days Mon! 5/6/24 Fri 8/30/24 START OF LAS CRUCES CONSTRUCTION ALIGNED WITH USCE APPROVAL OF MITIGATION PLAN MITIGATION SITE CONSTRUCTED BY CITY FORCES OR ON-CALL CONTRACTOR C Proposed letting date: May 2025 1110 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. (956) 791-7346 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VI. DIRECTOR's COMMENTS LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY wY 6 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Director's Report June 21, 2023 1. The next Texas Transportation Commission Meeting will be held on June 29, 2023. The draft listof projects for the 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) ise expectedto be presented at this meeting. Upcoming meetingsand agendas can be found on the following link:! https//www.txdotgov/about/eadership/texas-tras-transportation- commisson/meetingdatingdateiagendastm. 2. The next TxDOT Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) meeting will be heldin Brownsville on August 22, 2023. BTAC provides a forum for the exchange of communications between the Texas' Transportation Commission, TxDOT, the governor, and committee members representing bordertrade interests. 3. MPO staff attended an in-person FHWA Workshop on the Congestion Management Process in Austin on June 7th and gth. 4. The 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan RFQ was issued on May 19th with: a deadline of June 12th. The next stepis evaluation and selection process. The evaluation committee will make a recommendation to the Technical and Policy Committee inJuly. 5. Upcoming regularly scheduled meetings: Active Transportation Committee - June 28, 2023 Technical Committee - July 11, 2023 Policy Committee = July 19, 2023 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VIII. ADJOURNMENT