US ES PLANNING MPO POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING www.aredompo.org Meeting Date & Time: June 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM Meeting Location: City of Laredo Council Chambers, 1110 Houston St., Laredo, Texas 78040 Meeting Link: http:lllaredotxswwagit.com/ive 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 21, 2025. B. Receive public testimony and initiate a 20-day public review and comment period for the draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). C. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-08, supporting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FM 1472 Segment 1 Feasibility Study recommendations. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 1 of3 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION D. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-09, supporting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Statewide Active Transportation Plan. E. Discussion with possible action to provide a Letter in Support of the Regional Mobility Authority's (RMA) application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets and Roads for All implementation grant. V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). B. TxDOT Project Updates. VI. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS VII. COMMUNICATIONS VIII. ADIJOURNMENT 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 13,2025 by 5:00 PM. The agenda and meeting information was also posted online at https//www.laredompo.org/agendas-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 a translator for the Spanish language are requested to contact MPO Staff at (956) 794-1605, or via email at avgl@c.lredo.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 ocated at 1110 Victoria and 910 Flores. Accessible parking spaces are located at City Hall, 1110 Victoria. INFORMACION DE AVISO: Un aviso de esta reunion ha sido publicado en las oficinas del gobierno municipal ubicadas en el 1110 de la calle Houston St., Laredo, Texas, en un lugar conveniente y accesible en todo momento para el publico. Dicho aviso fue publicado el viernes, 13 de junio del 2025 al las 5:00 PM. La agenda ei informacion adicional sobre la reunion se han publicado también en linea en el siguiente enlace: tps/pnwlardompor/erend-mihures. Todas las reuniones del Comité del MPO estàn abiertas al publico. Personas que planean asistir a esta reuniôn 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 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY Page 2 of3 AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MPO al (956) 794-1605 O por correo electronico avgl@c.laredo.us por lo menos dos dias laborales antes de la reuniôn 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 se ubican en el 1110 de la calle Victoria y en el 910 de la avenida Flores. Los espacios de estacionamiento para discapacitados se encuentran en 1110 Victoria St. Informacion en espanol: Si usted desea mas informacion en espanol O si desea explicacion sobre el contenido, favor de llamar al teléfono (956) 794-1605 O comunicarse con nosotros mediante correo electronico a avgl@c.bredo.kus POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, City of Laredo Mayor LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge City of Laredo Representatives Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., City Councilmember, District V Honorable Ricardo Rangel Jr., City Councilmember, District II County of Webb Representatives Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Laredo Mass Transit Board Representative Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro-Tempore, 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 REC'D CITY SEG OFF JUN 13 25 AM11:03 Honorable Don McLaughlin, State Representative, District 80 AGENDA REVIEWED: Sahns alale Juan S. Mendive, AICP Mario I. Maldonado, Jr. fo LWCAMPO Director Laredo City Secretary LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY 3 of3 AREA METROPOLITAN! PLANNING ORGANIZATION Page LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.A. A. Approval of minutes for the meeting held on May 21, 2025. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES May 21, 2025 LIVE WEB LINK: P/BESESARITANE PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL: Spectrum TV channel 1300 I. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Chairperson, called meeting to order at 1:30 P.M. II. CHAIRPERSON TO CALL ROLL Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director called roll and verified a quorum existed. Regular Members Present: Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor and LWCAMPO Chairperson Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge and LWCAMPO Vice-Chairperson Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor Pro-Tempore, District VII = arrived at 1:37 PM Honorable Ruben Gutierrez Jr., City Councilmember, District V Mr. Jed A. Brown, Member-At-Large Mr. Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., TXDOT District Engineer Regular Members Not Present: Honorable Ricardo "Richie" Rangel Jr. City Councilmember, District II Honorable Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 1 Honorable John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Ex-Officio Members Not Present: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21 Honorable Richard Raymond, State Representative, District 42 Honorable Don McLaughlin, State Representative, District 80 LWCAMPO Staff Present: Juan S. Mendive, AICP, LWCAMPO Director Julio A. Nino, LWCAMPO Planner III Eduardo Bernal, LWCAMPO Planner III Adriana A. Vigil, LWCAMPO Administrative Assistant 1 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 Others: Sara Garza, TxDOT Roberto Rodriguez, TXDOT Jose D. Vargas, TxDOT Luis M. Villarreal, TxDOT Rafael Guzman, TxDOT Ana Duncan, TxDOT Adriana Munoz, TxDOT Jaime Ortiz, COL Economic Development Alberto Quintanilla, COL Traffic Roberto Pena, COL Trafifc Jeffrey Gonzalez, COL Traffic Jimmy Deliganis, COL Traffic Robert J. Garza, EL Metro Transit Eloisa Mascorro, El Metro Transit Guillermo Cuellar, Webb County Engineering Anthony Garza, Webb County Consultant Melissa Montemayor, WC-CL RMA/LJA Engineering Blasita J. Lopez, WC-CL RMA/LJA Engineering Baltazar Avila, LJA Engineering Orlando Navarro, Killiam Development, Ltd. Monisha Khurana, The Goodman Corp. Yuki Williams, Entech Civil Engineering Roger Gonzalez, Entech Civil Engineering Esteban Cruz Entech Civil Engineering Jack E. Shirk, Jr. ATG/DCCM CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to excuse all members not present. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 5 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Speakers are required to fill out witness cards, which must be submitted to MPO Staff no later than 1:45 PM 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 2 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 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 April 16, 2025. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to approve the minutes of April 16, 2025. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 5 Against: 0 Abstained: J Motion carried unanimously. B. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-07, supporting and adopting the sixth version of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2025 and to incorporate into the metropolitan planning process. Juan Mendive, MPO Director, stated the item item had been presented annually as part of the required process. He explained that the transit agency, in coordination with El Metro, had prepared a Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and updated its safety performance targets in accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements. He noted that it was standard procedure for the MPO to review and approve these targets and incorporate them into the metropolitan planning process. Mr. Mendive also informed the Committee that the updated targets had previously been presented to and approved by the Laredo Mass Transit Board, and were now being brought before the MPO Policy Committee for review and formal approval. Judge Tijerina, made a motion to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-07, supporting and adopting the sixth version of the Laredo Transit Management Inc. (LTMI) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2025 and to incorporate into the metropolitan planning process. Second: CM. Gutierrez For: 5 Against: a Abstained: ) 3 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 Motion carried unanimously. C. Discussion with possible action to provide a Letter in Support of the City of Laredo's grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife 2026 Local Parks Grant Program fori the Lomas Del Sur Park Project. Mr. Mendive, stated that the item had been submitted by the City of Laredo's Economic Development Department. He explained that the City was applying for a grant through the Texas Parks and Wildlife 2026 Local Parks Grant Program for the Lomas Del Sur Park Project. He noted that staff recommended approval of the request, as the project aligned with the Active Transportation Plan. The proposed improvements would include the addition of trails that support and promote active transportation within the community. CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to provide a Letter in Support of the City of Laredo's grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife 2026 Local Parks Grant Program for the Lomas Del Sur Park Project. Second: Judge Tijerina For: 5 Against: Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Judge Tijerina, asked if this item had to go through City Council as well or just through the MPO Policy Committee. Mr. Mendive, stated that the letter of support was being provided through the MPO however, in order to submit the grant application, the City was required to obtain approval through City Council. He also noted that a representative from the City of Laredo's Economic Development Department was present should the Committee have any questions. Jaime Ortiz, Economic Development, gave a presentation on the Lomas Del Sur Park Project grant application. He stated that the item had already been presented to and approved by City Council and was now before the MPO Policy Committee to request a letter of support. Mr. Ortiz, provided al brief overview ofthe project and explained that the City was requesting a total of $1.5 million through the Texas Parks and Wildlife 2026 Local Parks Grant Program. The grant required a 50/50 match, with $750,000 in matching funds coming from the City of Laredo- $500,000 from District I Priority Funds and $250,000 from park improvement fees. He noted that the grant application deadline was August 1, 2025, and awards were typically announced in January, with the announcement expected in January 2026. The proposed project includes the development of approximately 2.5 miles of walking trail. Phase 1 of the project, for which the current grant is being requested, 4 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 would cover half a mile of trail. Mr. Ortiz, stated that the overall project calls for five pedestrian bridges, with one bridge to be constructed during Phase 1. Additional elements of the project include three youth soccer fields, one regulation soccer field, a standard playground, an inclusive playground, picnic tables, benches, 32 parking spaces, and a restroom facility. Mr. Ortiz, explained that while restrooms were not shown in the master plan graphic presented, the current budget allowed for their inclusion. He also noted that the full master plan extends from Wormser Road to Bianca Road, and Phase 1 covers the central section of the site, including a walking trail around the pond area. Mr. Ortiz, stated that the project was planned to be broken down into three phases: the middle portion as Phase 1, the top portion as Phase 2, and the bottom portion near the parking lot as Phase 3. Judge Tijerina, inquired about the total estimated cost of the entire project, including all three phases. Mr. Ortiz, responded that he did not have the cost estimates for Phases 2 and 3, but noted that Phase 1 would cost just under $1.5 million. He also nighlighted how the Lomas Del Sur Park Project aligns with both the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Active Transportation Plan. Mayor Pro-Tempore Vanessa Perez arrived at 1:37 PM V. REPORT(S) AND PRESENTATIONS (No action required). A. Status report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Mr. Jed Brown, RMA Chairperson, provided comments and updates on the status report. He noted that two of the major projects the RMA had been focusing on were the Vallecillo Road Project and the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan (Safe Streets for All). He shared that the RMA, TxDOT, and the City of Laredo were scheduled to meet the following day to discuss the Vision Zero project and an upcoming grant application for mplementation funding, which was due the following month. Mr. Brown, also stated that they were aiming to present the item on the City of Laredo's June 2nd Council agenda. He further reported that the RMA had recently held its quarterly meeting for the Vallecillo Road Project, with participation from a representative of Webb County. Regarding the Springfield Phase IV project, Mr. Brown, stated that construction was well ahead of schedule and the roadway was expected to be completed within a matter of weeks. Additionally, Mr. Brown, provided an update on the Concord Hills Project, noting that a meeting had recently been held and the three property owners involved were close to finalizing the conveyance of their right-of-way. He stated that this progress would likely allow the project to break ground within the next two to three months. The following report was included as part of the packet: 5 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 WC-CL RMA May 2025 Status Report to LWCAMPO 1. Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan (Safe Streets for Alll- See supplemental memorandum. 2. The Vallecillo Road Project See supplemental memorandum. 3. Vallecillo Overpass - While the WC-CL RMA will not be managing the development of the Overpass design, we stand ready to provide information from the Vallecillo Road Project to TxDOT SO that the two projects' connections are well coordinated. Coordination meetings continue with all the stakeholders involved in the project. On 1/8/2025, the WC- CLF RMA met with TXDOT LRD to obtain further information on the request. On 1/22/2025, the WC-CL RMA met with TXDOT LRD, and the group clarified roles and responsibilities between the implementation of the new overpass and how it will interface with the road project. The relocation of utilities along IH 35 will be conducted by the TxDOT LRD consultant. The group met on 2/18/25 for a status update on the Vallecillo Overpass project. The WC-CL RMA Board of Directors approved taking the lead for the additional ROW and associated environmental clearance changes at the March 26, 2025, Board Meeting. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for the week of the 19th of May. 4. Springfield Phase IV - Similar to Springfield Phase III, the RMA has committed up to $1 million to the City to assist with the funding of the construction of Phase IV of the project from Hospitality Drive to Bob Bullock Loop. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) between the City and the RMA. The RMA submitted a draft ILA to the City on 4/9/2024. The RMA originally intended to utilize the Category 12 Strategic Partnership dollars for the funding of the project. The RMA has decided to proceed for the construction of this project utilizing the RMA Vehicle Registration Fees. The ILA between the City and the RMA was executed on 9/9/2024. The project has advertised for construction. The PreBid conference occurred on 1/7/2025. The bid opening occurred on 1/17/2025. The City consultant has evaluated the bids to recommend the award of the contract. The construction contract was awarded on 2/18/25 to ALC Construction by the City of Laredo for $765,299.00. Construction commenced on the 14th of March. The official groundbreaking occurred on 3/24/2025. The total construction duration is scheduled for 90 days. As of 4/26/2025, continuous reinforced concrete pavement has commenced and largely complete. 5. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - The RMA has committed $1 million to the development of a new location 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. The project will provide a parallel route to Cuatro Vientos and provide additional access to the new Laredo Sports Complex and the Municipal Water Park. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) between the City and the RMA. The RMA is working with the City and the property owners for the donation of the ROW and the finalization of the construction cost estimate for the project. The RMA recommitted its 6 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 support in funding on the project February 14, 2024, at the February Board Meeting. On November 6, 2024, the WC-CL RMA Board of Directors passed a resolution to sign the ILA between the City and the WC-CL RMA for this project. The City Council approved the ILA on 2/18/25. The City, the Webb County Drainage District and the WC-CL RMA have signed the agreement, and the ILA is now fully executed. The design of the project is ongoing. The engineer anticipates a design submittal to the City of Laredo within the next 2 months. The ROW acquisition is ongoing. The draft parcel plats have been submitted to the City and the City is moving forward with the landowner coordination for acquisition. The City, the WC-CL RMA, the property owners/ developers and Top Site, their civil engineer, met on 5/12/2025 to discuss the progress of the property donation and the status of the project design. The donation agreements are on-going in development and the design is currently at 75% completion. 6. North Laredo and Cuatro Vientos Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ) - The RMA is awaiting execution of the ILA with the City to commence the North Laredo TRZ Study. The City notified the WC-CL RMA on 2/13/24 that the City will move forward with drafting and distributing the ILA to the WC-CL RMA and commence the project. The City Council approved a resolution to negotiate and execute the ILA with the WC-CL RMA on 2/18/2025. The North Laredo TRZ Study ILA is pending a final signature from the City of Laredo for full execution as of 3/19/2025. 7. Other Items: The next WC-CL RMA Board meeting date is to be determined. There were no questions from the Committee members. B. Presentation by the Goodman Corporation on the Microtransit Feasibility Study overview and recommendations. Mr. Mendive, stated that the MPO had been working with El Metro and consultants from The Goodman Corporation on the Microtransit Feasibility Study. He noted that the consultants had presented the study to the Mass Transit Board during that Monday's City Council meeting. Mr. Mendive, also mentioned that a representative from The Goodman Corporation was present to provide a presentation to the Committee. He explained that the purpose of the study was to explore the potential for providing additional transit services in the City of Laredo. Monisha Khurana, The Goodman Corporation delivered a presentation on the Microtransit Feasibility Study. She began by providing an overview oft the current El Metro transit system, describing it as a hub-and-spoke model with all routes converging at the downtown Laredo Transit Center. Ms. Khurana, also noted that El Metro operates a paratransit service called El Lift, which serves individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route system. She explained that El Lift operates within a X-mile radius of the fixed-route network and provides curb-to-curb service using ADA-accessible vehicles. Ms. Khurana, explained that microtransit is an on-demand, shared 7 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 transportation service operating within defined zones, with trips beginning and ending in designated areas. She noted that microtransit can improve the rider experience by offering increased destination access and reduced wait times. The system would be technology-based, requiring a mobile app for rider access. Vehicles used for microtransit would include small buses or minivans that are ADA-accessible. She also shared that her team conducted interviews with seven peer agencies four in Texas and three in other states-that have implemented microtransit, to better understand their challenges and best practices. Based on the study, five potential microtransit zones were identified for Laredo: Zones 1 and 2 are located in north Laredo and consist primarily of industrial land uses; Zone 3 is on the west side; Zone 4 is on the east side; and Zone 5 is in the south. However, Ms. Khurana cautioned that Zone 5 may experience detrimental impacts without further study, and therefore, implementation in that zone was not currently recommended. Ms. Khurana, explained that, as part of their analysis assumptions, they evaluated ridership, costs, and the number of internal trips occurring within each proposed zone. She stated that they attempted to estimate how many of those trips could realistically be served by microtransit. She noted that they anticipated low ridership levels at the program's launch, with ridership expected to increase over time as users become more familiar with the service. Ms. Khurana also mentioned that they evaluated a range of wait times, from 10 to 30 minutes, and explained that shorter wait times would increase operational costs and reduce the number of riders per hour. She presented a cost estimate of $109.19 per vehicle revenue hour and discussed a potential late-night service that would cover the entire city. This evening service would be divided into North Laredo and South Laredo zones, with a shared transfer area in downtown Laredo. Ms. Khurana, also highlighted the community engagement efforts, including a public survey conducted in Fall 2024 and outreach held in February 2025 at the El Metro Transit Center. In terms of recommendations, she noted that El Metro has sufficient spare vehicles to support an in-house pilot program. The study recommends a two-phase implementation: Phase 1 would include daytime microtransit service in Zones 1 and 3; Phase 2 would add Zones 2 and 4 and introduce a late-night pilot program, along with a fixed-route network redesign. Ms. Khurana, emphasized that marketing would be critical to the success of the service and outlined several potential strategies. In conclusion, she stated that microtransit could be a valuable addition to the City of Laredo, improving the overall rider experience and expanding transit coverage. Mayor Trevino, asked whether the pick-up and drop-off locations within each microtransit zone would be specific points or if riders could be picked up from various locations. Ms. Khurana, responded that riders could be picked up and dropped off anywhere within the designated zone. She further explained that to travel from one zone to another, riders would need to transfer to the fixed-route transit system. CM. Gutierrez, inquired about the success rate of microtransit programs in cities once federal grant funding concludes. 8 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 In response, Ms. Khurana stated that there are definitely ways to scale back microtransit operations or adjust service parameters after federal funds end, allowing agencies to tailor the service to local funding levels and rider needs. Mr. Mendive, mentioned that there were various funding sources that could be used, such as FTA funds for capital expenses, and potential operational funding if El Metro were to eliminate the circulator service, as recommended by the consultants. He noted that this approach would essentially be trading one service for another, rather than introducing an entirely new program. Mr. Mendive, also clarified that the estimated cost of $109.19 per vehicle revenue hour was a preliminary figure and that, based on data from other communities, the actual cost would likely be lower. He added that while capital funding would be needed for additional vehicles, El Metro already had some vehicles available to begin a pilot program. He concluded by stating that there are several funding sources that could be pursued to support transit capital projects and operations. CM. Gutierrez asked Mr. Garza whether the introduction of the new microtransit service would impact El Metro's budget, noting that additional staffing would likely be needed to operate the service. Roberto J. Garza, El Metro Transit, responded that they did not anticipate an increase to their current budget. He explained that they intended to develop a plan that would maintain existing budget levels by identifying and eliminating underperforming fixed routes. Mr. Garza noted that microtransit would be introduced in areas where traditional fixed-route service is not feasible. Oscar Gomez, El Metro Transit, clarified that while many people might initially compare microtransit to services like taxis or Uber, there are key differences. He explained that microtransit operates within defined zones, with each district divided into specific service areas. As an example, he pointed to the Cuatro Vientos area in South Laredo, where recent development has occurred but where there are currently no fixed bus routes the closest bus stop being approximately three miles away. Mr. Gomez stated that microtransit would enable El Metro to provide transit service within underserved areas like this. He emphasized that as the City of Laredo continues to grow, traditional fixed- route service faces limitations in coverage, and microtransit offers a flexible solution to meet those needs. C. Presentation by TxDOT on the FM 1472 Segment 1 Feasibility Study. Roberto Rodriguez, of TxDOT introduced Roger Gonzalez from Entech Civil Engineers, the consultant responsible for the FM 1472 Segment 1 Feasibility Study. Mr. Epi Gonzalez, TxDOT provided an overview of the project, noting that FM 1472 had been divided into two separate segments, with Entech focusing on Segment 1-from I- 69W to approximatelytwo miles north of FM 3338. He explained that this section, roughly seven miles in length, is the more developed portion of the corridor and experiences significant truck traffic. Mr. Gonzalez, stated that the feasibility study began in late 9 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 summer 2024. Since then, the project team has held several public meetings and engaged with key stakeholders, including major industry representatives and elected officials in the region. He noted that viable alternatives were presented during spring 2025, and the team anticipates identifying recommended alternatives by summer 2025. He also shared crash rate data from 2019-2023, showing statewide averages per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. He highlighted that existing traffic volumes along the corridor range from 14,100 to 51,000 vehicles per day, with future volumes projected to increase to between 31,000 and 113,200 vehicles per day. He noted that traffic volumes decrease further north within the project limits. Mr. Gonzalez, reviewed several proposed alternatives, emphasizing one preferred alternative identified after the first public meeting. He concluded by announcing an upcoming public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Barbara Fasken Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Judge Tijerina asked whether the analysis had considered the impact of other projects and how they might also contribute to improving traffic conditions. Mr. Gonzalez responded that they had utilized the MPO's travel demand model to conduct their analysis, which includes all previously approved projects. He confirmed that future projects such as Vallecillo Road, Hachar-Reuthinger Road, and other planned improvements were already incorporated into the model. The only exception was the proposed extension, which had not been factored in. For that reason, they conducted a separate analysis to determine how much traffic relief the extension would provide. Mr. Mendive, stated that, following the TxDOT project updates, there would be an additional presentation on a recently completed Traffic Signal Optimization Project. D. TxDOT Project Updates. Jose Vargas, TxDOT Laredo Area Engineer, provided a summary update on TxDOT's ongoing construction projects. He began with a brief overview, stating that TxDOT currently had approximately $907 million invested in 24 active projects. The scope of these projects included full reconstruction and widening, off-system bridges, reconstruction to interstate standards, safety projects (such as illumination and traffic signals), and preventive maintenance efforts, including overlays, mill and inlay work, and seal coats. Mr. Vargas provided detailed updates on the following ongoing construction projects: CSJ: 0086-14-075 = US 59 Expansion This project has an investment of $344 million and was awarded to James Construction Group. The project is slightly over 20% complete. Mr. Vargas, reported that hot mix was 10 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 already being placed in preparation for concrete pavement on the future northbound frontage road. Additionally, retaining walls are under construction where future ramps will be located. CSJ: 3483-02-002 - SH 84 Hachar/Reuthinger Road) This $122 million project is approximately 34% complete, with an expected completion date in Fall 2027. Mr. Vargas, noted that efforts have been focused on three bridges, including the Sombrerito Creek Bridge, and bridge work is ongoing. CSJ: 0086-01-073 - SH 359 Widening This project is currently 55% complete with a total investment of $50 million. The anticipated completion is Summer 2026. Work continues on extending drainage structures and hauling base material in preparation for reconstruction of the opposite side of the highway. CSJ: 0086-16-008 - Lomas Del Sur Overpass Mr. Vargas, announced that the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for. June 18, 2025, and TxDOT's Public Information Officer, Raul Leal, will be sending out invitations. Construction will begin shortly thereafter. The project has a total investment of $50 million. CSJ: 3596-02-006 - SH 255 Rehabilitation Currently at 11% completion, this project involves the development of new passing lanes. Mr. Vargas, shared that after this phase, the roadway surface will be treated and new hot mix will be placed. CSJ: 0086-16-019 - Traffic Signal and Illumination Project This $2.3 million project is tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2025 and conclude in Summer 2026. It has been awarded to the Levy Company and includes: High Mast llumination along Cuatro Vientos Road, llumination from Mangana Hein to Cielito Lindo and Traffic signals at the intersection of Riverbank Drive and IH 69W Frontage Road. Mr. Vargas, also highlighted additional active and recently completed safety projects, including: A new traffic signal at McPherson Road and Alta Vista Drive, llumination improvements on SH 359 from US 83 to SL 20, Newly completed traffic signals at FM 1472 and Vidal Cantu, International Boulevard and Woodridge, FM 1472 and FM 3338 and installation of cable barriers on US 83 South from Cielito Lindo to Espejo Molina Road in Rio Bravo. There were no questions or comments from the committee. 11 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 Mr. Mendive, shared that there would be one final presentation from the TxDOT Traffic Safety Division. Rafael Guzman, TxDOT Director of Operations, provided a brief introduction to the upcoming presentation on the FM 1472 Traffic Signal Timing Optimization project. He explained that this project served as a short-term solution and noted that TxDOT had hired a consultant from ATG DCCM to conduct a study and implement timing improvements. Jack E. Shick Jr., representing ATG DCCM, presented the findings of the FM 1472 Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Study. He explained that the study focused on a 6.7-mile stretch of FM 1472, from Flecha Lane to FM 3338, and involved optimizing traffic signal timing at 16 intersections during the weekday AM peak, midday peak, and PM peak periods. The primary objective was to improve signal coordination along the corridor to reduce travel times. Mr. Shick, presented the existing conditions analysis, noting that peak congestion typically occurred between 8:15 AM and 9:15 AM, with a secondary peak from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The signal timing updates were grouped into three sections, and he outlined the configuration for each group. He reported that the project significantly reduced travel times and improved coordination between traffic signals, allowing vehicles to move more efficiently through all three groups. Mayor Trevino, asked whether the signal cycle lengths were adjusted manually or automatically. Mr. Shick, responded that there was some level of automation in the system and provided an explanation of how the signals operate under the new timing plans. Mr. Gonzalez, asked whether there were opportunities to implement additional improvements such as dual left-turn lanes to help reduce queuing at intersections. He noted that some left-turn bays appeared to be too short and might need to be extended. He inquired if such modifications could potentially improve traffic operations. Mr. Shick, responded that their study had not specifically evaluated geometric changes. He explained that the focus had been on developing a signal timing plan that could be implemented within the existing roadway configuration. However, he added that they were still working on the final report and would consider Mr. Gonzalez's suggestions as part of that process. CM. Perez, emphasized the importance of including recommendations for intersection improvements in the study. She noted that there were at least two intersections that she oelieved could benefit from the addition of dual left-turn lanes. 12 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 VI. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Director's Report May 21, 2025 Mr. Mendive, MPO Director, presented the following Director's Report as part of the package. 1. MPO 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Call for Projects: On March 19th, 2025, the MPO Policy Committee authorized the TASA Call for Projects. The MPO team, in coordination with TxDOT, held two workshops in April for prospective applicants of the ongoing TASA Call for Projects. The TASA Call for Projects officially opened on April 11th. Applications will be accepted through May 30th 2. May is National Bike Month The City of Laredo and the MPO Active Transportation Committee held a proclamation ceremony on May gth, 2025. Aligned with the MPO's mission and efforts oft the Active Transportation Committee, we continue to advocate for safe, accessible, and alternate modes of transportation. 3. Texas Transportation Commission Meetings: May 21, 2025 June 20, 2025 July 31, 2025 Calendar invites for upcoming Texas Transportation Commission meetings were sent by email. The MPO Director will be attending the upcoming meeting in June. Upcoming Texas Transportation Commission meetings and agendas can be found on the following link: https/www.txdotxdotgov/abou/leadership/texas-tras-transportation- commisson/meetngdating-datesagendas.htm 4. Upcoming regularly scheduled MPO meetings: Active Transportation Committee May 28, 2025 Technical Committee - June 10, 2025 Policy Committee June 18, 2025 There were no questions from the Committee members. 13 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 VII. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications from the Committee members. VIII. ADJOURMMENT CM. Gutierrez, made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:55 P.M. Second: CM. Perez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstained: 0 Motion carried unanimously. Juan S. Mendive, AICP Mayor Dr. Victor D. Trevino LWCAMPO Director LWCAMPO Chairperson 14 LWCAMPO Policy Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2025 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.B. B. Receive public testimony and initiate a 20-day public review and comment period for the draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-18-25 ITEM: IV.B SUBJECT: MOTION Receive public testimony and initiate a 20-day public review and comment period for the draft FY2026 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-year work program which describes in detail transportation planning programs and activities to be performed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization in a fiscal year. The FY 2026 UPWP outlines and schedules tasks to be undertaken by the MPO 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. Listed below is the proposed budget: SUBTASKS AMOUNT 1.1 - Planning and General Administration $ 600,000 1.2 - Professional Development, Travel and Training $ 25,000 1.3 - Public Participation Plan (PPP) $ 10,000 1.4 - Computer Equipment, Furnishing and Office Supplies $ 30,000 1.5 - Building Maintenance and/or Repairs $ 10,000 2.1 - General Data Administration $ 10,000 2.2 - Software for Transportation Improvement Program Data Management $ 35,000 3.1 - General Administration (Short-Range Planning) $6,000 3.2 - Planning Assistance $6,000 4.1 - Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Revisions $5,000 4.2 - 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Outreach & Implementation $ 10,000 5.1 - Long Range Freight Mobility Plan $. 250,000 5.2 - South Laredo Transportation Planning Study $ 250,000 TOTAL $ 1,247,000 The total estimated Transportation Planning Funds (TPF) that will be available for FY 2026 is $2,629,990.87 This consists of $629,990.87 TPF expected to be awarded in FY 2026 and estimated unexpended carryover of $2,000,000 from FY 2025. At total of $1,247,000 in TPF is proposed to be programmed in FY 2026 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommends approval. Staff recommends approval. FY 2026 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM (UPWP) WEBB LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATON ITUIL (LWCAMPO) TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AREA (TMA) STATUS: Transportation Management Area (TMA) AIR QUALITY STATUS: Attainment The preparation of this report has been financed in part through grant(s) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), under the State Planning and Research Program, Section 505 for Metropolitan Planning, Section 104(d)1 of Title 23, U.S. Code. The contents of this report do not necessarlyreflect the official views or policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This UPWP complies with federal and state requirements, is true and correct, and is approved by the Policy Committee: 2025 Amended: Federal Approval: Amended: LWCAMPO - 1014 HOUSTON ST. - LAREDO, TX 78040 - (956) 794-1613 - te/mmladempaog Template last révised February 2025 Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 INTRODUCTION 6 A. PURPOSE 6 B. DEFINITION OF AREA 8 C. ORGANIZATION 8 D. NON-MPO INVOLVEMENT 11 I. TASK 1 - ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 15 A. OBJECTIVE. 15 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 15 C. PREVIOUS WORK. 15 D. SUBTASKS 19 Subtask 1.1: Planning and General Administration 19 Subtask 1.2: Professional Development, Travel and Training 19 Subtask 1.3: Public Participation Plan (PPP). 20 Subtask 1.4 - Computer Equipment, Furnishing and Office Supplies. 20 Subtask 1.5 - Building Maintenance and/or Repairs. 20 E. FUNDING SUMMARY. 21 II. TASK 2 - DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE 22 A. OBJECTIVE. 22 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 22 C. PREVIOUS WORK. 22 D. SUBTASKS 24 Subtask 2.1: General Data Administration. 24 Subtask 2.2: Software for Transportation Improvement Program Data Management. 24 E. FUNDING SUMMARY 25 III. TASK 3 - SHORT RANGE PLANNING. 26 A. OBJECTIVE. 26 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 26 C. PREVIOUS WORK. .26 D. SUBTASKS 27 Subtask 3.1: General Administration (Short-Range Planning). 27 Subtask 3.2: Planning Assistance. 27 Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 2 E. FUNDING SUMMARY. 28 IV. TASK 4 - METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN 29 A. OBJECTIVE. 29 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS 29 C. PREVIOUS WORK. 29 D. SUBTASKS 31 Subtask 4.1: Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Revisions. 31 Subtask 4.2: 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Outreach & Implementation 31 E. FUNDING SUMMARY .32 V. TASK 5 - SPECIAL STUDIES. 33 A. OBJECTIVE. 33 B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS .33 C. PREVIOUS WORK. 33 D. SUBTASKS 34 Subtask 5.1: Long Range Freight Mobility Plan 34 Subtask 5.2: South Laredo Transportation Planning Study. 35 E. FUNDING SUMMARY, 36 Tables Table 1: Task 1 - FY 2026 Funding Summary Table 21 Table 2: Task 2 - FY 2026 Funding Summary Table .25 Table 3: Task 3 - FY 2026 Funding Summary Table 28 Table 4: Task 4 - FY 2026 Funding Summary Table .32 Table 5: Task 5 - FY 2026 Funding Summary Table 36 Table 6: 1-Year Funding Summary - FY 2026. .37 Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) serves as the federally designated MPO for the Laredo urbanized area and surrounding Webb County, facilitating a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) transportation planning process in compliance with federal law. Established in 1979 and renamed in 2020, LWCAMPO coordinates regional transportation planning and funding to support a growing population expected to nearly double by 2050. Purpose and Scope The FY 2026 UPWP outlines the annual work program detailing transportation planning tasks, studies, and activities that advance the region's mobility, safety, and economic vitality. The UPWP aligns with federal requirements and recent transportation legislation, emphasizing performance-based planning and investment. This UPWP is a one-year transportation planning work program which describes in detail transportation planning programs, and activities to be performed by LWCAMPO for FY 2026. However, some tasks require more than one year to complete and are carried forward from one UPWP to the next. To effectively identify all work tasks, the Laredo MPO prepares this UPWP with input from federal, state and local jurisdictions, and transportation providers in the region MPO Boundary & Planning Area LWCAMPO covers the City of Laredo and parts of Webb County within the Metropolitan Area B Boundary. The Laredo urbanized area is a 83 designated Transportation Management Area (TMA) since 2012. This boundary supports coordinated planning for over 250,000 residents and a robust freight network anchored by the nation's busiest inland port. MPO Planning Emphasis Areas Key focus areas include: 59 Safety and Complete Streets a Advancing safe, accessible, and multi- modal transportation options consistent with Vision Zero goals to eliminate fatalities 20 and serious injuries by 2040. Legend jrorlaming ArnaB Boundary Public Participation Enhancing ptydflaredolimts RoBravody lints outreach efforts through diverse strategies to engage all community members, Miles including underserved populations, ensuring transparent and inclusive decision-making. Data Integration Strengthening data sharing and analytical tools to improve planning accuracy and accessibility for stakeholders and the public. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I - 4 Funding Summary The FY 2026 UPWP is supported by Transportation Planning Funds (TPF), which includes both FHWA PL-112 (including the 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside) and FTA Section 5303 Funds. The FY 2026 UPWP programs a total of $1,247,000 across five (5) tasks including, Administration & Management, Data Development & Maintenance, Short-Range Planning, Metropolitan Transportation Plan, and Special Studies. Among the five (5) task groups, there is a total of 13 subtasks programmed in the FY 2026 UPWP. The subtasks included in the FY 2026 UPWP are listed below: SUBTASKS AMOUNT 1.1 - Planning and General Administration $ 600,000 1.2 - Professional Development, Travel and' Training $ 25,000 1.3 - Public Participation Plan (PPP) $ 10,000 1.4 - Computer Equipment, Furnishing and Office Supplies $: 30,000 1.5. - Building Maintenance and/or Repairs $1 10,000 2.1 - General Data Administration $1 10,000 2.2 - Software for Transportation Improvement Program Data Management $ 35,000 3.1 - General Administration (Short-Range Planning) $ 6,000 3.2 - Planning. Assistance $ 6,000 4.1 - Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Revisions $5 5,000 4.2 - 2025-2050- Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Outreach & Implementation $ 10,000 5.1 - Long Range Freight Mobility Plan $ 250,000 5.2 - South Laredo Transportation Planning Study $250,000 TOTAL $1 1,247,000 The work tasks consider the federal performance goals (23 USC S 150.b) in 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 highway infrastructure asset system in a state of good repair. 3. Congestion Reduction: achieve a significant reduction in congestion on the National Highway System. 4. System Reliability: improve the efficiency of the 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 eliminating delays in the project development and delivery process, including reducing regulatory burdens and improving agency work practices. The programming of $1,247,000 for the FY 2026 UPWP enables LWCAMPO to advance its planning priorities and carry out its work tasks in cooperation with TxDOT, local agencies, transit providers, and regional partners. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - 5 INTRODUCTION The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962 promulgated the requirement that 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 which it 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 By-Laws 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 the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO). 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 by LWCAMPO for FY 2026. However, some tasks require more than one year to complete and are carried forward from one UPWP to the next. To effectively identify all work tasks, the Laredo MPO prepares this UPWP with input from federal, state and local jurisdictions, and transportation providers in the region. The MPO's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will comply with all applicable federal and state regulations. IIJA 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 directly than 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 quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns; 6. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight; Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I I 6 7. Promote efficient system 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 consider the federal performance goals (23 USC S 150.b) in 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 highway infrastructure asset system in a state of good repair. 3. Congestion Reduction: achieve a significant reduction in congestion on the National Highway System. 4. System Reliability: improve the efficiency of the 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 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 continues the overall performance-based planning approach. MAP-21 instituted Performance Management to provide greater accountability 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 established in MAP-21: safety, infrastructure condition, interstate system condition, congestion reduction, system reliability, freight movement and economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and reduced 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- based planning and programming. The FAST Act adjusted the timeframe for States and metropolitan planning organizations to make progress toward meeting their performance targets under the National Highway Performance Program and clarifies the significant progress timeline for the Highway Safety Improvement Program performance targets. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - 7 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN (PPP) The Laredo MPO believes in the proactive involvement of citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of transportation agencies, private providers of transportation, and other interested parties in the development and updates of transportation plans and programs. The 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 MPO also conducts all planning activities in accordance with the adopted (PPP) and continues to engage interested parties during the development of the Public Participation Plan (PPP), and the short-term and long-term transportation plans. Per 23 CFR 450.316, interested parties such as those listed below, shall have reasonable opportunities to comment on projects of the short-term and long-term transportation plans: Affected public agencies Freight shippers Private providers of transportation services Representatives of public transportation employees Representatives of the disabled Representatives of users of public transportation Representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities Other interested parties. The MPO continues to consult and cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for land use, natural resources, and other environmental issues during the adoption of long 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 engaging transportation-disadvantaged communities in 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 main organizational units: The Policy Committee and the Technical Committee. Other committees, such as the Active Transportation Committee, further support the organization's planning activities. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - 8 The Policy Committee In accordance with the adopted MPO Bylaws, the Policy Committee is the governing 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 developed in compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations. The Policy Committee is also responsible for 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. 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 Process (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. At the request of the Policy Committee, staff initiated a review of potential changes to the MPO By-Laws regarding the structure and terms of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The MPO Staff conducted a peer-review of the By-Laws of other MPOS in Texas and 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 urbanized area with a population of over 200,000. Additionally, staff recommended 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 Regional Mobility 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 transportation in 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 representatives of MPOs serving a TMA shall be determined by the MPO according to the By-Laws or enabling statute of the organization. The previous LWCAMPO By-Laws version designated the City of Laredo Mayor as the Chairperson and the Webb County Judge as the Vice-Chairperson. At the June 21st, 2023 meeting, the Policy Committee voted in favor of moving forward with approving Resolution MPO 2023-05 and adopting the proposed amendment(s) to the By-Laws of allowing the Webb County Judge to serve as the Chair through the end of 2024 effective once the By-Laws have been amended, with the Mayor of the City of Laredo as Chairperson starting a full two-year term in January 2025. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - 9 Therefore, as of January 2025, The Policy Committee is chaired by the City of Laredo Mayor and includes as voting members: The Webb County Judge (as Vice-Chairperson) Three (3) City of Laredo Council members, [Two (2) members representing the City of Laredo, and one (1) representing the Laredo Mass Transit Board] 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 Webb County Judge's next term as Chairperson will begin on January 1, 2027. The Technical Committee Its responsibilities include professional and technical review of work programs and transportation planning activities. The Technical Committee is also responsible for providing planning recommendations to the Policy Committee for action. A List of the Policy Committee and Technical Committee respective memberships may be found in Appendix A. Other Committees The Active Transportation Committee (ATC) was created after the adoption of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) by the City of Laredo on February 22, 2021. The ATC provides recommendation on activities and transportation planning issues to the Technical and Policy Committees. The Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), in cooperation with. the TxDOT, Webb County/City of 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: 1. Cooperative decision-making, principally, by elected officials of local governments. 2. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), 3. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), 4. Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), and 5. Congestion Management Process (CMP). LWCAMPO also executes contracts and/or agreements necessary to carry out the work outlined in the UPWP. In addition, the MPO develops and maintains transportation databases and analytical tools. The MPO staff providing service and support include: The Director, three Transportation Planners and an Administrative assistant. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 10 MPO staff has the following general responsibilities: 1. Provide staff support 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 budget outlined in the 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 requests for reimbursement to the appropriate federal and/or state agencies for work performed according to the UPWP; 7. Prepare and submit grant applications for federal/other assistance in transportation planning, and related fields, as appropriate; 8. Prepare and submit the annual performance and expenditure report and annual project listing; 9. Coordinate the activities for the development and maintenance of the Unified Planning Work Program, the long-range metropolitan transportation plan and the Transportation Improvement Program; 10. Refine and maintain a process for engaging the public in 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 and other federal requirements related to the MPO's operations, activities and programs. City of Laredo staff and services from the Accounting, Purchasing, Legal, Human Resources, I.S.T. and other Departments may be required. D. NON-MPO INVOLVEMENT The Laredo & Webb County Area MPO encourages and engages the private sector to participate in the development of all transportation programs and plans including the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) development. A list of relevant private, public and non-profit stakeholders is maintained by the MPO to inform them of ongoing plans and studies and involve them in the planning process. Staff also maintains and periodically updates a list of consultant firms that provide transportation planning services. LWCAMPO also works closely with stakeholders from non-profit organization such as South Texas Development Council (STDC), the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) and Housing Agencies. PLANNING ISSUES AND EMPHASIS LWCAMPO focuses on key planning issues and emphasis area within the metropolitan planning to guide planning topics important to the region. This helps develop, identify, and ultimately support associated work tasks with the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and the Statewide Planning and Research Program. 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. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 11 Population - The City of Laredo is 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 Area has an estimated population of over 650,000. Based upon the most recently developed estimates, the population within the Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary is expected to grow from 277,466 in 2018 to 490,139 by 2050. The number of jobs in the Laredo MPO region are also expected to grow over the next 25 years. Employment is expected to grow from 104,067 in 2018 to 123,429 by 2050, with a rate of change of 0.6% per year. 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, but facilities for walking, biking, and other options are lacking. Figure 2-8 of the current MTP Metropolitan Chapter 2: Socioeconomics Transportation Plan 2025-2050 Laredo & Webb County Area Figure 2-8: Occupation Type Production, transportation, and materialmoving Management, business, 16% science, andarts 269 Naturalresoures, construction,: and maintenance 11% Service Sal les and office 22% 259 Using the travel demand model, employment was analyzed to identify and predict future employment growth by TAZ. Figure 2-9 andi Figure 2-10 show employment distribution for 2018 and forecasted distribution for 2050. Growth in employment appears in most areas of the MPA, with the lowest amount of growth seen south of the City of Laredo and the highest to the north. Employment is expected to grow from 104,067 in 2018 to 123,429 by 2050, with a rate of change of 0.696 per year. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 12 Figure 2-10 of the current MTP: Forecasted Employment by TAZ for 2050 Metropolitan Chapter 2: Sociocconomics Transportation Plan 2025-2050 Laredos WebbCounty Area Figure 2-10: Forecasted Employment by TAZ for 2050 g39 B Ev EVS 53 MEXICO Laredo & Webb County Arean MPO Forecasted Employment by TAZ (2050) OPeople 1-250F People - 251 500 People - 501-1 1,000 People - 1,001-1,500F People - Greater than ,500 People B3 Miles Source: TXDOT-TPP: 2024) Validated Travel Demand Model, Freight - Recent projections indicate that the trade values of all outbound, inbound or internal types of freight movement are projected to be more than double than the current levels. Said growth will continue to add capacity burdens on the network. The Port of Laredo is the number 1 port in the nation among more than 450 airports, seaports and border crossing with over $320 billion in total trade with the world in 2023 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Transit - Key issues facing the transit system in the upcoming years include: fleet replacement, more bus routes, more frequency and less ridership compared to ridership levels prior to the pandemic. More transit service needs The Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) of El Metro final report from December 2021, provided a great opportunity to understand the challenges facing El Metro today and developed recommendations to improve the system's service, efficiency, and effectiveness and prepare Laredo for a bright future. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 13 In light of all of the above, careful and effective transportation planning and investment will be critical to providing for the area's future transportation needs while balancing the livability of communities. Planning Emphasis Areas for the Laredo Webb County Metropolitan Planning Area Safety and Complete Streets LWCAMPO supports and endorses the design and development of Complete Streets; And, is committed to enhancing safe, accessible, and alternative modes of transportation in the region. LWCAMPO strives to help advance TxDOT's Safety Performance Measures (PM 1) Targets through its planning activities and project selection. The MPO's Active Transportation Plan (ATP) includes a chapter dedicated to Complete Streets which outlines a set of recommendations and a sample Complete Streets Policy to assist with implementing safe roads for all users. The MPO's Active Transportation Committee (ATC) has 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. Recently, the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan was adopted by the Regional Mobility Authority, LWCAMPO Policy Committee, and the Laredo City Council. LWCAMPO is a key partner in the region's efforts to achieve zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways by 2040 as recommended, in the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Public Involvement As part of the LWCAMPO's Public Participation Plan (PPP)update in 2022, a set of outreach strategies, as well as virtual tools were recommended as necessary to ensure that all people in the community are able to participate and to be provided with opportunities to be involved in the decision-making processes, including individuals without access to the internet or computers and mobile devices. LWCAMPO also evaluates said strategies using measures of effectiveness and continues to use its website and social media accounts to provide information of meetings and public comment opportunities, to meaningfully engage with the public and its stakeholders. Data in Transportation Planning A goal of LWCAMPO is to enhance its data development efforts and serve as the central hub for 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 has been working closely with its partners such as the local school districts to discuss data sharing opportunities. LWCAMPO will continue to add maps, including interactive maps to its website, which will allow the public and stakeholders to download data that is free, accessible, and user friendly. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - I 14 I. TASK 1 = ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT REMINDERS: 1) Equipment purchases over $10,000 must comply with 2 CFR $200.439: "Capital expenditures for special purpose equipment are allowable as direct costs, provided that items with a unit cost of $10,000 or more have the prior written approval of the Federal agency or pass-through entity." 2) Out-of-state travel must be pre-approved by TxDOT according to 43 TAC $16.52(b): "The department will approve proposed travel outside the State of Texas by MPO staff and other agencies participating in the MPO planning processes if the travel is funded with federal transportation planning funds. The MPO must receive approval prior to incurring any costs associated with the actual travel (e.g., registration fee). This provision will not apply if the travel is at the request of the department. 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 administer Federal transportation planning requirements and maintain the cooperative, comprehensive, and continuous (3-C) transportation planning process in and for the Laredo and Webb County Metropolitan Organization's planning area. B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS The operation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) including the following: 1. Administration of the LWCAMPO to include the updating of existing or the completion of new plans, studies, and reports. 2. Fulfillment of planning objectives. 3. Supply/Equipment ourchases. 4. Compliance with state and federal requirements. 5. Submitting recapitulation of costs for billings to Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). 6. Maintenance, updates and dissemination of the Public Participation Plan (PPP) and Title VI Program. 7. Travel for MPO Director and Staff to attend conference for staff development purposes. 8. Continuation of a proactive public involvement process. 9. Maintenance of LWCAMPO Website and Social Media. C. PREVIOUS WORK The LCAMPO has remained fully staffed MPO since hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant and a Planner III in FY2023. The Organization has been able to accomplish all the required Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - I 15 administrative duties. It has also allowed staff to work on the development and completion of new plans & studies, as well as updating of existing documents in-house. The MPO staff has also continuously maintained and updated the MPO's website and social media. Furthermore, it helped implement recommendations of the Active Transportation Plan. MPO staff participated in transportation related meetings, including the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), TEMPO and Texas Transportation Commission meetings. The following organizational chart has been updated to reflect current MPO staff structure: MPO DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PLANNER III PLANNER III PLANNER III The federally required Transportation Management Area (TMA) certification review for the Laredo MPO began on June 25th, 2024. Representatives of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) were on-site for two consecutive days to conduct a review of our metropolitan transportation planning process. The representatives were meeting with MPO and TxDOT Staff. as well as the Policy Committee Chair and Vice-Chair. Additionally, a one-hour roundtable listening session was held with select transportation and community stakeholders. The MPO Staff has been able to work on the development and completion of new plans & studies, as well as updating of existing documents in-house. In addition, staff has continuously maintained and updated the MPO's website and social media pages. 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-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), Association of Texas Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO), and Texas Transportation Commission. Also, the MPO has continued working with its fiscal agent, the City of Laredo, to achieve the goals of the MPO. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 16 For example, in collaboration with the City of Laredo Purchasing Department, the MPO worked on the development of a 'Request for Qualifications' (RFQ) for the selection of a Professional Firm, to provide services for the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) update. After evaluation of the submittals received, WSP USA Inc. was selected and awarded contract in the amount of $376,504.25. The 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) update was adopted by Policy Committee in January 2025. The MPO also developed a 'Request For Proposals' (RFP) to solicit submittals from qualified firms, to conduct a feasibility study to determine if microtransit is a viable service model for the Laredo public transportation provider, the Laredo Transit Management, Incorporated (LTMI) locally known also as "EL METRO", in Laredo, Texas. Afterevaluation of the submittals received, on May 15, 2024 the Goodman Corporation was selected and awarded a contract by Policy Committee for consulting services for the development of the Laredo Transit Management, Inc. Microtransit Feasibility Study in the amount of $149,100.00. The study was completed in May 2025. The MPO Staff has performed general administrative functions for the operation of the Organization that include processing requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, request for payments, etc. on a monthly basis. Also, the MPO Staff has processed, prepared and submitted monthly recapitulation of costs for billings to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as required. 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 basis to make appropriate revisions to documents and to approve programs including, but not limited to, the following: 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update Public Participation Plan (PPP) update. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Title VI Civil Rights. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for FY2025 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 other workshops. Staff made several presentations at public meetings. MPO Staff has also 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. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 17 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 meetings listed in the following table: TECHNICAL COMMITTEE POLICY COMMITTEE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (In-Person) (In-Person) (In-Person/Virtual) 1 9/10/2024 CANCELED 9/25/2024 Virtual 2 10/8/2024 10/16/2024 10/30/2024 Virtual 3 11/12/2024 11/20/2024 CANCELED DATE CHANGED 4 No Meeting in December 2024 No Meeting December 2024 12/4/2024 In-Person 5 1/7/2025 1/15/2025 1/29/2025 Virtual 6 2/11/2025 2/19/2025 2/26/2025 In-Person 7 3/11/2025 3/19/2025 3/26/2025 Virtual 8 4/8/2025 4/16/2025 4/30/2025 In-Person 9 5/13/2025 5/21/2025 5/28/2025 Virtual 10 6/10/2025* 6/18/2025* 6/25/2025* Virtua!* 11 7/8/2025* 7/16/2025* 7/30/2025* Virtual* 12 8/12/2025* 8/20/2025* 8/27/2025* In-Person* * *As scheduled LWCAMPO scheduled meetings for all the existing committees to meet once a month. To date, in FY 2025, the MPO has held a total of eight (8) Policy Committee meetings, eight (8) Technical Committee meetings, and eight (8) Active Transportation Committee meetings. For FY2026, the MPO will consider the possibility of issuing an RFQ to select one or more General Planning Consultant(s) for on-call services to support the MPOs technical activities and tasks outlined in this UPWP. The MPO Director and staff traveled to attend Transportation Planning related conferences, courses, seminars, and workshops such as the following: Annual Texas APA Conference held in Allen, Tx. (October 16-18, 2024) Texas Association of MPOS (TEMPO) Meeting for MPO Directors held in Georgetown TX. (December 12-13, 2024) Texas Association of MPOS (TEMPO) Meetings for MPO Directors held in Austin, Tx. (March 13-14, 2025) Texas Transportation Commission Meeting (March 27, 2025) 2025 National Planning Conference held by the American Planning Association (APA) in Denver, Co. (March 29-April 1, 2025) 2025 TA Set-Aside Call for Projects Workshop (in-person and virtual) Budget Preparedness Trainings Decisions Lens Trainings The MPO Staff is scheduled to attend the following tralnings/workshoPs/Conlerences: Performance Measures Training (May 20, 2025) APATX25 State Planning Conference in Bryan, Tx. (October 22-24, 2025) Spring 2025 STIP Workshop Basic Travel Demand Modeling Training ESRI Gulf Coast Conference Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - I 18 Furthermore, Staff prepared and submitted letters in support of grant applications related to transportation projects and requested by different agencies. The letters in support prepared are as follows: On October 16, 2024; a letter in support was prepared for the City of Laredo and its Colombia Solidarity International Bridge Expansion Project to the Office of Mexican Affairs WHA/MEX On May 21, 2025; a letter in support was prepared for the City of Laredo's grant application for $1,500,000.00 to the 2026 Texas Parks and Wildlife Local Park Grant Program for the Lomas Del Sur Park. D. SUBTASKS Subtask 1.1: Planning and General Administration This activity includes general administration, equipment inventory, maintaining financial records such as billings (recapitulation of costs) and invoices, preparation of budgets, managing of transportation planning funds and ensuring resources are spent appropriately. In addition, this subtask also includes coordinating MPO staff 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 includes office lease if applicable, purchase/lease/rental of 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 (FY2025) in accordance with TxDOT policy and procedures for tasks that utilized FHWA and FTA planning funds. In FY 2026, the Laredo Webb County Area MPO will be hosting the quarterly TEMPO Executive Directors Meeting scheduled for September 25-26, 2025. MPO staff will be assisting with the coordination and logistics in order to host a successful TEMPO Executive Directors Meeting. The 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside Funding programmed in this subtask will be used to cover personnel salaries and administrative costs to facilitate our Active Transportation Committee, Vision Zero Safety Action Plan implementation efforts, and Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) activities. Subtask 1.2: Professional Development, Travel and Training This activity supports staff development in the technical activities associated 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 limited to the following: Annual Texas APA Conference (APATX) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 19 American Public Transportation 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 Planning Conference (NPC) held by the American Planning Association (APA) National Highway Institute (NHI) National Transit Institute (NTI) Texas Association of MPOs (TEMPO) held quarterly Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Conferences/rainings Texas Transportation Commission Meetings held monthly For any Out-of-State travel, LWCAMPO will seek ecommencatonapprowa from TxDOT prior to incurring any cost associated with the requested travel such as registration fees, booking of flights or lodging. Note: Out-of-state travel must be pre-approved by TxDOT according to 43 TAC $16.52(b): "The department will approve, proposed travel outside the. State of Texas by MPO staff and other agencies participating in the MPO planning processes if the travel is funded with federal transportation planning funds. The MPO must receive approval prior to incurring any costs associated with the actual travel (e.g., registration fee). This provision will not apply if the travel is at the request of the department. Subtask 1.3: Public Participation Plan (PPP). This activity consists of the implementation of the Public Participation 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, wireless internet 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 $10,000 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. In FY 2026, LWCAMPO will purchase or lease a new office printer. NOTE: Equipment purchases over $10,000 must comply with 2 CFR $200.439: "Capital expenditures for special purpose equipment are allowable as direct costs, provided that items with a unit cost of $10,000 or more have the prior written approval of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. Subtask 1.5 - Building Maintenance and/or Repairs. This activity includes the use of planning funds for non-routine building maintenance and/or repairs. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 20 E. FUNDING SUMMARY Table 1: Task 1 = FY. 2026 Funding Summary Table Amount of 2.5% Transportation Responsible FTA Section Other Federal Safety/Complete Subtask Planning Funds Local Funds Total Funds Agency 5307 Funds Funds Streets Set-Aside (TPF) Funding? 1.1 LWCAMPO $600,000 $0 $0 $0 $600,000 $ 53,721 1.2 LWCAMPO $25,000 $0 $0 $0 $25,000 1.3 LWCAMPO $10,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,000 1.4 LWCAMPO $30,000 $0 $0 $0 $30,000 1.5 LWCAMPO $10,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,000 Total $675,000 $0 $0 $0 $675,000 $53,721 1 TPF - This includes both FHWA PL-112 (including the 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside) and FTA Section 5303 Funds. TxDOT will apply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor work hours, they are not reflected in the funding tables. 2 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside - This funding must come from the PL funds within TPF. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 21 II. TASK 2 - 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 Enhancement and regular updates to the MPO website Online interactive maps and data to help with performance-Dased planning and programming Create and maintain databases including traffic crash locations, roadway network information, bicycle counts, transit ridership, transit bicycle boardings, and demographic data. Maintenance and updates to the 2050 travel demand model as necessary Assist with travel demand model requests Mapping and data support will be provided for MPO plans, studies, and reports Mapping and data support as needed for stakeholder/partner activities Purchase of online software to support Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development, project data management, and public involvement. C. PREVIOUS WORK LWCAMPO Staff continued updating its website on a regular basis not only to access meetings agendas, packets, public notices and other publications as they became available but also links for live stream access to the Policy Committee Meetings. The MPO website was also frequently updated with online data and interactive maps to help with performance-based planning and programming. Also, MPO staff continued with creating and maintaining related databases including traffic crash locations, roadway network information, bicycle counts, and demographic data. 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 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) representatives in the development of the 2018-2050 Travel Demand Model that was used in the development of the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Update. LWCAMPO is in the process of updating the Congestion Management Process (CMP). MPO Staff in coordination with their consultant, collected, processed, and analyzed both the demographic and geographic data to help with performance-based planning & programming for all CMP related tasks. The aforementioned data bases included the following: Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 - - 22 Traffic crash count locations; Roadway network information; Bicycle counts; and Macro & Micro Demographic data (e.g. socioeconomic data at a regional and granular level) CMP data collection was obtained via the following sources: Travel-time data Collected from cellular and vehicle GPS devices through several available web- based software platforms LWCAMPO MPA Data Obtained using the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS) that is made available through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT); The Congestion Management Process Assessment Tool (COMPAT); TxDOT Traffic Count Maps The Statewide Trac Analysis & Reporting System (STARS II); TxDOT - Laredo District Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS); and Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Mobility Report The LWCAMPO Website was migrated to new Web Hosting Servicer in an effort to provide a better experience and ease of access to the public. The following steps were implemented during said migration process. Migrate the existing website to our server including database and existing plugins Install one duplicate copy on our development server with existing plugins & widgets Update WordPress to most current version. Update all existing plug-ins and widgets and ensure functionality and compatibility. Install fully functional website on Liquid's live server. Ensure functionality. Request domain be pointed towards our. IP address and have existing LMPO website go live on our server. Begin removing all inactive and non-essential plug-ins and widgets on duplicate site on our development server. The goal is to reduce plug-ins and reduce workaround installs to improve site health and functionality. Push changes to live server once the functionality and compatibility issues have been ensured, tested, and passed Begin general maintenance and support of website and provide technical assistance under the Website Maintenance and Support Agreement. Additionally, the final step was the development and deployment of a fully upgraded LWCAMPO Website that includes: Upgrade to the most current version of the content management system (CMS), i.e. WordPress, that includes the following improvements: Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I - 23 WordPress offers a wide range of themes and plugins to customize the look and feel of a website and add new functionalities. User-Friendly Interface o WordPress provides a simple and intuitive interface for creating and managing website content. Extensive Customization o WordPress offers a wide range of themes and plugins to customize the look and feel of a website and add new functionalities. Easy Integration WordPress integrates well with various web services, including search engines, and social media platforms. 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 measures and the following activities: 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 web viewer for sharing GIS data on growth and projects; develop maps and materials for work group and public meetings; support MPO staff 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 projections to be utilized for the MPO planning effort. 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 of in-house modeling capabilities; and regular updates of computer hardware, software, and necessary peripherals for supporting the demographic forecasting and travel demand modeling activities. 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 sidewalk improvements, and recommendations. Subtask 2.2: Software for Transportation Improvement Program Data Management LWCAMPO will purchase a new online software to assist with development of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and to maintain project data. The new software will allow MPO staff to better keep track of TIP amendments, project details, and will also feature and interactive option for the public to submit comments during public comment and review periods. The cost of the software entails the initial implementation and the cost of the license for one full year. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 24 E. FUNDING SUMMARY Table 2: Task 2 = FY 2026 Funding Summary Table Amount of 2.5% Transportation Responsible FTA Section Other Federal Safety/Complete Subtask Planning Funds Local Funds Total Funds Agency 5307 Funds Funds Streets Set-Aside (TPF)3 Funding* 2.1 LWCAMPO $ 10,000 $0 $0 $0 $ 10,000 2.2 LWCAMPO $ 35,000 $0 $0 $0 $ 35,000 Total $ 45,000 $0 $0 $0 $ 45,000 3 TPF - This includes both FHWA PL-112 and FTA Section 5303 Funds. TxDOT will apply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor work hours, they are not reflected in the funding tables. 4 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside - This funding must come from the PL funds within TPF. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 25 III. TASK 3 - 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 next five years to include the development and/or 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, street signage, 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/or revision 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, and the Title VI documentation as deemed necessary. Additionally, the MPO will continue to provide staff support to MPO committees, and will assist in implementation activities related to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). C. PREVIOUS WORK MPO Staff worked on the development, revision and/or amendment of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the MPO By-Laws, and Title VI documentation as deemed necessary. Additionally, the MPO continued to provide staff support to all existing MPO committees and was able to assist in the implementation of activities related to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). MPO staff in collaboration with TxDOT and respective project managers continued working on the two (2) projects awarded with Transportation Alternative (TA) Set-Aside funds from the Call for Projects held in 2022. MPO updated the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Guidelines and project scoring criteria with assistance from the Active Transportation Committee in preparation for a new Call for Projects. The Technical Committee reviewed the updated guidelines and criteria. The Policy Committee authorized the 2025 TA Set-Aside Call for Projects and approved the application guidelines and funding levels on March 19, 2025. MPO staff developed the 2025-2028 TIP in FY 2024, which was adopted by the MPO Policy Committee on June 20, 2024. In FY 2025, staff continues to assist with any necessary revisions to the 2025-2028 TIP as requested by project sponsors. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 - - 26 The MPO has remained a key stakeholder in the region's Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan recently adopted by the Regional Mobility Authority, LWCAMPO Policy Committee, and Laredo City Council. The Safety Action Plan was led by the Webb County City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority and the City of Laredo through a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant. The Director of the MPO served as the Chair of the Vision Zero Working group. In observance of Pedestrian Safety Month, the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), the City of Laredo, and the Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) together in collaboration with the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan development team and Safe Transportation Advisory Council wanted to elevate awareness for pedestrians and crashes that are, preventable. Therefore, on October 28, 2024, a ceremony was held to Proclaim October as: Walktober Pedestrian Safety Month. Also, a Proclamation Ceremony was held on May 8th, 2025, by the City of Laredo and the MPO Active Transportation Committee, proclaiming May as National Bike Month in Laredo. Aligned with the MPO's mission and efforts of the Active Transportation Committee, LWCAMPO continued to advocate for safe, accessible, and alternate modes of transportation. MPO staff further participated by preparing a calendar of events held during the month of May in an effort to create awareness and promoting bike riding as an alternate mode of transportation. D. SUBTASKS Subtask 3.1: General Administration (Short-Range Planning). This subtask allows for MPO staff support for administrative activities related to short-range planning, including the development and management of agency contracts; procurement, development and management of consultant contracts for projects in Task 3; and the review and processing of monthly billings for work related to Task 3. Specific activities will include, but are not limited 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), 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. The 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside Funding programmed in this subtask will be used for outreach activities and necessary meeting expenses related to the MPO's Active Transportation Committee, Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Call for Projects, and Vision Zero implementation activities. 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 City of Rio Bravo. This may include items such as data sharing, mapping, and general transportation planning activities. This task will also include transit planning activities to support El Metro and can include grant development support and technical assistance. The 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside Funding programmed in this subtask will be used to help in the coordination ensuring project delivery of projects programmed with Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) funding (Category 9 funds), and support project sponsors in coordination with TxDOT as necessary through the AFA and project development process. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I - 27 E. FUNDING SUMMARY Table 3: Task 3 = FY 2026 Funding Summary Table Amount of 2.5% Transportation Responsible FTA Section Other Federal Safety/Complete Subtask Planning Funds Local Funds Total Funds Agency 5307 Funds Funds Streets Set-Aside (TPF)5 Funding" 3.1 LWCAMPO $6,000 $0 $0 $0 $6,000 $2,500 3.2 LWCAMPO $6,000 $0 $0 $0 $6,000 $2,500 Total $12,000 $0 $0 $0 $12,000 $5,000 5 TPF - This includes both FHWA PL-112 (including the 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside) and FTA Section 5303 Funds. TxDOT will apply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor work hours, they are not reflected in the funding tables. 6 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside - This funding must come from the PL funds within TPF. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 28 IV. TASK 4 = METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN A. OBJECTIVE To continue study and analysis of projects and data for long-range planning elements and 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 prepare for the development of the next plan update due in 2030 to conform to state and federal requirements. This will include working with Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to update the Travel Demand Model (TDM). Additionally, the Congestion Management Process (CMP) will continue to be updated as needed. This will include system-level monitoring and strategy evaluation. 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. Since, date of adoption, MPO staff prepared and coordinated a total of twelve (12) revisions to the document as follow: Revision #1 on April 20, 2020, through Resolution No. MPO 2020-05. Revision #2 on June 15, 2020, through Resolution No. MPO 2020-07. Revision #3 on February 22, 2021, through Resolution No. MPO 2021-02. Revision #4 on April 19, 2021 as an Administrative Modification. Revision #5 on February 8, 2022, through Resolution No. MPO 2022-03. Revision #6 on October 19, 2022, through Resolution No. MPO 2022-09. Revision #7 on January 18, 2023, through Resolution No. MPO 2023-02. Revision #8 on July 19, 2023, through Resolution No. MPO 2023-09. Revision #9 on November 15, 2023, through Resolution No. MPO 2023-13. Revision #10 on January 17, 2024, through Resolution No. MPO 2024-02. Revision #11 on June 20, 2024, through Resolution No. MPO 2024-09. Revision #12 on November 20, 2024, through an Administrative Modification. Throughout FY 2025, in collaboration with WSP, Inc. (consultants) LWCAMPO staff continued working on the development of the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Staff met with consultants on a bi-weekly basis for project status updates and to ensure progress. The 2025-2050 MTP development activities included ongoing public engagement both in- Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 - 29 persona and virtually. A public meeting was held in May of 2024 and in November 2024. Also, some of the tasks were performed internally and some were solely done by the consultant. As part of these tasks, the MPO Staff with the assistance of WSP worked closely in association with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to update the Travel Demand Model and the Congestion Management Process (CMP) was updated as needed in preparation for the next MTP update. On November 12, 2024; the Technical Committee discussed and recommended approval to initiate a (20)-day public review and comment period for the final draft of the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) document. Furthermore, on November 20th, 2024; an agenda item with the completed document was presented to the Policy Committee to receive public testimony and initiate a 20-day public review and comment period for the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). A representative from WSP USA, Inc. made a brief presentation to the Policy Committee and the Committee motioned to approve the item. A: second Public Meeting was held on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at the local Main Public Library. The event was well attended by members of different transportation related and public safety agencies, transportation engineers and developers, private sector representatives and individuals from the general public. WSP USA, Inc and MPO Staff made a presentation on the development of the MTP document and the project selection proposed to be included in the plan. All the attendees had the opportunity to participate in the discussion and provide their input. The final 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan was adopted by the LWCAMPO Policy Committee on January 15, 2025. The MPO staff updated the Laredo 2050 Travel Demand Model (TDM) and CMP, respectively, throughout the development and adoption process of the 2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). This process included the development of a coordinated program for collecting (and/or sharing) data for the purpose of monitoring system performance. Examples of said data includes but was not limited to: Traffic Volume Counts Speed & travel-time data Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Operations data Transit data Bicycle & Pedestrian data Crash data Travel Surveys Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 30 D. SUBTASKS Subtask 4.1: Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Revisions The current 2025-2050 MTP and TIP will continue to be reviewed and amended in order to comply with federal and state requirements as needed. Specifically, the review and amendments will address and achieve conformity with all FAST Act and 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 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Outreach & Implementation LWCAMPO staff will provide presentations to stakeholders for outreach and education about key topic within the MTP. Staff will also support the implementation of projects and recommendations included in the 2025-2050 MTP through project development coordination and activities with relevant stakeholders. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 31 E. FUNDING SUMMARY Table 4: Task 4 = FY. 2026 Funding Summary Table Amount of 2.5% Transportation Responsible FTA Section Other Federal Safety/Complete Subtask Planning Funds Local Funds Total Funds Agency 5307 Funds Funds Streets Set-Aside (TPF)7 Fundings 4.1 LWCAMPO $5,000 $0 $0 $0 $5,000 4.2 LWCAMPO $10,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,000 Total $15,000 $0 $0 $0 $15,000 7 TPF - This includes both FHWA PL-112 and FTA Section 5303 Funds. TxDOT will apply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor work hours, they are not reflected in the funding tables. 8 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside - This funding must come from the PL funds within TPF. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 32 V. TASK 5 = 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 management systems 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. B. EXPECTED PRODUCTS These are specific studies and projects that address special problem areas or help promote and support transportation related topics. C. PREVIOUS WORK Long Range Freight Mobility Plan A draft Request for Proposals (RFP) has been completed by MPO staff. Given the focus on the 2025-2050 MTP in FY 2024 and the beginning of FY 2025, the MPO has not yet released the RFP for the Long-Range Freight Mobility Plan. Additionally, during the TMA Certification Review, it was recommended that the scope of the Freight Mobility Plan be carefully reviewed and shared with additional stakeholders before proceeding. It is the goal of the MPO to initiate this study in FY. 2026. Microtransit Feasibility. Study (Conducted by Consultant). Microtransit transportation, defined as a flexible, real-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, had seen impressive growth in ridership, there are still areas in its community that are underserved by or have low frequency and low demand for fixed-route transit. The Microtransit Feasibility Study was authorized in the FY2024 and FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). A total of $150,000 were allocated in the LWCAMPO FY2024 UPWP and FY2025 UPWP and was funded with the MPO's Transportation Planning Funds. The scope of work was to conduct a feasibility study if microtransit was a viable service model for LTMI also known as El Metro transit. Therefore, LWCAMPO prepared technical proposals in accordance with the goals, objectives, requirements, format, and guidelines presented in the Request for Proposals (RFP) FY24-042 for the Laredo Transit Management, Incorporated (LTMI) Microtransit Feasibility Study. The ideal consultant had to be familiar with transit operations, administration and budgeting; identifying transit rider demand; determining Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 - - 33 transit service areas; developing transit service implementation plans; and had experience with, or are familiar with, microtransit services. This would include familiarity with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307, 5310 and 5339 Grant Program funds. MPO Staff assembled an evaluation committee which consisted of various stakeholders from the LWCAMPO Technical Committee as stated in the RFP. The evaluation committee members reviewed and scored the proposals. A total of four (4) proposals successfully responded to the request. One (1) proposal was disqualified for not following submittal instructions. On May 2024, the MPO Policy Committee approved to award a contract to the Goodman Corporation for a microtransit feasibility study to explore the possibility having a new "Microtransit" transportation service in areas to complement the fixed route system. The contract was executed on August 12, 2024 in the amount of One Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand and One-Hundred Dollars ($149,100) as compensation for the services to be performed under this contract. The study was initiated on August 23, 2024 and a kick-off meeting with the consultants along with MPO and El Metro staff was held on September 5th, 2024. The MPO continued to meet with El Metro and the consultants every other week to discuss the project's progress. The study was expected to last approximately 9 months. The final report was presented to the Mass Transit Board on May 19th, 2025 and to the MPO Policy Committee on May 21, 2025. The study was completed in May 2025 as scheduled. D. SUBTASKS Subtask 5.1: Long Range Freight Mobility Plan In 2025, the Laredo and Webb County MPO intends to partner with the Webb County - City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) and the City of Laredo to develop a Long-Range Regional Freight Mobility Plan. The MPO will likely partner with the RMA and the City of Laredo to share the costs and carry out the Freight Mobility Plan with the help of the RMA's general engineering consultant. MPO staff in coordination with the consultants and partners will facilitate public meetings and will be share responsibility in overseeing the implementation of the plan. It will be a regional comprehensive mobility plan that will provide project partners both, public and private with a series of short-term and long-term strategies and guidance for strategic processes and policies to guide future investments for facilitate the mobility of truck and rail freight movements with and through the City of Laredo and Webb county. The Long-Range Freight Mobility Plan will evaluate freight movement in the study area in order to dentify freight mobility needs and challenges, develop goals and objectives to improve goods movement, evaluate the impact of freight movement on the regional economy, identify freight transportation facilities and investments necessary for economic growth, define freight policies and programs, and provide recommendations for short, mid-range and long-term recommendations for infrastructure improvements. Also, it must consider the projected future growth of the area, key economic variables that are driving regional freight land use, job growth and workforce development scenarios, current and potential federal legislation requirements, and the Statewide Strategic Rail Plans for performance measurement strategies and freight/air sector investments. The Plan must include a set of strategies to guide and Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 34 facilitate regional and local agencies in the implementation of plan's findings and recommendations in both the short (3 to 5 year) and long term (6-25 years). This plan will also serve as an investment guide for freight mobility improvements in the region. It may include a general overview of other plans or studies and the recommendations; an economic and logistical analysis of freight flow in the region; an inventory of existing and planned assets including highway and rail, as W ell as their condition and performance; a needs analysis of high demand areas, hotspots, and other deficiencies; and recommendations including policies and programs, freight performance measures, IST and operational development of regional freight system leveraging Critical Freight Corridors, Truck Lane Restrictions, and NHS Intermodal connectors. (To be conducted by consultant in partnership with RMA and City of Laredo) Subtask 5.2: South Laredo Transportation Planning Study The South Laredo Transportation Planning Study will assess current and future multimodal mobility needs in South Laredo and Webb County. The study will consist of planning level analyses of existing roadways and future proposed thoroughfares to develop, evaluate, and advance a broad range of mobility improvements in South Laredo. The completed study will identify multimodal improvements to help relieve congestion, promote safety, and enhance connectivity of the transportation network. The study will include publiç/stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, recommended roadway network and multimodal improvements, and an implementation plan. (To be conducted by consultant) Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 35 E. FUNDING SUMMARY Table 5: Task 5 = FY. 2026 Funding Summary Table Amount of 2.5% Transportation Responsible FTA Section Other Federal Safety/Complete Subtask Planning Funds Local Funds Total Funds Agency 5307 Funds Funds Streets Set-Aside (TPF)9 Fundingio 5.1 LWCAMPO $250,000 $0 $0 $0 $250,000 5.2 LWCAMPO $250,000 $0 $0 $0 $250,000 Total $500,000 $0 $0 $0 $500,000 9 TPF - This includes both FHWA PL-112 and FTA Section 5303 Funds. TxDOT will apply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor work hours, they are not reflected in the funding tables. 10 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside This funding must come from the PL funds within TPF. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 36 BUDGET SUMMARY Table 6: 1-Year Funding Summary - FY 2026 Amount of 2.5% UPWP FTA Sect. Other Federal Safety/Complete Description TPF11 Local Funds Total Funds Task 5307 Funds Funds Streets Set-Aside Funding12 Administration 1.0 $675,000 $0 $0 $0 $675,000 $53,721 Management 2.0 Data Development $ 45,000 $0 $0 $0 $ 45,000 and Maintenance 3.0 Short Range $12,000 $0 $0 $0 $12,000 $5,000 Planning 4.0 Metropolitan $15,000 $0 $0 $0 $15,000 Transportation Plan 5.0 Special Studies $500,000 $0 $0 $0 $500,000 Total $1,247,000 $0 $0 $0 $1,247,000 $58,721 Combined Authorized TPF (WO 1 and WO 2) for FY 2026 $629,990.87 Estimated Unexpended TPF Carryover (WO 3) from Previous FYs $2,000,000 TOTAL TPF AVAILABLE for FY 2026 $2,629,990.87 11 TPF - This includes both FHWA PL-112 (including the 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside) and FTA Section 5303 Funds. TXDOT will apply transportation development credits sufficient to provide the match for TPF. As the credits reflect neither cash nor work hours, they are not reflected in the funding tables. 12 2.5% Safety/Complete Streets Set-Aside This funding must come from the PL funds within TPF. Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 I 37 APPENDIX A Laredo & Webb County Area MPO Policy Committee Membership VOTING MEMBERS Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor- = Chairperson City of Laredo Honorable Tano E. Tijerina Judge- - Vice Chairperson Webb County Honorable Ricardo RangelJ Jr. Councilmember City of Laredo Honorable Ruben Gutierrez, Jr. Councilmember City of Laredo Honorable Vanessa Perez Councilmember, Mayor Pro Tempore Laredo Mass Transit Board Honorable. John Galo Commissioner Webb County Honorable. Jesse Gonzalez Commissioner Webb County Jed Brown Member At Large Regional Mobility Authority Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. District Engineer TxDOT EX-OFFICIO NON-VOTING MEMEBERS Honorable. Judith Zaffirini Senator District 21 State of Texas Honorable Richard Raymond Representative - District 42 State of Texas Honorable Don McLaughlin Representative- District80 State of Texas Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Membership MPO Representative: MPOI Director (Chairperson) 1. City Representatives: Laredo City Planner The General Manager oft 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 Executive Director The General Manager oft the Rural Transit System 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 Transportation Planning and Programming (TPP) Field Representative 4. Federal Representatives: FHWA Planning Representative (Austin) 5. Private Sector Representatives: Ar representative of the Kansas City Southern Railway Company Ar representative of the Union Pacific Railroad Company AI representative of the Laredo Transportation Association AT Transportation Provider Representative who shall also serve ont the Laredo Transportation, Advisory Committee 6. School System Representatives: Ar representative of the Laredo Independent School District Ar representative of the United Independent School District AI representative of Texas A&MI International University Ar representative of Laredo College LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA MPO (LWCAMPO) Staff LWCAMPO Staff: Juan S. Mendive, AICP - MPO Director Graciela S. Briones - Planner III Julio A. Nino - Planner III Eduardo Bernal - Planner III Adriana Vigil- - Administrative. Assistant Laredo & Webb County Area MPO (LWCAMPO) UPWP FY26 - - 38 APPENDIX B Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary Map LAREDO WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION 27 255 N TEXAS 835 a 35 3338 1472 5 69 US 59 359 TEXAS LOOP 20 Legend MPO Planning Area Boundary City of Laredo Limits Rio Bravo City Limits 83) 4 8 Miles Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 39 APPENDIX C Debarment Certification (Negotiated Contracts) (1) The Laredo & Webb County Area Metropolitan Organization MPO as CONTRACTOR certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief that it and its principals: (a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal department or agency; (b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public* transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of federal or state antitrust statutes or 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 public transactions* terminated for 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 Dr. Victor D. Trevino Date Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee City of Laredo Mayor Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 - - 40 APPENDIX D Lobbying Certification The undersigned certifies to the best of their 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) If any funds other than federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or 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,' in accordance with its instructions. (3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose 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 certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by Section 1352, Title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to 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. Dr. Victor D. Trevino Date Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee City of Laredo Mayor Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 41 APPENDIX E Certification of Contract and Procurement Procedures Compliance I, Dr. 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 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 Requirements for Federal Awards, as it may be revised or superseded. Dr. Victor D. Trevino Date Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee City of Laredo Mayor Attest: Juan S. Mendive, AICP MPO Director Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 42 APPENDIX F Certification of Internal Ethics and Compliance Program I, Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Chairperson of the Laredo 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 adopted and 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 43 TAC S 31.39 "Required Internal Ethics and Compliance Program" and 43 TAC S 10.51 "Internal Ethics and Compliance Program" as it may be revised or superseded. Dr. Victor D. Trevino Date Chairperson, MPO Policy Committee City of Laredo Mayor Attest: Juan S. Mendive, AICP MPO Director Laredo & Webb County Area MPO UPWP FY 26 I 43 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.C. C. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-08, supporting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FM 1472 Segment 1 Feasibility Study recommendations. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-18-2025 ITEM: IV.C SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-08 supporting the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) FM 1472 Segment 1 Feasibility Study recommendations. INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: None BACKGROUND: TxDOT is currently conducting a feasibility study for the FM 1472 corridor from I-69W to two miles north of FM 3338 to develop a recommended alternative, aimed at identifying improvements that address current and future transportation needs. The study focuses on enhancing safety, connectivity, and accommodating increased passenger and commercial traffic along this vital corridor. Extensive public and stakeholder engagement was conducted as part of the study, including a recent public meeting held on June 17, 2025, to solicit community input on the preliminary recommended alternative. Additionally, a presentation on the study and preliminary findings were presented to the Policy Committee on May 21, 2025. The study's purpose aligns closely with the Laredo Webb County Area MPO's regional transportation goals, particularly in improving safety, connectivity, and supporting efficient freight movement. The Policy Committee is asked to consider and adopt the resolution to formally support TxDOT's feasibility study recommendations, reinforcing collaborative regional efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the Laredo metropolitan area. Public comments can be submitted to TxDOT by July 7, 2025. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommended approval of Staff recommends approval. resolution no. MPO 2025-08. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION NO. MPO 2025-08 BY THE LAREDO AND WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE SUPPORTING THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT) FM 1472 SEGMENT 1 FEASIBILITY STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS WHEREAS, the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, for the Laredo Urbanized Area; and WHEREAS, LWCAMPO is the entity for cooperative decision making regarding regional transportation issues in Laredo and Webb County; and WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is conducting a feasibility study from FM 1472 (Mines Road) from I-69W to two miles north of FM 3338 to identify a recommended alternative that addresses current and future transportation needs; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the feasibility study is to improve overall safety, enhance mobility, and address growing transportation demands for both passenger and commercial vehicles along the FM 1472 corridor; and WHEREAS, TxDOT has conducted extensive public outreach and stakeholder engagement, including a public meeting held on June 17, 2025, to gather input on the preliminary recommended alternative; and WHEREAS, the recommendations from the FM 1472 Feasibility Study recommendations align with LWCAMPO's regional transportation goals to improve safety, enhance connectivity, and support efficient freight movement; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), hereby agrees to support the recommendations of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) FM 1472 Feasibility Study. We certify that the above resolution was passed and adopted on this 18th day of June 2025, at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO). Honorable Dr. Victory D. Trevino Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson District Engineer of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee TxDOT - Laredo District Juan S. Mendive, AICP LWCAMPO Director Texas Department of Transportation <Laredo Mines Road (FM 1472) Segment 1 Feasibility Study The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Laredo District is conducting a feasibility study for Mines Road (FM 1472) Segment 1 from I-69W to two miles north of FM 3338 in Webb County, TX. What is a feasibility study? A feasibility study addresses issues including benefits, costs, effectiveness, alternatives considered, analysis of alternative selection, environmental effects, public opinions, and other factors. A feasibility study: Helps to determine if the project should move forward to a more in-depth environmental analysis, public involvement, schematic design and right-of-way mapping. Determines the needs and goals, assesses environmenta. and engineering constraints, and identifies preliminary route options based on coordination with working group members comprised of city and county officials and stakeholders. Gathers input from the public and community Collects additional technical analysis to refine and recommend route options for further development. Develops a starting point for any future phases of project development, including environmental study Needs and goals The Mines Road (FM 1472) Segment 1 Feasibility Study will identify existing and future transportation needs. The study will develop concepts for addressing those needs and improving conditions for the traveling public and commercial vehicles along Mines Road. Needs Goals Connectivity Minimize ROW impacts Safety Minimize Disruption to Traffic during Construction Capacity Balancing Needs of All Freight Roadway Users Study timeline Summer 2024 Fall 2024 Winter 2024 Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Fall 2025 Existing Identify Conceptual Viable Recommended 30% Conditions Needs Alternatives Alternatives Alternative Schematic and Goals Design Ongoing Stakeholder and Public Engagement 280 Public Public Meeting #1 Meeting #2 Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Meeting #1 Meeting #2 Meeting #3 @ Study approach The approach to conducting the Mines Road Feasibility Study is to: Engage stakeholders and the public early in the planning process Develop potential alternative solutions Encourage cost-effective and effective solutions Identify a recommended alternative to expedite the design Stakeholder and agency meetings The study team will continue to meet with stakeholders, elected officials, community leaders, agencies, and industry representatives for feedback throughout the study timeline. Stakeholder meeting #1 - Oct. 15, 2024 Stakeholder meeting #2 - Dec. 17, 2024 Stakeholder meeting #3 - Feb. 25, 2025 Get involved TxDOT is committed to working closely with the community on this study. Public meetings are intended to present information and gather feedback from the community. Public Meeting. #1- Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Public Meeting. #2- Tuesday, June 17, 2025 For updates on the study, enter your email in the Subscribe to Updates' on the right-hand side of this page. Downloads 6 Study Location Map G Stakeholder meeting #1 documentation B Stakeholder meeting. #2 documentation - a Stakeholder meeting. #3 documentation Contact us TxDOT Laredo District 956-712-7420 TxDOT Laredo District Office 1817 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo, TX 78043 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.D. D. Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO 2025-09, supporting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Statewide Active Transportation Plan. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-18-2025 ITEM: IV.D. SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Discussion with possible action to approve Resolution No. MPO-2025-09 supporting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Statewide Active Transportation Plan (SATP) to establish a unified vison of the identification and implementation of strategic active transportation priorities and policies across Texas through 2050. INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: None BACKGROUND: As our state's population and economy continue to grow, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently developing a comprehensive Statewide Active Transportation Plan (SATP) to help Texans get to where they want to go more effectively, efficiently, and safely while contributing to a next-generation transportation network. The project initiated in the Summer of 2023 gathering data and input from stakeholders and communities across the state through public meetings continuing through 2025 for a plan to improve bicycling, walking or other models that are typically human-powered, non-motorized transportation, but may also include smaller lightweight electric-powered micromobility options such as electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bicycles (e-bikes). The Laredo and Webb County Area MPO, and the MPO Active Transportation Committee are actively involved with the annual National Bike Month campaign that included a proclamation, local bicycle activities and community participation of local stakeholders. The Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan aligns with the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and the Laredo and Webb County Active Transportation Plan. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommended approval of Staff recommends approval. resolution no. MPO 2025-09. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION RESOLUTION NO. MPO 2025-09 BY THE LAREDO AND WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE SUPPORTING THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT) STATEWIDE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (SATP) WHEREAS, the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, for the Laredo Urbanized Area; and WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is developing a comprehensive Statewide Active Transportation Plan (SATP) to establish a unified vision of the dentification and implementation of strategic active transportation priorities and policies across Texas through 2050; and WHEREAS, the Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan is a safe, accessible, connected and fully integrated pedestrian and bicycle network that increases active mobility and supports health, economic vitality and resiliency within communities and across Texas; and WHEREAS, an active transportation plan provides recommendations for improving conditions for bicycling, walking, or other models that are typically human-powered, non-motorized transportation, but may also include smaller lightweight electric-powered micromobility options such as electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bicycles (e-bikes); and WHEREAS, the Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan will enhance 1.) Improve Safety, Comfort and Accessibility 2.) Enhance Connectivity 3.) Address Community Needs 4.) Support Economic Vitality and 5.) Promote Healthy Communities; and WHEREAS, the Laredo Webb County Area MPO and the MPO Active Transportation Committee are actively involved with the annual National Bike Month campaign that included a proclamation, local bicycle activities and community participation of local stakeholders; and WHEREAS, the Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan aligns with the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and the Laredo and Webb County Active Transportation Plan; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO), hereby agrees to support the Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan providing input in the development and adoption of the plan. We certify that the above resolution was passed and adopted on this 18th day of. June 2025, at a public meeting of the Policy Committee of the Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO). Honorable Dr. Victory D. Trevino Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E. Mayor of Laredo and Chairperson District Engineer of the LWCAMPO Policy Committee TxDOT - Laredo District Juan S. Mendive, AICP LWCAMPO Director Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation 0 TEXAS d STATEWIDE & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN WELCOME Scan the OR Code to view the virtual public meeting PUBLIC MEETING site and draft plan. o Continue to build and strengthen existing relationships with active transportation users across Meeting the state. Grow enthusiasm and build support for the draft Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan (SATP). Collect feedback on plan implementation. Purpose Demonstrate how input from stakeholders and the public has been used in developing the plan. Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation WHY ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IS IMPORTANT IN TEXAS Texas is home to more than 31 million people supporting 15.5 million jobs. By 2050, the state's population is expected to grow by nine million people and six million new jobs. This rapid growth requires a transportation system that is responsive to the increasing and changing needs of residents, workers, and visitors. Active transportation can play an important role in this system by: Increasing Access to Supporting Vibrant and Safe Connecting Everyone Opportunities Communities PLAN VISION What are active To review the draft plan or access transportation modes? more plan resources, scan the The Texas Statewide Active Transportation Plan (SATP) is a collaborative effort to D code below. advance QR a safe, accessible, connected and fully integrated pedestrian and bicycle Pedestrians network that increases active mobility and supports health, economic vitality and resiliency within communities and across Texas. Bicycles 2050 PLAN GOALS Mobility Devices, a& 0 like Wheelchairs 0 Improve Safety, Enhance Address Support Promote E-Scooters and Comfort, and Connectivity Community Economic Healthy E-Bikes Accessibility Needs Vitality Communities Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation WHERE WE HAVE BEEN & WHERE WE ARE GOING WITH ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PAST TXDOT EFFORTS SATP EFFORTS ONGOING EFFORTS FALL2022 Strategic Direction WINTER 2023 SUMMER: 2024 FALL: 2024 SPRING 2025 2026 SUMMER: 2018 SUMMER 2020 SPRING 2022 Report: Opportunities SUMMER FALL 2023 Analysis of Existing Conditions Draft Plan and Develop Begin Implemen:ation of Texas Bicycle Statewide Long-Range ADA Self-Evaluation forTXDOT's Bicycle and Vision Workshop and and Development of Needs, Priority Actions for Active Transpotation Tourism Trails Study Transportation Plan and Transition Plan Pedestrian Program Goal Development Gaps and Challenges Implementation Plan Actions SUMMER 2019 FALL: 2021 SUMMER 2022 WINTER: 2022 FALL 2023 FALL2024 SUMMER 2025 ONGOING Road to Zero State of the Practice in 2023-2027 TXDOT Transportation Alternatives Texas Pedestrian a Roadway Design Outreach Texas Bicycle and Commitment to end Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategic Plan Program Guide Safety Action Plan Manual Update Round 3 Pedestrian Count Exchange Roadway Fatalities Accommodations Texas Strategic Highway Vulnerable Road User Outreach Finalize ADA Transition Plan Safety Plan 2022 2027 Safcty Assessment Round 2 Plan Supplements Outreach District Bike Round 1 Plans Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation WHO IS ENGAGED IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT? Advancing active transportation in Texas will require efforts of TxDOT, its partners, active transportation users, and the traveling public. Alignment with other Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) TxDOT Initiatives Internal Partners Eleven representatives, Steering Committee (SC) Subject matter experts including bicyclists, This group consists of 19 The SATP is part of a coordinated from various TXDOT pedestrians, people with members from 13 agencies strategy to improve travel within divisions and 25 districts. disabilities and other and organizations, in addition Texas. There are a number of interested parties. to four TXDOT districts and TXDOT studies and plans that internal TxDOT partners. helped inform the SATP, including: Connecting Texas 2050, Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan TXDOT worked with these stakeholders and the public to gather existing condition information, confirm and Texas Statewide Multimodal prioritize goals, and develop challenges and potential strategies. Input provided now will help refine the Transit Plan plan and priority actions for implementation. . Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Study ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Community Participants Emphasis Area Partner Agencies Communities, advocacy groups Working Groups (EAWG) Partner agencies included Texas Pedestrian Safety Action and the public participated Six groups focused on key cities, counties, towns, Plan throughout the process via emphasis areas of the plan. regional planning . Statewide Bicycle Safety Analysis email, public meetings and They represent municipalities, organizations, transit . Vulnerable Road User Safety online surveys. metropolitan planning agencies and FHWA. Assessment organizations (MPOs), state agencies and other . TxDOT District Bicycle Plans organizations throughout the state. Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation WHAT WE HEARD Most people do not feel safe or comfortable using active transportation facilities across the state. 40+ 3K Maintenance of facilities, and the agency responsible for this Public meetings and pop-up Survey responses and comments maintenance, should be planned at the beginning of the development events held across the state received during Round 1 and during Round 1 and Round 2 Round 2 outreach efforts process. outreach efforts (8) Coordination between state, local, and regional agencies, along with advocacy groups, is needed to develop effective facilities and educate 00 the public on their use. Active transportation facilities should be considered at an earlier stage in the design process. 60+ 20 Meetings with key stakeholders, Meetings with SATP Steering Funding limitations are a major barrier to constructing active including advocacy groups, MPOs, Committee and Emphasis Area $ transportation facilities. TxDOT districts, BikeTexas, and Working Groups the TxDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Active transportation needs vary between rural, urban, and suburban areas and there should be flexibility in requirements to address these varying needs. Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation CHALLENGES STRATEGIES Physical barriers limit access to Congestion in large metro regions is Improve active transportation safety. opportunities, especially for Cb driven by rapid growth. people with disabilities. Drivers and active transportation Prioritize more active transportation infrastructure. Some active transportation facilities users can be unsure about rules have not been maintained. of the road. Integrate active transportation with other travel modes. Active transportation may Emerging roadway design techniques not always be prioritized in the and technologies have not been planning and design process. integrated to their fullest extent. Integrate active transportation early in project planning and scoping. Pedestrians and bicyclists are Limited space can lead to less than disproportionately represented optimum active transportation inr roadway fatalities. facility or network designs. Address physical barriers in the active transportation networks. Many active transportation routes Current funding for active transportation does not are not comfortable for all users. meet demand and need. D gs Implement and integrate optimal designs to improve JU travel experience. Multimodal connections and Statewide network for long-distance amenities serving ports of entry active transportation needs are limited. further investments. Develop and expand active transportation networks statewide. Land use planning and active Limited connections to transit transportation implementation and other travel modes reduce TXDOT to work with partners and communities to develop plans, needs further integration. accessibility and mobility. R increase awareness, and implement active transportation. Active transportation travel options The economic benefits of active are not widely available in all transportation are not Improve infrastructure conditions through maintenance local communities. fully understood. and repair. Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation Identify and make investments in critical corridors by creating a $ Priority Investment Network. Identify potential candidate routes for designation on the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Lead an active transportation education campaign. Identify STATEWIDE ACTIVE partnership opportunities with local governments and non-profits to TRANSPORTATION PLAN generate awareness of active transportation resources and benefits. PRIORITY ACTIONS Accelerating implementation requires identifying priorities for the next five years. Develop internal and external training that includes design examples and prototypes to support local and regional governments in Advancing active transportation in Texas developing consistent bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. will require partnerships that include thoroughly engaging the public and stakeholders before active transportation projects are implemented. Enhance data collection with new technologies or through private Alnll entities. Collect geospatial data to improve analysis. Provide publicly accessible progress reporting. 8r0 Improve the flexibility of funding sources and consider developing Scan the QR code - 0 a dedicated multimodal streets fund. Identify new and innovative to provide input on funding sources and grants. priority actions. Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation Survey & Comment Station Mail E-Mail Voicemail Scan the QR code above to access the SATP PTN.Plans@txdotgov 800-671-9854 virtual survey or visit the comment PO Box 5459 station to fill out a paper survey. Austin, TX 78763 To be included in the public engagement summary, comments must be received or postmarked by July 13, 2025. TEXAS do STATEWIDE & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Greg Reininger, Project Manager reperpenngerebdotgp" TXDOT Public Transportation Division Connecting you with Texas. Texas Department of Transportation NEXT STEPS 2 JUNE - JULY 2025: Complete outreach round 3. Analyze your comments and input. 8BR SUMMER - FALL 2025: Update, review, and finalize the plan. M, WINTER 2025 - 2026*: Work with partners to begin mplementation of priority actions. 2 *Timeframe subject to change STAY INFORMED GD a Join the mailing list Participate in TxDOT Bicycle for email updates. and Pedestrian Advisory Visit the SATP website. Committee meetings. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item IV.E. E. Discussion with possible action to provide a Letter in Support of the Regional Mobility Authority's (RMA) application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets and Roads for All implementation grant. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEM DATE: 06-18-25 ITEM: IV.E SUBJECT: MOTION Discussion with possible action to provide a Letter in Support of the Regional Mobility Authority's (RMA) application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets and Roads for All implementation grant. INITIATED BY: STAFF SOURCE: Staff Juan S. Mendive, MPO Director PREVIOUS ACTION: On March 20, 2024, the Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWCAMPO) Policy Committee approved resolution MPO 2024-04 supporting the Vision Zero Program and the development of the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. On April 16, 2025 LWCAMPO Policy Committee approved Resolution No. MPO 2025-06, adopting the 2025 Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. BACKGROUND: The Vision Zero Program is a collaborative effort lead by the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (WC-CL RMA) in partnership with the City of Laredo and the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve traffic safety on City of Laredo and Webb County streets and by developing the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. This plan outlines critical steps and strategies needed to keep our roads safe, and protect the health and security of its residents, business, employees and visitors. Itis a strategy designed to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2040. With the adoption of the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan by the WC-CL RMA, City of Laredo, and LWCAMPO Policy Committee, the next step is to pursue funding for implementation. The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant program provides federal funds to implement projects and strategies in a comprehensive safety action plan. The maximum award is $25 million requiring a 20% local match. While the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan includes a $33.3 million Capital Plan, the RMA has identified $24.9 million of projects from the Capital Plan eligible for inclusion in the grant application. The WC-CL RMA is preparing to submit the SS4A Implementation Grant application and is requesting a letter of support from the LWCAMPO Policy Committee to accompany the application. The grant funds will support several projects, including a comprehensive Safe Routes to Schools study, pilot projects, and capital improvements in partnership with the City of Laredo and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee recommends approval. Staff recommends approval. LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION June 6, 2025 The Honorable Sean Duffy Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Support for the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority Safe Streets and Roads For All (SS4A) Implementation Grant Application Dear Secretary Duffy, The Laredo and Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LWACAMPO) is pleased to express its full support for the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) grant application for $24,901,970.00 to the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation grant program. In 2025, the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority recently completed its Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan with financial support from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the City of Laredo. In addition, the RMA, the City of Laredo and LWCAMPO adopted the plan fulfilling the community with hope for a safer future. The implementation grant request will fund several projects including a comprehensive Safe Routes to Schools study, pilot projects, and capital improvements in partnership with the City of Laredo and the Texas Department of Transportation. LWCAMPO is committed to improving the safety of our transportation network by significantly reducing or eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries through the adoption of the Vision Zero Webb Laredo Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and Safety Performance Targets focusing on all road users. Funding of this grant application will save lives and reduce serious injuries benefiting our local community and rural areas. Thank for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact the MPO office if you require any additional information or have any questions. Sincerely, Honorable Dr. Victor D. Trevino Mayor of the City of Laredo Laredo and Webb County Area MPO Chairman 1413 Houston St. Laredo, TX 78040 Tel. 956.794.1605 Web: www.laredompo.org LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.A. A. Status Report by the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). A Mob WC-CL RMA June 2025 Status Report to LWCAMPO 1. Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan (Safe Streets for All)- See supplemental memorandum. 2. The Vallecillo Road Project - See supplemental memorandum. 3. Vallecillo Overpass - While the WC-CL RMA will not be managing the development of the Overpass design, we stand ready to provide information from the Vallecillo Road Project to TxDOT SO that the two projects' connections are well coordinated. Coordination meetings continue with all the stakeholders involved in the project. On 1/8/2025, the WC-CL RMA met with TxDOT LRD to obtain further information on the request. On 1/22/2025, the WC-CL RMA met with TxDOT LRD, and the group clarified roles and responsibilities between the implementation of the new overpass and how it will interface with the road project. The relocation of utilities along IH 35 will be conducted by the TxDOT LRD consultant. The group met on 2/18/25 for a status update on the Vallecillo Overpass project. The WC-CL RMA Board of Directors approved taking the lead for the additional ROW and associated environmental clearance changes at the March 26, 2025, Board Meeting. At the quarterly meeting that occurred on the week of the 19th of May, TxDOT LRD notified the group that PS&E for the project is scheduled for 2027. 4. Springfield Phase IV - Similar to Springfield Phase III, the RMA has committed up to $1 million to the City to assist with the funding of the construction of Phase IV of the project from Hospitality Drive to Bob Bullock Loop. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) oetween the City and the RMA. The RMA submitted a draft ILA to the City on 4/9/2024. The RMA originally intended to utilize the Category 12 Strategic Partnership dollars for the funding of the project. The RMA has decided to proceed for the construction of this project utilizing the RMA Vehicle Registration Fees. The ILA between the City and the RMA was executed on 9/9/2024. The project has advertised for construction. The Pre- Bid conference occurred on 1/7/2025. The bid opening occurred on 1/17/2025. The City consultant has evaluated the bids to recommend the award of the contract. The construction contract was awarded on 2/18/25 to ALC Construction by the City of Laredo for $765,299.00. Construction commenced on the 14th of March. The official groundbreaking occurred on 3/24/2025. The total construction duration is scheduled for 90 days. As of 6/10/2025, continuous reinforced concrete pavement has commenced and largely complete. The final walk through and punch list to occur in June 2025. The ribbon cutting is projected to occur in July 2025. 5. Concord Hills (Wormser Road/ Lomas Del Sur to Los Presidentes) - The RMA has committed $1 million to the development of a new location 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. The project will provide a parallel route to Cuatro Vientos and provide additional access to the new Laredo Sports Complex and the Municipal Water Park. The sponsorship and implementation are subject to the negotiation of an Inter Local Agreement (ILA) between the City and the RMA. The RMA is working with the City and the property owners for the donation of the ROW and the finalization of the construction cost estimate for the A Mobility PuS project. The RMA recommitted its support in funding on the project February 14, 2024, at the February Board Meeting. On November 6, 2024, the WC-CL RMA Board of Directors passed a resolution to sign the ILA between the City and the WC-CL RMA for this project. The City Council approved the ILA on 2/18/25. The City, the Webb County Drainage District and the WC-CL RMA have signed the agreement, and the ILA is fully executed. The design of the project is ongoing. The engineer anticipates a design submittal to the City of Laredo within the next 2 months. The ROW acquisition is ongoing. The draft parcel plats have been submitted to the City and the City is moving forward with the landowner coordination for acquisition. The City, the WC-CL RMA, the property owners/ developers and Top Site, their civil engineer, met on 5/12/2025 to discuss the progress of the property donation and the status of the project design. The donation agreements are on-going in development and the design is currently at 75% completion. 6. North Laredo and Cuatro Vientos Transportation Reinvestment Zones (TRZ) - The RMA is awaiting execution of the ILA with the City to commence the North Laredo TRZ Study. The City notified the WC-CL RMA on 2/13/24 that the City will move forward with drafting and distributing the ILA to the WC-CL RMA and commence the project. The City Council approved a resolution to negotiate and execute the ILA with the WC-CL RMA on 2/18/2025. The North Laredo TRZ Study ILA is pending a final signature from the City of Laredo for full execution as of 3/19/2025. Regarding the Cuatro Vientos TRZ, the City would like to commence the process of implementing the TRZ with support from the WC-CL RMA. The RMA and the City will commence negotiation of the ILA to codify the agency roles for the implementation. On November 6, 2024, the WC-CL RMA Board of Directors passed a resolution to sign the ILA for the creation of the Cuatro Vientos TRZ between the City and the WC-CL RMA. The City Council approved a resolution to negotiate and execute the ILA with the WC-CL RMA on 2/18/2025. The Cuatro Vientos TRZ ILA is executed as of 3/19/2025. The WC-CL RMA and the City of Laredo conducted an implementation kick-off meeting on 6/12/2025. 7. Other Items: The WC-CL RMA conducted a Board meeting on 6/4/2025. LA Monthly Report to the LWCAMPO from the WC-CL RMA Project: Vision Zero Webb Laredo Safety Action Plan by SS4A Purpose: June 2025 Monthly Overview Report to LWCAMPO Date Submitted: June 13, 2025 MSION ZERB WEBB LAREDO In May, LJA and Toole Design Group conducted a Safe Routes to School pilot assessment with Laredo ISD across six campuses. Over three and a half days, the team held strategic partner meetings, interviewed school staff, and observed morning drop-off traffic, student, and parent behavior, crossing guards, and law enforcement presence. Walk audits were conducted to assess sidewalk and street conditions around Martin HS, Christen MS, Sanchez-Ochoa, Gallego, Leyendecker, and Heights Elementary. A joint walk audit near Christen and Martin included City of Laredo staff, elected officials, LWCAMPO, and Laredo ISD safety personnel. The assessment concluded with a presentation of preliminary findings and recommended safety improvements. This work led to a request from the City of Laredo for the WC-CL RMA to provide technical support for the submittal of a related project in response to the LWCAMPO Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Program Call for Projects. The RMA's team helped the City of Laredo prepare an application to the Call for Projects and it was submitted on May 30, 2025. Simultaneously, the RMA consultant team also worked on a school bus shelters project with United Independent School District. The team conducted various strategic partner meetings, interviewed school staff, and field observations together with school officials. Findings and recommendations from these two projects will be published in reports as appendices to the current CSAP. Finally, the team has compiled most of the information for the SS4A implementation grant. A draft application was substantially completed, dentifying the total grant and local partner match. The RMA conducted several meetings with the two project partners that will be named in the application, the City of Laredo, and the Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District. Background: As you know, the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) was adopted by the Laredo & Webb County Metropolitan Planning Organization's Policy Committee during its April meeting. The City of Laredo also adopted the plan last month. As the lead agency and grant recipient, Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) took the same action at their regular board meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. RMA will again be the lead agency for the application with the understanding that both the City of Laredo and TXDOT join the RMA in supporting the local match requirements. 1 LA Work on the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) began in September 2023. The RMA Board, along with Laredo City Council and the Laredo Webb County Area MPO adopted a pledge to reach zero fatalities and serious injuries on Laredo and Webb County roadways by 2040. These policy boards took action in February /March of 2024 as part of this effort. A public Safe Streets and Roads for All Interactive Session and a separate Workshop, with multiple public agency staff, stakeholders, and members of the LWCAMPO Active Transportation Committee were held in April 2024. The project team has been present at several other public engagement events put on by others and has been working to build a list of Safety enhancements to be made throughout the community and a list of actions that need to be taken toward that official goal to reach Zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. A1 final stakeholder joint committee meeting was held in January between the Vision Zero Working Group and the Safe Transportation Advisory Council. Chairs, Juan Mendive (MPO Executive Director) and Arturo Dominguez (RMA Board Secretary), respectively, made remarks and closed out the development phase of the meetings. A second focus was on the components of the safety action plan document, reviewing written, graphic and image content with the consultant team. The first draft was developed and reviewed, along with an accompanying refresh to the home page of the www.isionzerowebblaredo.com website. The CSAP development timeline is on track with the first complete draft shared in February 2025, and after receiving comments have begun to test print the English version of the document; Spanish translation of the content is ongoing. The plan will consist of digital and hard copy deliverable products including: A. Digital Data Dashboard residing within Vision Zero Webb Laredo Website B. Executive Summary C. Safety Action Plan Overview & Project Leader Tables D. Capital Project Corridor Profiles E. Funding Overview F. Setting Benchmarks and Measuring Progress G. Report appendices featuring: i. Plan and Policy Review ii. Safety Analysis iii. Equity Priority Analysis iv. Systemic Recommendations V. Action Plan vi. Capital Plan vii. Financial Analysis viii. Public and Stakeholder Engagement ix. Capital Project Definition X. Rural School Bus Stops xi. Safe Routes to Schools Pilot Program The Safety Action Plan outlines a series of prioritized recommended safety improvements, along with various Actions, Policies, and areas of additional study. These added studies could include but are not limited to a Vision Zero annual update, Bicycle Network Plan, Complete Streets Policy, Pedestrian Improvements Plan, and a Safe Routes To School Program, among others. It includes estimated costs for 16 City of Laredo and TxDOT Project Corridors, as well as a proposed series of Rural School Bus Stops and accompanying details per project. These project reports were assembled through the efforts of the following project consultant team: 2 LJA LJA Engineering Toole Design Group Cambridge Systematics Able City Liquid Studio Group Please see the plan and appendices at www.vsionzerowebblaredo.com or scan the QR code below. End of Memorandum 3 LA Monthly Report to the LWCAMPO from the WC-CL RMA Project: Vallecillo Road from FM 1472 to IH 35 SBFR Purpose: June 2025 Monthly Overview Report to LWCAMPO Date Submitted: June 13, 2025 Ongoing Partnership Coordination: Since the start of the development of the project in the Summer of 2023, the WC-CL RMA has been in frequent coordination with its partners in the development of the project. Since the initial kick off meeting with TxDOT LRD on 8/24/2023, the WC-CL RMA has been coordinating frequently with TxDOT LRD, the City of Laredo and the Killam Company who all have fiscally contributed to the development of the project or have oversight responsibility to its completion. Since 2023, the WC-CL RMA conducts the following meetings: Meet with the City of Laredo for a status of the progress of the project monthly. As of January 2025, TXDOT LRD is now invited to those meetings to contribute information as needed to the City of Laredo. Meet with TxDOT LRD Project Manager Ana Duncan on a bi-weekly basis to track progress. Meet quarterly as a group at the TxDOT LRD Office. Attendees include the WC-CL RMA, City of Laredo, TxDOT LRD, Webb County and the Killam Company. Union Pacific Railroad is also invited to these meetings. The most recent meeting occurred on 5/20/2025. The next meeting is scheduled for August at the TxDOT's Laredo District office. These meetings will continue for the duration of the project. The following items have been completed to date: The draft ROW parcel plats and strip map were originally completed and submitted to TxDOT and the City of Laredo on August 19, 2024. Comments were received September 11, 2024, and are being addressed. The revisions addressing comments on the ROW Map and parcel plats were resubmitted October 11, 2024, to TxDOT LRD and the City of Laredo. We are awaiting final review by both TxDOT LRD and the City of Laredo Engineering Department before they start the appraisal of the property. The city received a preliminary title commitment based on the preliminary ROW survey by the Title company. We advised the City of Laredo to hold off on getting the appraisal of the two (2) parcels since the ROW footprint would change to the additional ROW needed for the overpass. The GEC has updated the ROW footprint and is preparing the updated ROW strip maps and parcel plats to reflect the additional ROW for submittal to the City of Laredo and the TxDOT LRD. The WC-CL RMA is scheduled to submit the updated maps in June 2025. Environmental studies are largely complete. The last sections to be conducted are the noise analysis, the archaeological background study, and the historical coordination request. Traffic volumes are now approved from TP&P as of 2/17/2025; thus, the noise analysis, archaeological background study and historical coordination request is ongoing. Additional ENV studies are also now being conducted to account for the new proposed ROW for the overpass at IH 35 as of 4/7/2025. The WC-CL RMA is focusing on submitting the environmental documents to the TxDOT LRD in June 2025. The Traffic forecast modeling and report development is largely complete. The team submitted the traffic volume deliverable to the TxDOT LRD in late June. TP&P provided comments in August 2024. 1 LJA The team prepared responses to the TP&P comments and these were submitted on September 25, 2024. TxDOT provided additional comments in November 2024 and the LJA team responded to the comments in early January 2025. TP&P provided approval of the traffic forecast on 2/17/2025. Utility coordination is on-going with all utility providers along the route. The draft schematic was submitted to the TxDOT LRD on June 28, 2024. The GEC received comments from TxDOT in late July and resubmitted the 90% schematic on September 6, 2024. There could be a delay due to the changes to the schematic / design based on the proposed overpass at IH 35 main lanes. Utility coordination is ongoing, and we are identifying locations where level A SUE is required. On September 26, 2024, the RMA conducted a successful public meeting with forty-three attendees for the Vallecillo Road project at the B. Fasken Recreation Center as part of the public involvement for the project environmental clearance. This exceeded the minimum requirements for the environmental clearance of this project. Recently, the RMA received direction from the TxDOT LRD that the project will be cleared under a Categorical Exclusion as opposed to an Environmenta. Assessment. TxDOT LRD approved the Public Meeting Summary on 2/11/2025. Update to the overall schedule: TXDOT LRD has requested to increase the amount of ROW acquisition at the interface of Vallecillo Road and the IH 35 West ROW to accommodate a TxDOT design change to the proposed overpass at IH 35. This increase in requested ROW acquisition will impact the anticipated Environmental Clearance date of February 2025; thus, pushing out the completion of the ROW acquisition time frame for the entire project. The Killam Company has agreed to accommodate this increased ROW acquisition. The WC-CL RMA Board of Directors approved taking the lead for the additional ROW and associated environmental clearance changes at the March 26, 2025, Board Meeting. On 3/6/25, TxDOT LRD requested that additional ROW be acquired along FM 1472 to accommodate the FM 1472 schematic roadway improvements for a conversion of FM 1472 to an access-controlled facility with a proposed overpass at FM 1472 and Vallecillo Road. As part of these improvements, TxDOT LRD is proposing to realign Muller Boulevard to the North at FM 1472 and is requesting additional ROW on the northside of Vallecillo at the intersection of FM 1472 to better align with the change of Muller Boulevard on the westside of FM 1472. The increased ROW is nominally 0.011 acres. The WC-CL RMA has agreed to incorporate the additional FM 1472 ROW with the IH 35 additional ROW. It should be noted that the City of Laredo has informed the RMA that they would not proceed with advanced ROW acquisition for the project; thus, requiring environmental clearance completion prior to finalizing the ROW donation from the Killam Company. This directly impacts the anticipated letting date of the Fall of 2025 since ROW will not be available for the placement of relocated utilities. Another option to meet the letting date would be to let the project with a Utility Management Plan; however, this could increase the overall construction bid and exceed the current construction budget. To avoid that issue, the RMA supports the City's decision and will not mobilize utilities to commence their construction until the ROW is in possession by the City of Laredo. 1. Once environmental clearance is complete, the City of Laredo will proceed with the Killam Company in the ROW acquisition. The ROW process is estimated to be complete by late Spring 2026. 2. Upon completion, the new ROW will need to be cleared for the relocation of the existing utilities at the intersections of IH 35 and FM 1472 ROW to the new ROW limits. ROW clearing and grubbing is estimated to last approximately 3 months. 3. Standard utility construction relocation time for utilities is nominally 12 months. Construction for utility relocation is estimated to commence in late Spring 2026 and be complete by late Spring 2027. 4. Upon completion of utility relocation, the RMA anticipates approval by TxDOT for bid advertisement 2 LJA to be received in Fall 2027. Bid advertisement and letting is anticipated for late 2027. 5. Construction is anticipated to commence in the Spring of 2028 and construction completion is anticipated for the Summer of 2029. Agreements Update: 1. The RMA executed its funding agreement with the Killam Company on March 4, 2024, and is amending its Inter Local Agreement with the City of Laredo. 2. The City of Laredo is continuing the development of the ROW agreement with the Killam Company. 3. The RMA and the City of Laredo will need to amend their Inter Local Agreement to define roles and responsibilities for construction of the project. The RMA will be advertising and constructing the project, and the RMA will require access to the City of Laredo ROW to commence the work. The RMA approved execution of the amendment to the ILA to account for these updates on 11/6/2024. 4. On 4/2/2025, the RMA met with HUD to begin the coordination and reporting for the Congressional Earmark funds that will be utilized for construction on the project. 5. As the project sponsor, the executed Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) is solely between TxDOT Laredo District and the RMA. a. The AFA Amendment from TxDOT to account for the updated funding for the project was approved on 10/18/2024. b. The WC-CL RMA received the Federal Project Authorization and Agreement (FPAA) from the Laredo District to commence reimbursement requests for the schematic, environmental and PS&E development of the project on 12/19/2024. End of Memorandum 3 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item V.B. B. TxDOT Project Updates LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VI. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS a LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY wY y AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Director's Report June 18, 2025 1. MPO 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Call for Projects: On March 19th, 2025, the MPO Policy Committee authorized the TASA Call for Projects. The MPO team, in coordination with TxDOT, held two workshops in April for prospective applicants of the ongoing TASA Call for Projects. The TASA Call for Projects officially opened on April 11th and closed on May 30th. Two project applications were received. The next steps include preliminary review and scoring of the projects. An evaluation committee will score the projects in July and make recommendations to the Technical and Policy Committee. 2. Texas Transportation Commission Meetings: June 20, 2025 July 31, 2025 August 21, 2025 A calendar invite for the upcoming Texas Transportation Commission meeting was sent by email. The July and August calendar invites will also be sent. The MPO Director and Mayor Pro-Tempore and Council Member District VII, Vanessa Perez will be attending the upcoming meeting in June. Upcoming Texas Transportation Commission meetings and agendas can be found on the following link: https//www.txdotxdotgov/abour/leadershp/texas-tras-transportation- commissonmeetngdating-datesagendashtm. 3. Upcoming regularly scheduled MPO meetings: Active Transportation Committee - June 25, 2025 Technical Committee - July 8, 2025 Policy Committee - July 16, 2025 1 LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VII. COMMUNICATIONS LAREDO & WEBB COUNTY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Item VIII. ADJOURNMENT