TRANSPORTATION POLICY BOARD

FOR THE

Minutes

April 29, 2005

 

1.   Call to Order.

Chairman Joe Wardy called the Transportation Policy Board meeting to order at 9:12a.m. at the El Paso MPO Offices, 10767Gateway Boulevard West, Suite 605, El Paso, Texas.  Members in attendance were:

 

Members Present

Titles

Members Absent

Titles

Patrick T. Abeln

Director of Aviation

Norma Chavez

State Representative

Patricia Adauto

Deputy City Manager

Anthony Cobos

City Representative, District 8

Charles H. Berry, Jr.

TxDOT-El Paso

John Cook

City Representative, District 4

Alvin Dominguez

District Engineer-NMDOT

Robert A. Cushing, Jr.

City Representative, District 2

Juvencia Rios-Ontiveros

Mayor, Village of Vinton

Art Franco

Mayor, Town of Anthony

Barbara Perez

County Commissioner

Guillermo Gandara, Jr.

Mayor City of Socorro

Dale Reinhardt

Mayor, Town of Clint

Patrick Haggerty

State Representative

Dolores Saldaña-Caviness

County Commissioner, Doña Ana

Cynthia Nava

State Senator, New Mexico

Jesus Segura

Mayor, City of Sunland Park

Joe C. Pickett

Texas State Representative

Eliot Shapleigh

Texas State Senator

Chente Quintanilla

State Representative

Miguel Teran

County Commissioner

Terry Scott

Mass Transit

Joe Wardy

Mayor, City of El Paso

 

 

Diane Whitty

Mayor, Town of Horizon City

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others Present

Others Present

Mark Longenbaugh

TxDOT

Guadalupe Ibarra

Rep. Norma Chavez’ Office

Mary Telles-Goins

TxDOT

Nina Serna

St. Rep. Quintanilla’s Office

Eduardo Calvo

TxDOT

Jaime Campos

NMBA

Marty Boyd

TxDOT

Lupe Cuellar

City of El Paso Asst Attorney

Yolanda Black

Rep. Joe Pickett’s Office

Roy Gilyard

MPO Staff

Adrian Apodaca

NMDOT

Ricardo Dominguez

MPO Staff

Sal Payan

Congressman Reyes’ Office

Roger Williams

MPO Staff

Ramon E. Lara

PSC Engineering Co.

Javier Avila

MPO Staff

Joseph de la Rosa

NMDOT

Mike Medina

MPO Staff

Daryl Cole

City of El Paso - Streets

Julie Carrasco-Meza

MPO Staff

 

2.   Approval of Minutes. 

A Motion was made by Senator Shapleigh and seconded by Mayor Segura to approve the Minutes for February 25, 2005 and March 25, 2005.  Motion carried.

3.   Discussion and Action to Approve Amending The 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Adopt the 2006-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Mr. Roger Williams reported that in order for the 2006-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) be adopted by the TPB, the 2030 MTP needs to be amended to allow various projects to be programmed in the 2006-2010 TIP.  Mr. Williams’ presentation included five non-modeled projects that need to be re-programmed from the 2005 network to the 2015 network in the 3020 MTP, those projects are as follows;

1.   Replacement of Bridge and Approaches for the Yarbrough Bridge-Southbound and Northbound sections,

2.   CBD Phase IV, Reconstruction of Downtown Streets;

3.   Median Improvements, Phase I, and

4.   Video Surveillance and County Stations, 17 Intersections-Citywide.

5.   Mr. Williams stated that the Non-modeled project that needs to be in the 2030 MTP is the Construction of Ramps on Loop 375 at US62/180.

Mr. Williams reported that public meetings were held on March 24, 29, 30, 31 and April 22, 2005 that where part of the formal 30-day public involvement period and said that the 2006-2010 TIP is consistent with the 2030 MTP.  Senator Shapleigh asked if these projects were on schedule and Mr. Roy Gilyard responded that the 2030 MTP updates and the TIP are on schedule.

A Motion was made by Mayor Whitty and seconded by Mayor Rios-Ontiveros to approve amending the 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and adopt the 2006-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  Motion carried.

4.   Presentation on the Status of Projects in Sunland Park, NM.

Mr. Alvin Dominguez stated that Mr. Adrian Apodaca has moved to the NMDOT District office and introduced Mr. Joseph de la Rosa who replaced Mr. Adrian Apodaca.  Mr. Alvin Dominguez recognized Mr. Ricardo Dominguez, El Paso MPO, for having made an excellent joint presentation with the Las Cruces MPO at the March 2005 New Mexico Transportation Commission meeting that was held in Las Cruces MPO.  Mr. Dominguez stated that the Commission was very impressed with the work relationship between the El Paso and the Las Cruces MPOs.

Mr. Alvin Dominguez’s presentation was an annual update of the NMDOT for the El Paso MPO study area.  Mr. Dominguez stated that NMDOT District One covers the area from the Stateline of Arizona to Texas, north of Socorro, NM and includes counties of Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo Luna, Sierra, and Socorro.  Mr. Dominguez reported that the three border crossings in this district are Santa Teresa, Columbus, and Antelope Wells and stated that Doña Ana is challenged with regional traffic issues.  Mr. Dominguez proceeded to report on the District I Annual Budget.  Mr. Dominguez said that IH-10 frontage two-lane road construction, from Las Cruces, NM to the Texas Stateline is ahead of schedule; the Sunland Park Drive Phase 1 Section has been completed in NM, and that the project for widening McNutt Road from
2-lanes to 4-lanes is on schedule and would be finished before the end of the this year.

Mayor Segura thanked Mr. Dominguez for assuring the projects are constructed on or ahead of schedule.  Mayor Segura congratulated Mr. Apodaca for his new assignment as the NMDOT District 1 Business Manager.  Mr. Dominguez reported that the Agreement between TxDOT and NMDOT to construct the Sunland Park Drive portion in El Paso, Texas was signed by the proper authority in NM.  Mayor Segura asked for a report on the Texas side of the construction near the Sunland Park.  Ms. Patricia Adauto reported that construction would begin in late July 2005 and be completed by mid November 2005 prior to the start of the horseracing season.  Ms. Adauto said that this project is on schedule.

No action was taken.

5.   Discussion and Action to Approve a Resolution for Requesting the Texas Transportation Commission to Reconsider and Revise its Funding Criteria For the Distribution of $600 million in Safety Bond Projects.

Mr. Roy Gilyard reported that in the March 25, 2005 Transportation Policy Board (TPB) meeting, TxDOT El Paso District Engineer, Mr. Charles Berry made a presentation on the Safety Bond Projects, made by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC), that was about to be allocated in the amount of $600 million statewide.  Mr. Gilyard stated that the TPB was dismayed at the amount of that funding in Texas that the El Paso District was receiving.  Mr. Gilyard reported that out of the $600 million allotted on a statewide basis, the El Paso District only received $2 million.  Mr. Gilyard stated that the bulk of the $600 million dollars were programmed for the rural areas of Texas as opposed to urban areas, because the two-lane highways exist primarily in rural areas that have a right-of-way of 24 feet and this ROW is considered not to be safe for drivers. 

Mr. Gilyard stated that the TPB directed him to prepare a resolution to be forwarded to the TTC, recommending that the TTC review and revise the criteria that were used in allocating the $600 million.  Mr. Gilyard reported that the criteria used by the TTC for the selection of projects resulted in the funds being disproportionably allocated to specific areas in which more than one-third of the bond money is allocated for projects in the less than 12% of the district.  Mr. Gilyard further stated that the criteria selected by the TTC fail to consider the safety needs of the remaining 88% of the Districts.  Mr. Gilyard said that the Proposed Resolution clearly states the position of the MPO.  Mr. Gilyard stated that as a regional agency that the TPB should have input as to how the TTC allocates safety funds.

Senator Shapleigh stated that there is a Transportation Bill 1706 in the Senate, which will fund transportation policy for the next 25 years.  Senator Shapleigh suggested that the region look at a toll system where thru traffic is helping pay for key projects.

Mr. Berry suggested that the word, “allocated” in the Proposed Resolution be substituted for “distributed”.  Mayor Whitty suggested that wording on the Proposed Resolution be added suggesting to the TTC that two funds be established to distinguish the needs of the urban areas from rural areas in the distribution of funds.  Mr. Berry was in agreement that the MPO should actively participate in this program in the distribution of funds.  Chairman Wardy stated to revise the Resolution to (1) substitute the word “distributed” with the word “allocated” and (2) establish two funds, one for urban areas and the other for rural areas and for the MPO to have an active voice in this process. 

Motion was made by Mayor Whitty and seconded by Ms. Adauto to Approve a Resolution for Requesting the Texas Transportation Commission to Reconsider and Revise its Funding Criteria For the Distribution of $600 million in Safety Bond Projects.  Motion carried with opposition from Mr. Berry.

6.   Discussion and Action to Direct Wilbur Smith and Associates to Consider the Project Known as the U.S./Mexico Strategic Alliance Regarding the Bridge for Prosperity be included in the Border Improvement Plan (BIP) Study.

Mr. Jaime Lowenberg’s Power Point presentation included the mission, vision, objectives, and background to build a high-tech pedestrian crossing along the U.S.-Mexico border.  Mr. Lowenberg stated that this enclosed pedestrian crossing would impact both the Cd. Juarez and El Paso region, by providing a true “integration” point for both downtowns.  Mr. Lowenberg stated that this project would provide for the safety of all pedestrians that cross on a daily basis and stated that this Bridge for Prosperity project has been in the workings for the past 3 years. 

Mr. Lowenberg’s presentation included mention of the removal of rail lines from the downtown area and stated that there was funding available from the Union Pacific and Cd. Juarez.  Chairman Wardy congratulated Mr. Lowenberg for providing the TPB a good presentation, however, cautioned Mr. Lowenberg to omit the railroad from this presentation as there are no funds available from the Union Pacific nor from Cd. Juarez.

Chairman Wardy said that the TPB would probably not have a problem submitting this project to Wilbur Smith Associates (WSA) for evaluation or validation but stated that it is not up to the TPB to approve this project because the TPB does not have an expected outcome to the Border infrastructure study. 

Mr. Lowenberg stated that there was an article on March 17th in the El Paso Times where Governor Perry was pushing to get these rail lines moved from the downtown areas and said that there is funding available.  Chairman Wardy stated that as Mayor of El Paso, he requested funds from the governor’s office and said that there is no funding.  Chairman Wardy said that the Union Pacific (UPRC) informed him that it would cost the City of El Paso and UPRC $800 million to move the rail lines and that the Union Pacific commented that they are not willing to make that expense.

Chairman Wardy stated that he is not against moving the rail lines, and stated that for the record and speaking as the Mayor of El Paso, the number one transportation priority for the City of El Paso is the completion of Loop 375 and not the relocation of the rail lines. 

Mayor Segura stated that the division of the perspective of crossings in the presentation is unique and said that it is necessary to take a look at the study first in order to figure out what course is necessary and then take the initiatives from that point.  Mayor Segura recommended to Ms. Levine and Mr. Lowenberg that they make contact with WSA for the purpose of having WSA review Ms. Levine’s proposal, but stated that to formally take action from this Board in support of her project before the WSA completes its work would be premature and would taint the overall BIP project that the TPB is trying to promote.   

Ms. Levine thanked the TPB members for the opportunity to give this presentation and said that they understand the importance of a strategic plan.  Chairman Wardy congratulated Ms. Levine for her efforts.  Chairman Wardy said that the TPB would have no problem with Ms. Levine’s firm having access to the consultants to present their projects to them.  Chairman Wardy stated, however, that he doesn’t know how the exercise can be conducted because the consultant is not validating a specific project; they are only validating a course of action for the MPO to take in our different municipalities as we move forward. 

Ms. Levine asked how they could work with the TPB’s identity so their efforts in the studies would not be duplicated.  Mayor Segura recommends that since the pedestrian crossing is already a scope of work, that Ms. Levine make contact with WSA; but stated that for the TPB to formally take action is premature.  Mr. Gilyard recommended that Ms. Levine’s firm meet with the consultants of the Border Improvement Plan (BIP) and present their proposal to them.  Chairman Wardy stated that the BIP study would be completed in August of 2005 and said that at that point, the specific projects with the needs determined from the study can be looked at.  Chairman Wardy stated that $657,000 is being spent and that WSA is conducting extensive interviews and extensive research and is confident that the BIP will be a very good strategic planning document for the future.  Ms. Levine thanked  the TPB.  Mr. Ricardo Dominguez announced a BIP public meeting would be held at San Martin de Porras Catholic Church at Sunland Park from 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m. and stated that anyone wishing to make a presentation at that meeting may do so.  Mr. Dominguez informed the TPB that he and Mr. Gilyard met with GSA staff and stated that the federal agencies are in support of the TPB’s efforts to look at a comprehensive view of international transportation needs and mentioned that GSA is tired of seeing projects one port at a time.  Mr. Dominguez stated that they also want to look at integrated transportation modeling on a system-wide basis; what happens to the other ports of entry when you just work with one port of entry.  Mr. Dominguez mentioned that Mr. Gonzalez, MPO, is heading the international modeling project.

No action was taken.

7.   Discussion and Action Regarding Transportation Projects/Funding to be Presented at the May 2005 Meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission.

Mr. Roy Gilyard stated that the Transportation Policy Board at its January 25, 2005 meeting recommended the Alameda Avenue project be submitted to the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) at its May 27, 2005 meeting for funding consideration under the Strategic Priority category.  Mr. Gilyard reported that the TxDOT-El Paso District advised the MPO that local funding will be provided, therefore it will not be necessary to go before the TTC.

A Motion was made by Commissioner Perez and seconded by Mayor Whitty to not make a presentation to the Texas Transportation Commission at the May 2005 meeting.  Motion carried.

8.   Adjournment.  A Motion was made by Mr. Berry and was seconded by Ms. Adauto to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 10:12a.m

 

                                                           

Julie Carrasco-Meza, Recording Secretary

Transportation Policy Board for the

El Paso Urban Transportation Study