Transportation Policy Council Meeting: March 25
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At its meeting on March 25, the Transportation Policy Council approved the appointment of its ex-officio non-voting members for 2022. All six members unanimously agreed to serve another term representing their respective agencies or interest groups. The six members are Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado, Union Pacific Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Chad Schelbitzki, Hugh McCulley of BNSF Railway, Texas State Representative Dennis Paul, Texas State Representative Ed Thompson, and Wharton County Judge Phillip Spenrath.
Next, members unanimously approved the establishment of a Regional Transportation Safety Taskforce. The taskforce will work to address the concerning rise in traffic crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities in the region and identify new, comprehensive strategies to drive change and help reach the Vision Zero goals of zero traffic-related fatalities by 2030 (Houston and Harris County) and 2050 (regional). The taskforce would be active for nine to 12 months, meet monthly, and receive support from H-GAC staff.
Finally, the policy council passed resolutions commending the distinguished service of outgoing TPC members Carrin Patman and Jeff Taebel. Patman served as chair of METRO and on TPC representing METRO from 2016 to 2022. She was METRO’s first female chair, and during her term, she led the successful passage of the $3.5 billion METRONext bond measure. In February 2022, Patman was nominated by President Biden as the next ambassador to Iceland. Taebel served on the TPC as an alternate member representing H-GAC from 2018 to 2022. He also served as H-GAC’s director of Community and Environmental Planning for 35 years before retiring at the end of March.
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Learn the Basics of Bike Safety in the Region with Free Online Course
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H-GAC and CyclingSavvy have partnered to offer a free online bike safety course for residents living in the eight-county Houston-Galveston metropolitan planning area.
The course is divided into 14 self-paced video modules that cover essential traffic rules and behaviors bicyclists should follow to make themselves more predictable to motorists and pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes, and that cover how to ride defensively and handle unexpected situations bicyclists may encounter on the roads. Bicyclists of all experience levels may take the course.
Residents can learn more and register for the course by going to houston.cyclingsavvy.org. H-GAC will also soon be providing in-person bike trainings throughout the region. The H-GAC-CyclingSavvy course will be a prerequisite to participate in the in-person trainings. More information about the in-person trainings, including how to register, is available on the H-GAC Bike Safety web page.
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Could Public Transportation Benefit the Pearland Community? H-GAC Wants to Hear from You!
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Calling all Pearland residents and stakeholders! We need to hear from you! H-GAC and the city of Pearland want to understand if there is a way for the city to support residents' mobility needs.
Take our digital survey now and drive the conversation. Could public transportation benefit the Pearland community?
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H-GAC Wishes Happy Retirement to Community and Environmental and Human Services Directors Jeff Taebel and Mike Temple
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H-GAC would like to wish a fond farewell and thank you to Jeff Taebel, director of Community and Environmental Planning, and Mike Temple, director of Human Services, who retired after serving 35 and 41 years, respectively, at H-GAC. We're eternally grateful for all their years of service and the positive impact they have made on this region and its residents. We wish them nothing but the best in their next chapter.
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Read How Commute Solutions Can Help You Save Money at the Pump in Latest LinkedIn Article
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Gas prices have hit a record high, with the average price of regular gas across the state of Texas rising more than 80 cents per gallon in just one month. The unexpected increase has caused financial concerns as families look for ways to save money. In its latest article, the H-GAC Commute Solutions team discusses five alternative commuting options that could help you save money at the pump. Check it out on LinkedIn today.
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Celebrate Earth Month All April Long with Commute Solutions!
Commute Solutions is celebrating Earth Day all month long with online and in-person activities in the region. Visit the self-service virtual Transportation Resource Fair, where you can learn more about alternative commuting options available within the region by watching videos, downloading brochures, and following links to maps. The team's next in-person event stop will be at the Earth Day at LaCenterra celebration taking place at Heritage Square in Katy, Texas on Friday, April 22. If you live nearby, stop by and join the festivities!
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Information for Local Governments and Agencies about Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
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President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law in November 2021. This legislation will provide $1.2 trillion in funding to improve our nation’s infrastructure. Texas will receive $35.44 billion over five years.
Click here to view an informational flyer with more about funding priorities and links to helpful resources. H-GAC will notify local governments with relevant resources as additional information regarding this legislation becomes available.
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Learn More about Your Local Representatives with H-GAC's New Regional Elected Officials Interactive Mapping Application
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This mapping application can be used to help our region’s residents and businesses find their elected officials from a specific address within the H-GAC 13-county region from federal, state, county, city, and other local levels of government. Find information on the elected official's position, current term, geographic boundary, and website information. Additional functionality like drawing and adding other geospatial data as well as printing and exporting your findings are coming to the application soon.
All information within the application is as current as the latest certified election, but should users come across any official's information that looks out of date or experience any errors with the application itself, there is a feedback form linked within the application to communicate this information to H-GAC. Please share this exciting new interactive mapping application from H-GAC with your colleagues and friends at: GIS.h-gac.com/gisapps/officials.
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Stuck on the Freeway? Call Tow and Go for a Complimentary Tow off the Nearest Exit
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As the weather gets warmer, engines run hotter. If you ever find yourself stranded on the freeway due to mechanical failure or a flat tire, take advantage of the Gulf Coast Regional Tow and Go™ Program. Call 713-881-3333 to receive a no-cost tow to a safe area off the nearest freeway exit. Service covers all camera-monitored freeways in Harris County, Bellaire, Jersey Village, La Porte, and Humble.
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Don't Pay the Price! Practice Safe Driving Habits while Traversing Our Region's Roads
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Traffic fatalities in Texas are trending in the wrong direction. Last year alone, more than 3,500 people lost their lives on Texas roads. Protect yourself from becoming another statistic by adopting safe driving habits while traversing the roads. Always drive at safe speeds, avoid distractions, never drive angry or under the influence, and be mindful and courteous when sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, and transit riders. By practicing these responsible driving habits, you can avoid paying the price.
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Friday, April 22
9:30-11 a.m.
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Wednesday, May 18
9:30-11:30 a.m.
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