Transportation Policy Council Meeting: July 23 |
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At its July meeting, the Transportation Policy Council approved amendments to the 2021-24 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and to the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. The amendments include updates to the project schedule, additions of funding, and additions of new projects. The amendments include additional funding for road widening projects along Brazoria County Roads 58 and 59, mechanical upgrades and improvements to the SH 87/Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry route, combining two METRO Star Vanpool facilities improvement projects into one to improve efficiencies, and the addition of 12 new transit projects sponsored by METRO.
Additionally, H-GAC staff provided the council a progress report on the development of selection criteria and evaluation methodologies for the next Call for Projects. H-GAC staff, members of the Transportation Advisory Committee, and the TIP Subcommittee are at the midpoint in updating the evaluation criteria for the next Call for Projects. The investment categories have been consolidated into five primary categories in which project sponsors can submit applications for funding freight, roadway, transit, and active transportation projects. Staff are also discussing updates to project scoring criteria and making active transportation projects eligible to compete for Category 5 Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Funding. The final draft of the project evaluation criteria is expected to be presented to the council for approval in the late fall of 2021.
Towards the end of the meeting, the council received informational updates on several ongoing transportation program activities. The informal update included public comments received at recent public meetings regarding the Title VI Environmental Justice planning program, administrative amendments to the 2021-24 TIP and the 2045 RTP, public comments on the 2022 Unified Transportation Program, and other ongoing transportation planning activities.
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David Fink Discusses Hurricane Season Preparedness on Great Day Houston, ABC 13 Facebook Live Segments |
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We are at the midpoint of the 2021 hurricane season, and named storms have already begun impacting coastal communities in the United States. It is critical for area residents to be prepared.
Residents who live in an evacuation zone are encouraged to visit the H-GAC hurricane evacuation planning page for 2021 evacuation maps and important tips to help develop their evacuation plan. Visit TogetherAgainstTheWeather.com for tool kits and strategies on preparing your home and family for a hurricane or severe storm. The page also contains helpful materials for those caring for small children, special need individuals, and those with health conditions.
Check out recordings of David Fink on Great Day Houston and ABC 13's Facebook Live segment here and here.
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There's Still Time to Share Your Feedback on Public Transportation in the Region |
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H-GAC is in the process of updating its Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan. Recently, H-GAC hosted a series of virtual public workshops where residents were invited to share their feedback on public transportation in their communities and how it can be improved. Those who were not able to attend a workshop or have additional comments they'd like to share can still give their feedback by completing an online survey available at engage.h-gac.com/rctp. The survey will remain open until Aug. 31.
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Get Ready for Commute Solutions Month in September |
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Commute Solutions is turning 27! Throughout the month of September, the program team will celebrate by highlighting commuters in the region. Mark your calendars for Commute Solutions Month in September and follow H-GAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to see how you can participate in our variety fun virtual events! For more information, visit the Commute Solutions website.
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Final Brown Bag Webinar of 2021 Takes Place on Sept. 20 |
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The final Transportation Brown Bag of the year will take place on Sept. 20 with Streetlight Data. Representatives from Streetlight Data will discuss how to get comprehensive data and measure transportation equity.
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H-GAC Reminds Drivers Across the Region to Make Safety a Priority When on the Road |
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H-GAC would like to remind drivers to practice safe habits and use caution when traversing our roads. The region has experienced tremendous population growth and a corresponding increase in traffic-related injuries and deaths. In 2020 alone, traffic fatalities increased by 7% in Texas and by 11% in the eight-county metropolitan planning area. Improving traffic safety will take every one of us working together. Otherwise, we will continue to pay the price.
Visit h-gac.com/paytheprice for tips and resources on how we can improve transportation safety in the region.
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Friday, Aug. 27, 2021
9:30-11 a.m.
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Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021
9:30-11 a.m.
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