Transportation Policy Council Meeting: Feb. 4 |
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Due to technical difficulties, the January Transportation Policy Council meeting was rescheduled for Feb. 4. At the rescheduled meeting, the policy council formally introduced its new chair for 2022, David Robinson, Houston city councilmember. Robinson will preside over the monthly meetings, where members discuss important transportation planning items for the eight-county metropolitan planning area.
Additionally, the council approved the nominees for the 2022 officer positions, the "Other Transportation Interests" position, and the at-large positions of the Transportation Advisory Committee. Catherine McCreight at the Texas Department of Transportation Houston District was also selected to fill an open at-large Transportation Advisory Committee position in the Public Transit category. The full list of new officers and at-large committee members is available here.
Members later had a lengthy discussion about development of the selection criteria for the next Call for Projects. A TPC workgroup presented recommendations for adding a rural funding allocation that would help promote better geographic equity in the project selection, prioritization, and funding processes. The policy council ultimately decided to table a vote on the rural funding allocation for a future meeting to allow the Transportation Advisory Committee more time to consider the matter.
Towards the end of the meeting, the council received informational updates on the Transportation Safety Performance Measures and Targets and the Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan (RCTP). A draft version of the 2022 RCTP update is now available for view at engage.h-gac.com/RCTP. The recommendations reflected in the 2022 update touch on four key themes: 1) more and better transportation options for the region, 2) improving mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities, 3) expanding access to transportation information, and 4) strengthening relationships with transportation providers. The council will vote on the final draft of the updated RCTP at its next meeting on Feb. 25. H-GAC staff and the Regional Transit Coordination Subcommittee will then develop an action plan to implement the recommendations in the updated plan.
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New Board Officers Elected, 2021 Milestones Highlighted, and Year's Objectives Discussed at Annual Assembly Meeting |
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H-GAC held its annual assembly meeting on Friday, Feb. 4 at The Briar Club. Chuck Wemple, H-GAC executive director, presented awards to outgoing board chair Phillip Spenrath, Wharton County judge, and to State Representative Garnet Coleman for their years of distinguished service to H-GAC, their communities, and to the region as a whole.
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Chuck Wemple presents service award to outgoing Board of Directors chair Phillip Spenrath |
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Chuck Wemple accepts a distinguished service award on behalf of State Rep. Garnet Coleman, who was unable to attend the meeting. |
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The newest officers for the 2022 Board of Directors were announced and sworn in. William H. King III, mayor pro tem of Dickinson, Texas, and H-GAC Home Rule Cities Representative, will serve as the new board chair, Sally Branson, Friendswood city councilmember, will serve as vice chair, and Kenneth Clark, Galveston County commissioner, will serve as chair elect. |
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William H. King III, mayor pro tem of Dickinson, Texas, will serve as chair of the 2022 Board of Directors. Sally Branson, Friendswood city councilmember, will serve as vice chair. Not pictured is Galveston County Commissioner Kenneth Clark, who will serve as chair elect. |
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Additionally, H-GAC released the 2021 annual report and video, highlighting H-GAC's biggest milestones in 2021 that contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region. |
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Click the above image to read the 2021 H-GAC annual report. |
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Click the above image to watch the 2021 annual video. |
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Towards the end of the meeting, keynote speaker Phyllis Saathoff, executive director/CEO of Port Freeport, discussed the regional importance of our Texas ports and how future investments and expansion projects will contribute to the continued growth of the local, state, and regional economy. |
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Phyllis Saathoff, executive director/CEO of Port Freeport, discussed the economic impact and planned expansion of Port Freeport and other Texas ports in her keynote presentation. |
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Final Draft of 2022 Update to Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan Available for View |
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Updated every five years, the RCTP aims to guide local governments, agencies, and partners on creating more effective, efficient public transportation services across the 13-county region, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income residents, veterans, and youth. The H-GAC Transportation Policy Council will vote on the final draft at its next meeting on Friday, Feb. 25.
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LinkedIn Article Focuses on the Health Benefits of a Mindful Commute |
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Strategies such as powering off devices, opting to view scenery while traveling to work or school, and creating an atmosphere of positivity all support mindfulness. Check out the article to learn how your daily commute affects your life and how you can practice mindfulness while commuting.
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H-GAC Searching for a New Chief Operating Officer |
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H-GAC has commenced a national search for a new chief operating officer. This high-ranking position on the senior executive team will oversee the administrative and operational functions of the following planning and service sectors: transportation planning, human services, public services, community and environmental planning, data analytics and research, and data services.
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Resolve to Drive Safer in 2022 |
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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.
In 2022, resolve to not be another statistic by adopting safe driving habits while traversing the roads. Always drive at safe speeds, avoid distractions, never drive 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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H-GAC Announces the Winners of the 2021 Parks and Natural Areas Awards |
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honored for serving as models for best management practices in parks, natural areas, and water quality as part of H-GAC’s annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards recognition ceremony. The event was held online on Friday, Feb. 11.
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Friday, Feb. 25
9:30-11 a.m.
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Wednesday, March 16
9:30-11:30 a.m.
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