H-GAC Transportation Newsletter: January 2023

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Transportation Policy Council Meeting: Dec. 16

At its final meeting of 2022 on Dec. 16, the Transportation Policy Council discussed a new selection process to evaluate transportation improvement projects in the region for funding.


The new process would determine the investment priorities of approximately $1.2 billion in federal and state funds for new and existing projects. After a robust discussion, members decided to postpone voting on the selection process to allow for key elements to be further refined and clarified.

 

Additionally, the policy council approved 36 amendments to the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Members also heard a presentation by Dr. Carol Lewis, chair of the Gulf Coast Rail District, about a new committee the rail district is considering creating to coordinate and prioritize regional freight infrastructure and seek grant funding opportunities. The group would consist of representatives from the Gulf Coast Rail District, the Texas Department of Transportation, the city of Houston, Harris County, Port Houston, METRO, H-GAC, and interested parties from Class I railroad companies.

 

The next TPC meeting is scheduled to take place at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 27. The meeting agenda can be viewed online at www.h-gac.com/transportation-policy-council/meeting-agendasTo view or listen to the video recording of the latest TPC meeting, click here.

H-GAC Announces New Board Officers, Discusses State of the Region at 2023 Annual Meeting

The state of the Houston-Galveston region is dynamic and full of possibilities. That was the key takeaway from the H-GAC annual meeting held on Jan. 20 at The Briar Club. Chuck Wemple, H-GAC executive director, discussed the unique opportunities and challenges the region's rapid growth presents to local governments and the residents they serve and how it will take a strategic, collaborative approach by local leaders, agencies, employers, community organizations, and other key stakeholders to meet these challenges and opportunities to ensure prosperity and quality of life for all communities.


Wemple also announced five key initiatives that H-GAC will focus on over the next three to five years in addition to its existing programs and initiatives: 1) water resources, 2) physical and mental health, 3) broadband access, 4) housing, and 5) providing exceptional customer service to local governments and communities across the region.

The newest officers for the 2023 H-GAC Board of Directors were announced and sworn in. Judge Trey Duhon of Waller County will serve as the new board chair, Houston City Councilmember Sallie Alcorn will serve as chair elect, and Judge Jay Knight of Liberty County will serve as vice chair. Wemple also honored outgoing board chair Sally Branson, Friendswood city councilmember.

Wemple presented outgoing board member and Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald with the Tom Reid Award. The award recognizes excellence in regional leadership and honors individuals that served the H-GAC Board of Directors and its 13-county region by demonstrating superlative leadership to the Houston-Galveston area.

Man wearing Houston Astros baseball cap smiling

Finally, H-GAC released the 2022 annual report and video, showcasing H-GAC's biggest milestones from last year that contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region.

H-GAC Partners with Texas Department of Transportation on Household Travel Survey

Young woman with glasses standing outside with Houston city skyline in background

H-GAC has partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation to survey the Houston-Galveston area and find out more about how people move throughout the region on a day-to-day basis. The survey is a travel log that takes about 20 minutes to complete. Each household that completes the survey will receive a gift card. Residents can learn more about the survey by watching the video above or reading our online news release.

Calling All Regional Transportation Providers! Take Just a Few Minutes to Add or Update Your Information in Our Mobility Links Database.

With the arrival of the new year, now is a great time to make sure your organization’s transportation services are listed in H-GAC’s Mobility Links database. Mobility Links is H-GAC’s searchable online listing of all the transportation services available in the region, helping connect travelers to the transportation options that meet their needs.


If your service is new or not listed in Mobility Links, please visit our provider portal to give us some information about your service. If your service is already listed in Mobility Links, or if you’re not sure, please email Sandy Klanfer. Take a few minutes to add or update your service information today!

H-GAC's Silver Santa Gift Drive Brings Joy to Nursing Home Residents during the Holiday Season

Photo montage of older adults sitting, holding blankets and other gifts

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Silver Santa holiday gift drive! Because of your generosity, the H-GAC Ombudsman Program delivered gift packages that included a throw blanket, socks, a bath item, and a game or trinket of their ability (e.g., puzzle, music therapy, large print book, fidget blanket) to nursing home residents at Sugar Land Health Care Center and Cambridge Nursing in Fort Bend County just in time for Christmas.

Parks and Natural Areas Summit and Awards Ceremony Will Take Place on Feb. 10

H-GAC will hold the Parks and Natural Areas Awards recognition ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Feb. 10 at the H-GAC office (3555 Timmons Ln.) second floor conference rooms.

 

Award-winning projects serve as models for planning and project implementation for parks and natural areas in the region. Projects will be honored in four categories: Planning Process, On-the-Ground Projects Over $500,000, On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000, and Programming. Participants will also hear about trends in parks and natural areas from industry experts.

 

Registration is requested but not required to attend. For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo.

Start the New Year Right by Attending a Free Bike Safety Training Near You

Sometimes riding a bicycle around Greater Houston can be daunting or intimidating. H-GAC is tackling this challenge head on by offering free bike safety courses that will teach cyclists vital bicycle handling skills, rules of the road, and more. Below are virtual and in-person courses for both novice and experienced riders/drivers.

CyclingSavvy


CyclingSavvy is a virtual cycling safety course you can take in the convenience of your home. This comprehensive course creates a solid foundation of biking as an adult. It is easy to understand for a novice and has golden nuggets of wisdom for the seasoned cyclist.


Learn more and register at Houston.cyclingsavvy.org.

Train Your Bike

Ped Bike Facilities

For new or experienced bicycle riders, this on-the-bike class teaches riders how to anticipate the most common scenarios they will face and provides the tools to address real world challenges, from debris to sharing the road, in order to boost confidence and enhance the riding experience. Classes will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:


  • Saturday, Feb. 4 at The Crossroads Plaza, Dayton, Texas
  • Saturday, March 18 at Eagle Pointe Recreation Complex, Mont Belvieu, Texas
  • Saturday, March 25 at Magnolia Unity Park, Magnolia, Texas
  • Saturday, April 15 at the Aquatic Center, The Woodlands, Texas
  • Saturday, April 22 at Pearland Education Support Center, Pearland, Texas
  • Saturday, April 29 at Winnie Stowell Park, Winnie, Texas


Learn more and find a ‘Train Your Bike’ class happening near you at h-gac.com/pedestrian-bicyclist-planning/bike-safety

Stranded on the Freeway? Call Tow and Go to Receive a Free Tow to the Nearest Exit

Motorists who find themselves stranded on the freeway due to breakdown or a flat tire can rely on Tow and Go. Call 713-881-3333 to receive a free tow to the nearest exit. Service covers all camera-monitored freeways in Harris County, Jersey Village, Bellaire, La Porte, Humble, Pasadena, and Webster, Texas. Learn more about Tow and Go at towandgo.com.

 

Tow and Go can also be accessed through the Houston TranStar app and the ConnectSmart app!

Upcoming Meetings

Transportation Policy

 Council Meeting

Friday, Jan. 27

9:30-11 a.m.

Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 15

9:30-11:30 a.m.

H-GAC MPO in the News


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