TEMPO

Association of Texas Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Resources for MPOs

Now Available: TPM Essentials Video Series and Five New Web-based Training Courses

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has posted the TPM Essentials video series on its website. Transportation Performance Management (TPM) is a strategic approach that uses system information to make investment and policy decisions to achieve national performance goals. Each TPM Essentials video condenses the complex TPM federal regulations and requirements into easy-to-understand concepts.

The TPM Essentials videos are between 5 and 12 minutes long. The website includes a downloadable companion document for each video, providing summary information and additional resources.

FHWA has also posted five new web-based training courses, which are available free of charge:

  • NHI 138021 – Data for TPM
  • NHI 138022 – Making the Connection between HPMS Data Items and TPM
  • NHI 138023 – Communicating and Reporting on TPM
  • NHI 138024 – Monitoring and Adjustment for TPM
  • NHI 138025 – Investment Decision Making and TPM

added 1/29/2020

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FHWA Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center Publishes Evaluation of Pedestrian Countdown Signals

FYI.  The FHWA Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center published a report that examines the effectiveness of pedestrian countdown signals. The research team collected traffic and crash data at a number of signalized intersections across the country and found that the presence of pedestrian countdown signals helped to reduce crash rates. The results of this research will help to promote similar strategies for nationwide implementation to improve pedestrian safety. … added 1/29/2020

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Across the country, communities are facing higher risks of flooding and cascading impacts from more frequent and intense storm events and sea level rise caused by climate change. Extreme weather will strain aging facilities and systems, and new projects will be at risk if they are not planned, designed, and constructed to account for climate-related stresses well into the future.

Planning for Infrastructure Resilience offers planners guidance in helping their communities consider new climate and flood realities in the comprehensive and capital improvements planning processes.

The report offers planners a road map, starting with preparation and planning. It introduces data and tools to help understand the risks of future flooding. Explore the vulnerability assessment process and get guidance in integrating that information into plans and policies. Then comes implementation, with chapters exploring how capital improvement plans, local regulations, and funding sources can help ensure that public infrastructure is resilient to flood and climate impacts for decades to come. … added 1/29/2020

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On January 13, Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced the release of: “AV 4.0 – Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies.”  This is a joint initiative with the White House. Click the link to read more about Preparing for the Future with AV 4.0. … added 1/29/2020

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A report documenting examples of Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) approaches in state DOTs has been posted by the Federal Highway Administration. THE REPORT is a compendium of interviews regarding PEL implementation. The DOTs provided insights and lessons learned that informed the development of the FHWA’s new PEL Guidebook (forthcoming from HQ’s).  The report provides highlights and key takeaways from FHWA’s discussions with DOTs. … added 1/29/2020

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The BTS Pocket Guide to Transportation is a popular, quick reference guide that provides transportation statistics at your fingertips. It provides key information and highlights major trends on the U.S. transportation system. The Pocket Guide is available in both a web and mobile app. It includes dynamic data updates to highlight the latest statistics, enhanced navigation, and sharable data to social media and email. View the latest Pocket Guide data HERE. … added 1/29/2020

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STIP Information provided by Lori Morel, TxDOT on 8/13/19

2021-2024 timline Publication2

How to Amend the STIP

When a STIP Revision is Required

When a STIP Revision is NOT Required

STIP Revision vs STIP Administrative Amendment

STIP Reasons Why Project Might Not Get Approved

MPO Key Documents

TxDOT STIP Exception Process … added 8/19/19

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Performance-Based Planning & Programming (PBPP) Presentation from the webinar held on July 18th by FTA and FHWA/TTI.

Below are some helpful FTA website links that for the Performance-Based Planning and Programming (PBPP) webinar audience. Also, participants are always welcome to contact their Regional FTA Planner for more information about transit related PBPP. Participants located in FTA Region 6 can call the FTA Region 6 main number, 817-978-0550, if they do not know the name of their FTA Planner.

Let me know if you have any questions.

FTA Weblinks:

PBPP Overview: https://www.transit.dot.gov/performance-based-planning

Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP)

PTASP Resources: https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/safety/public-transportation-agency-safety-program/ptasp-resources

Transit Asset Management (TAM)

Best Regards,
Melissa Foreman
FTA Region VI
Office: 817.978.0554
[email protected]

Posted 7/31/19

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The NCHRP 08-105 research objective was to provide transportation agencies with evidence-based guidance on how to measure the effectiveness of public involvement activities or programs related to transportation planning and project delivery.  The research included a sample survey. This project is in the process of being finalized and does not appear to be on the TRB web site yet, but these are the final products.

Project 08-105 Survey Scoring Tool – locked with no data

Project 08-105 Implementation Memorandum final

Project 08-105 Measuring Public Involvement Effectiveness PPT final

Project 08-105 Public Involvement Effectiveness Survey in Word

Project 08-105 Use and Scoring Guidelines final

Posted 3/28/19

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FTA Field Planners List by Region in Texas: TX Planner Responsibilities by MPO list DK Dec 2018, posted 2/1/19

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A resource titled “Transportation Safety Planning and the Zero Deaths Vision:  A Guide for Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Communities”.  Attached is a one-page informational flyer on the document.  The full report is also attached and may be found on the Transportation Safety Planning website.  MPOLocalSafetyPlanGuide  TSP Flyer – Guide for MPOs and Local Communities

If you have any questions on this resource, please contact Frederick Bowers ([email protected]) or Jim Thorne ([email protected]) in the Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty or Chimai Ngo ([email protected]) in the Office of Safety.

posted 12/20/18

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Federally Required Performance Measures from NCTCOG, posted 12/20/18.

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Below are a 2-page executive summary and a longer framework document that provides guidance on resilience as part of the FHWA Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework developed in 2017 by FHWA HQ’s.  Please feel free to share with other State DOT and MPO counterparts who might find this information useful as part of State or local long-range transportation plan development. fhwahep17028  climate_adaptation  , posted 12/18/18

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An excellent example showing FAST Act compliance with the TAM for transit and safety targets (submitted by the Alamo Area Council of Governments) as part of the November 2018 STIP revisions.  Share with other MPOs that may have an interest in this area for future S/TIP revisions: AAMPO_FAST Act Compliance for TAM, posted 12/6/18

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This report on Repeatedly Damaged Assets (Resiliency) ties into extreme weather events and resiliency of our transportation system due to damage caused by emergency events as part of the transportation planning, programming, and project level decision-making processes: Part 667 Report-TXDOT, posted 11/30/18

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The following information was shared with FHWA staff through a SharePoint portal. For purposes of developing your 2045 MTP you may find this EJ/Title VI information useful and informative.

EJ links:

  1. Data Collection: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/publications/reference_guide_2015/section06.cfm
  2. Environmental Justice Reference Guide: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/publications/reference_guide_2015/section11.cfm
  3. Community Impact Assessment (CIA): https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/cia/
  4. EJ Case Studies: https://environment.transportation.org/environmental_topics/environmental_justice/case_studies.aspx

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If you missed the EDC Community Connections webinar entitled “Bringing Communities Together to Connect People to Services and Opportunities” from August 28th, HERE is a copy of the PPT slides for your use and information.  Please share with MPOs and State DOT counterparts as appropriate. The recording will be available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/community_connections/webinars/ in the next few days.  Also, HERE is a Fact Sheet on this EDC Round 4 innovation with additional information.

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The Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty has released two reports on “Using Context Sensitive Solutions to Achieve Context Sensitive Design.”

Context Sensitive Solutions and Design, State of the Practice Assessment

The national state of the practice assessment provides information on how CSS/D has evolved over time and highlights key takeaways from interviews and group discussions with 12 States, case study analysis, and a review of all State DOT websites for CSS/D content. The CSS/D State of the Practice Assessment is posted here: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/key_references/.

Context Sensitive Solutions and Design Summary Report

The summary report provides key takeaways from targeted technical assistance provided in 6 States and 4 virtual peer exchanges to better incorporate CSS/D in transportation decision making. The CSS/D Summary Report is posted here: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/resources/cssta1617/summary_report/.

Also, a webinar recording that highlights the results of these efforts is available here: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/webinars/stateofpracticeassessment/ 

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The Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty (Office of Planning) recently updated the Public Involvement Reference Tool.  This tool was developed as a technical resource for transportation professionals and the public.  The reference tool is designed to help you find specific public involvement documents; discover and share best practices; and to assist State DOTs to improve their transparency, efficiency, and accountability.  The reference tool consists of a web-based matrix that contains links to all 52 State DOT public involvement-related websites, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. You can find the reference tool on the Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty’s Public Involvement website. 

Across the top of the matrix, from left to right, is a list of the following public involvement topics and issues, with links to each:

  • State DOT Homepage
  • State Long Range Transportation Plan
  • Statewide PIP
  • Public Involvement for NEPA Process
  • Limited English Proficiency
  • Title VI Plan
  • EJ Policy Statement
  • Native American Tribal Consultation

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The FHWA and FTA HQ’s issued a TMA Certification Review Primer (revised 01/18/2018) as a tool to provide MPOs, State DOTs, and others involved in the TMA Certification Review process an overview of the regulatory topics typically covered during an FTA-FHWA Joint TMA Certification Review.  It has been made publicly available online at https://www.planning.dot.gov/focus_metropolitan.asp or CLICK HERE.

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Alternative Fuels Corridor Second Round Designations Update

FHWA recently completed the second round of designations for the Alternative Fuels Corridor program. With the designation of these corridors, FHWA is continuing to establish a national network of alternative fueling and charging infrastructure along national highway system corridors.

To date, FHWA’s Alternative Fuels Corridor Program has included:

  • 58 Nominations;
  • Designations on segments or entire lengths of 71 Interstate corridors (including Hawaii); and,
  • 44 states (plus the District of Columbia) designated as corridor-ready or corridor-pending for one or more alternative fuel types.

Visit the Alternative Fuels Corridor website to learn about the new designations and view updated corridor maps and information.

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TPCB Website Update

The Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program (TPCB) website offers the latest resources and updates for transportation planning agencies and stakeholders. On Fridays, we’ll update you on what’s new on the TPCB website. 

New Report: Preparing for Autonomous Vehicles

This paper, published by the American Planning Association, summarizes the findings of a symposium and research on the implications of autonomous vehicles for cities and regions. It is intended for planners and local government officials involved in land-use planning, urban design, and transportation. Readers will learn about the need to plan for the potential benefits and negative impacts of autonomous vehicles and what steps they can take now to prepare their communities. Access the full report here.

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Performance Measures & Asset Management Plan- Key Implementation Dates

18-page FHWA HQ’s summary document  includes the key target reporting dates for each of the PM1, PM2, PM3, and NHS Asset Management Plan performance measures under the FAST Act.  Accessed 1/19/2018 at the TPM website: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tpm/rule/timeline.pdf

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FTA-FHWA-TxDOT Letter Issuing MOU on Performance-Based Planning in Texas (01-04-18)

Sample Memorandum of Understanding  for use between your MPO, TxDOT and relevant transit agencies to meet FAST Act requirements identified within 23 CFR 450.314(h).  Please feel free to begin the ratification process between your Policy Board, TxDOT and transit agencies upon receipt.  As a reminder, all MPOs are required to have a formal agreement in place addressing this FAST Act requirement prior to May 27, 2018. If you have any questions regarding this MOU and specific provisions, please contact either Kirk Fauver at FHWA ([email protected]) or Peggy Thurin at TP&P ([email protected]).

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FARS Data for Texas MPOs 11.13.17

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Impacts of Congestion Pricing on Low-Income Populations:  Efforts to Measure and Respond to Income-Equity Concerns

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop17019/index.htm

FHWA-HOP-17-019

From the Summary.  The case studies described in this white paper provide a best-practices approach to conducting environmental justice analyses as they relate to identifying and addressing adverse impacts on minority and low-income populations. While each project is unique in terms of proposed design and the demographic context, there are some basic components of good analytical approaches that aim to not only satisfy legislative requirements but also the concerns of constituents and other stakeholders with regard to income equity aspects of road pricing proposals. It is important to note here that at the time of writing of this paper, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) is in the process of conducting research to develop a toolbox that practitioners can use to evaluate and address environmental justice issues that arise when implementing tolls or rate changes. The research effort, entitled “Environmental Justice Analysis when Considering Toll Implementation or Rate Changes,” will include:

  • Tools to measure the impacts of tolling on mobility, access, and household income.
  • Tools to engage low-income and minority populations early and often so decision makers and users can better understand the value of trade-offs when considering travel reliability, costs, and time.
  • Tools to offset impacts on low-income and minority populations.