Fiscal Year 2017 Report

Transcription

1 Annual Performance & Expenditure Fiscal Year 2017 Report October 1, 2016 thru September 30, 2017 University of North Texas Libraries, crediting Hardin-Simmons University Library. University of North Texas Libraries, crediting Frontier Texas!.

2 Participating Agencies: City of Abilene City of Impact City of Tye CityLink Transit Jones County Taylor County Texas Department of Transportation In Cooperation With: The Federal Highway Administration The Federal Transit Administration The U. S. Department of Transportation Source: University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History crediting Hardin-Simmons University Library. DISCLAIMER The preparation and publication of this document was financed in part by grants provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The provision of federal financial assistance should not be construed as denoting U.S. Government approval of plans, policies, programs, or projects contained herein. Page 1 of 24

3 Contents TASK 1.0 ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT... 3 TASK DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE TASK SHORT RANGE PLANNING TASK METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN (MTP) TASK 5.0 SPECIAL STUDIES ABILENE URBANIZED AREA AND METROPOLITAN PLANNING AREA Page 2 of 24

4 TASK 1.0 ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT This task addresses general operations of the MPO, as well as administrative and managerial activities, financial management, interagency coordination, travel, procurement, transportation planning, development of Title VI implementation, and miscellaneous administrative support. Subtask 1.1 Program Coordination and Support This item includes management of the MPO that will be to administer, coordinate, and monitor the transportation planning activities in the MPO area for compliance with Federal and State requirements. Engage in staff supervision, personnel administrative issues and other miscellaneous administrative tasks that support the function of the MPO. Prepare, and administer contracts, or agreements between the MPO, local agencies, and private consultants. Prepare and submit reports, documents, and correspondence to monitor the MPO activities and evaluate progress which would include maintaining and updating records; administering planning funds and financial information; maintaining the transportation grants - timesheet and billing submittal, budgeting, and financial planning; ensure the development and delivery of required reports for transit and transportation activities. Provide staff support to the MPO Policy Board and Technical Advisory Committee through meeting arrangements, notifications of public meetings, delivery of materials and agenda packets, and meeting minute documentation. Procure supplies, equipment, insurance, advertising, meeting facilities, as necessary to provide transportation planning for the MPO area. This element could include the purchase or lease of computer hardware, software, peripherals, and other computer related supplies, maintenance agreements, and support agreements as necessary to maximize staff efficiency and effectiveness; operational supplies; office furniture; advertising and rental of meeting facilities or equipment. The purchase of a network server might also be necessary and could cost around $9,000. The computers will need to be upgraded at approximately $2,149 each. A Plotter HP Designjet for large maps would cost around $4,500. TxDOT/FHWA must approve any purchase over $5,000. Facilitation of program activities through acquisition of long-term working and meeting space readily accessible to the general public and other public agencies including the following: lease of workspace, electric and water utilities, acquisition, repair, and maintenance of office furnishings and non-computer equipment appropriate to program needs, local and long-distance telephone utilities, janitorial services. City of Abilene staff and independent auditors will do the following work with TPF funding: financial, administrative, and managerial support functions of the fiscal agent necessary for the financial oversight and facilitation of the planning activities, including both internal and independent audits. The City of Abilene has a Cost Allocation Plan for indirect services provided by central departments. This plan is the product of an independent firm acting on the request of the City of Abilene. Actual expenditure information is obtained from the City s Page 3 of 24

5 financial statements for the year-end. Statistics used to allocate costs are taken by performing one-hundred percent counts or in some cases conducting a representative sample period count. Work Performed and Status The MPO provided information and data to the MPO Technical Advisory Committee and the MPO Policy Board members as needed and when requested. Public notices of the meetings were posted as required. The MPO created meeting handouts, agenda packets, project maps, detailed spreadsheets, technical documentation, reports, PowerPoint presentations, minutes, and a variety of information for the Technical Advisory Committee and the Policy Board meetings. The MPO prepared information, conducted meetings, and evaluated transportation needs brought to the attention of the MPO staff. Traffic count information as well as miscellaneous transportation information was compiled for citizens when requested and for various events throughout the year. The MPO worked with the City of Abilene on the budget along with participation in hearings and strategic plans. The City of Abilene along with MPO Staff prepared the monthly billing statements. These were submitted as required. Reports that were completed during this fiscal year include: Annual Performance and Expenditure Report (APER) FY 2016, Annual Listing of Obligated Projects (ALOP) FY 2016, FYs Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Abilene MPO 10 Year Plan, amendments to the FYs Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), FYs Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), amendment to the Abilene MPO 10 Year Plan, Transit Asset Management Plan, FY 2018 strategic budget plan information, financial data statements, other budget documents, and many other documents/reports. The MPO purchased miscellaneous and general office supplies necessary for the day-to-day efficient operation of the MPO. The MPO paid for advertising of public meetings as needed according to the Public Participation Plan. No rental of meeting facilities or equipment was needed. All purchases were in accordance with the MPO and City of Abilene purchasing procedures. No single purchase exceeding $5,000 was made. Routine bills for internet and phones were paid. No major purchases were made. Renewal of the website hosting occurred in December of The City of Abilene provided budget and financial information to the auditors but the MPO was not officially audited this cycle. The auditors rotate their selection of grants every year. The City of Abilene has a Cost Allocation Plan for indirect services provided by central departments. This plan is the product of an independent firm acting on the request of the City of Abilene. Actual expenditure information is obtained from the City s financial statements for the year-end. Statistics used to allocate costs are taken by performing one-hundred percent counts or in some cases conducting a representative sample period count. Indirect costs charged in FY 2017 were $7,310. As shown on the chart below these costs fluctuate throughout the year. Page 4 of 24

6 YEAR INDIRECT COST 2011 $ 8, $19, $21, $31, $31, $23, $ 7,310 Subtask 1.2 Professional Development Training and Education Provide for staff training and education through attendance at workshops, meetings, conferences, and training sessions to improve service delivery and planning for transit and transportation, including but not limited to: Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)/TxDOT Transportation Conference; Transportation Planning Conference; TEMPO meetings; Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization (AMPO) meetings; workshops to stay current on mapping and modeling software; financial management training; travel demand modeling workshops; other technical workshops, meetings, training courses as deemed necessary or mandated for professional development purposes. MPO staff will undertake travel and training to improve skills and knowledge in the use of geographic information systems. Such travel and training will typically include attendance at the ArcGIS South Central Area Users Group conference (SCAUG), ESRI training workshops in Texas, and Oklahoma SCAUG. Any out-of-state travel must be pre-approved by TxDOT. The MPO staff will participate in City of Abilene s meetings including City Council, along with Boards and Commissions; other stakeholders meetings; business association and developers meetings to keep informed and disseminate information and/or data on transportation emerging trends and patterns. Work Performed and Status Course Dates Staff Location Present TEMPO Workshop October 4, Austin, TX TxDOT UTP District Engineers and MPO October 5, Austin, TX Directors Workshop Texas Travel Demand Model Dashboard October 11, On-line Travel Demand Model conference with TTI October 13, Teleconference TX Open Meetings Act Training October 18, On-Line AMPO conference October 25-28, Ft Worth, TX Transcad/TexPack software training November 8-10, Tyler, TX Page 5 of 24

7 TxDOT/MPO Funding Meeting November 16, Austin, TX TX Public Information Training November 16, On-Line MPO Visioning, Goal Setting and Board November 30, Abilene, TX Training TEMPO Funding Meeting Webinar January 6, On-line GIS essentials January 12, On-Line Travel Demand Model Teleconference with January 12, On-Line TxDOT/TTI TxDOT District Engineer/MPO Directors January 18, Austin, TX STIP/UTP meeting TX Transportation Forum February 5-7, 2017 Austin, TX Transportation Alternatives Set Aside February 8, On-line Program Pipeline Safety Training and Emergency February 23, Abilene, TX Response Exercise Decision Lens Software Training March Austin, TX MPOs and Planning Panel Discussion March 3, Lubbock Texas ESTIP Training March 23, Abilene, TX Open Gov Budget Training April 25, Abilene, TX TxDOT Tracker Software May 4, Online WCTCOG Know your Partners Conference May 15-16, Abilene TX FHWA Invest Sustainability Workshop May 31, Austin, TX Managers Roundtable Meeting June 1, Abilene, TX TxDOT Freight Stakeholders Workshop TX June 7, Midland, TX Freight Mobility Plan TxDOT Resilience in Transportation June 21, Austin, TX Planning GIS Training City of Abilene July 6, Abilene, TX Regional Planning Funding Webinar July 6, On-Line TxDOT- Critical Urban Freight Corridors July 14, On-line TEMPO workshop July 17-18, Harlingen, TX COA High Performance Organization July 20, Abilene, TX Unified Transportation Program Webinar July 20, On-line COA High Performance Organization August 8, Abilene TX STRAVA Data Use and Limits Webinar September 19, On-line Project Tracker Focus Group November 11, On-Line Page 6 of 24

8 Subtasks Public Participation, Education, Title VI, and Environmental Justice - The Abilene MPO has a Public Participation Plan (PPP) (formerly known as the Public Involvement Policy, or PIP). Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for meaningful, active, on-going public participation and involvement for citizens, groups, agencies, and private providers of transportation. This allows citizens to be included in every facet of transportation planning and related activities, especially at key decision making times. Modifications will be made as needed to the existing Public Participation Plan and strategies developed and improved to better reach minority and low-income groups; ensure ongoing citizen participation through communication, mailings, newspaper and public meetings; continue to identify and analyze Title VI Civil Rights in the planning process; focus on enhancing analytical capability for assessing impact distributions by using Census data for production of maps of populations of minority, elderly, and low-income persons; strive to minimize adverse effects of transportation projects on the human environment; conduct public participation surveys and other measures of public participation in transportation activities; and review strategies and ideas as needed to address Title VI and Environmental Justice to ensure that they are meeting the needs of our community. The MPO staff will make presentations to community groups, such as the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Lions Clubs, and Rotary Clubs. The purposes of the presentations will be to explain what the MPO is and how the general population can become engaged in the transportation planning process. The MPO staff will investigate opportunities to periodically have public information displays and MPO staff at locations frequented by the public. Work Performed and Status The MPO worked with TxDOT, cities, counties, and others on the coordination of bicycle/pedestrian planning, regional transit coordination, overall planning coordination, and other information thru one-on-one meetings, group meetings, and public meetings. Also, the MPO participated in the development review meetings and site plan review meetings held weekly to discuss future planning activities within areas and the impact on current and future street networks. The MPO serves on the Local Emergency Planning Committee and participates with the Emergency Operations Center for transportation planning efforts needed to meet an unusual demand on the network or transit system during an evacuation or emergency situation. Various information sessions were given to groups about the MPO s roles and duties including the following: Presentation to the West Central Texas Council of Governments July 13, 2017; West Texas Fair and Rodeo Booth September 7-16, 2017; Radio Abilene Talk Show May 15, 2017; Abilene Independent School District May 1 and May 8, 2017; Taylor County Commissioner s Court May 2, 2017; City of Abilene May 11, Along with these events, there were interviews with the newspaper, radio, and television about transportation needs and projects throughout the fiscal year. The MPO has a Twitter account and Facebook page to disseminate information along with a website that incorporates current information. Page 7 of 24

9 The MPO participates with various committees (Disability in Action Citizens Advisory Council, the Transit ADA Advisory Committee, and Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan) discussing the transportation needs of the disabled community and participates in forums listening to concerns and issues that might arise. The MPO participated with the D.R.I.V.E. Coalition on a CarFit public awareness day on March 29, This event focused on the safety of older drivers. The program is designed to help older drivers find out how well they fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and mobility. Proper fit improves safety for everyone. The D.R.I.V.E. Coalition sponsored a car seat safety event on September 23, This event provided hands-on instructions on how to correctly place a child in a safety seat. The MPO worked with the City of Abilene, Kent s Harley Davidson dealership, and other community partners to host a Ride to Work day on June 19 th showcasing motorcycles as a viable means of transportation. The main focus was on safety and increased awareness both for the motorcycle rider and the vehicle drivers. This was the sixth year this event was held and the community partners have always been a tremendous help. The City Council proclaimed June 19, 2017 as Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day and encouraged all scooter and motorcycle riders to ride to work on that day. Page 8 of 24

10 On May 17 th, Steamboat Cycling Club hosted a bicycle awareness event (Ride of Silence) and the MPO was one of their partners. This ride was to raise cycling awareness during National Bicycle Month (May) and remember those killed or injured riding a bicycle. Over 50 riders rode in funeral procession style and the media coverage of the event was great. The MPO provided land ownership information to TxDOT to assist them in contacting potentially interested parties in the Abilene area about transportation projects along major corridors. This included ownership information for properties near the intersection of FM 3034 and US 83, ownership data along Buffalo Gap Road (FM 89) from US 83 to Chimney Rock Road and also information about properties along Clack Blvd. from US 277 to FM 89. District staff used this to provide informational materials and meeting invitations to members of the public about potential transportation corridor projects under consideration. To coordinate planning efforts, the MPO participated in, presented, or hosted the following: EVENT DATES Dyess Joint Land Use Study Public Meeting Oct. 3, 2016 TxDOT UTP Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Basic Needs Network (collaboration of organizations for West Texas) Oct. 20, 2016 Page 9 of 24

11 Disability in Action meetings Oct 27, 2016 Nov 17, 2016 June 20, 2017 Software demonstration Remix Transit Planning Oct 31, 2016 Bike Share Teleconference Nov 1, 2016 TXDOT FM 89 Buffalo Gap Rd Project 1 & 2 Public Meeting Nov 1, 2016 MPO TAC Project Selection sub-committee Meeting Nov 15, 2016 Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting Dec 08, 2016 Transit FTA 5310 Public Meeting Jan 20, 2017 TxDOT Us 83/84 Public Meeting Jan 31, 2017 Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan (RCTP) Stakeholders Group Meeting Oct 31, 2016 Nov 30, 2016 Jan 17, 2017 Feb 8, 2017 Mar 10, 2017 Multi-Modal Transit Facility Meeting Feb 22, 2017 Travel Demand Model update teleconference with TxDOT/TPP Feb 22, 2017 Sidewalk Review Committee with Abilene City Staff Mar, 20, 2017 Aug 04, 2017 DRIVE CarFIT event Mar 29, 2017 PTAC Regional Transportation Planning teleconference Mar, 30, 2017 Ride of Silence Event Planning Meeting Apr 6, & 20, 2017 Transportation Alternatives Set Aside (TASA) meeting with Abilene City Apr 7, 2017 Staff to discuss program details and potential projects TxDOT Public Meeting FM 89 April 25, 2017 STEAMBOAT Mountain Cycling Club Meeting April 27, 2017 Abilene Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees Meeting May 1 & Taylor County Commissioners Court Meeting May 2, 2017 Ride to Work Event Planning Committee Meeting May 1 & Jun KBCY Radio Ride of Silence Talk Show May 9, 2017 City of Abilene Council Meeting April 27, May 11 & June 8, 2017 KWKC Radio Abilene Ride of Silence Talk Show May 15, 2017 Ride of Silence Event May 17, 2017 Meeting your Elected Officials in City of Tye, Tx Jun 8, 2017 KTAB TV media on Ride to Work June 12, 2017 KRBC TV media on Ride to Work June 13, 2017 Motorcycle Ride to Work day event June 19, 2017 TxDOT Public Meeting - Southwest Dr. & S. Clack intersection project Jun 27, 2017 TxDOT Public Meeting RE: Clack St re-striping project Jul 6, 2017 CityLink Meetings Nov 17, 2016 March 16, 2017 June 14, 2017 June 28, 2017 July 26, 2017 Page 10 of 24

12 July 27, 2017 Sept 20, 2017 West Central Texas Council of Governments presentation July 13, 2017 City of Abilene Airport Master Plan Aug 23, 2017 TxDOT Public Meeting SH 351 Project Stakeholders meeting Aug 25, 2017 CityLink Advisory Committee Meeting Aug 9, 2017 WCTCOG Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting Aug 9, 2017 CityLink Bus Route Task Force Meeting Sept 14, 2017 Sept 20, 2017 Sept 25, 2017 TxDOT Public Meeting Southwest Drive Intersection Project Sep 29, 2017 In addition to those already listed, MPO staff participates in the following recurring meetings: MPO Policy Board Meeting (Quarterly) MPO Technical Advisory Committee (Quarterly) City of Abilene s Development Reviews (Weekly) City of Abilene s Plats/Site Plan Reviews (Weekly) Interagency Coordination Meeting with TxDOT Staff (Monthly) D.R.I.V.E. Safe Coalition (Monthly) Texas Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO) (3-4 times per year) Subtask 1.4 Transit Planning Management CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work: hold quarterly meetings of the ADA Advisory Board as a vehicle for public involvement and participation; involve public participation in the review and analysis of any future fare increases or route changes; continue employee development through training courses and certification of both supervisory staff and employees and the Tri-Annual Compliance Review conducted by FTA in Work Performed and Status CityLink met with members of the ADA Advisory Board and specially invited parties seeking input on a variety of topics including potential route changes, performance metrics, paratransit operations, driver shortage issues and responses to shortfalls. Meetings were conducted on 11/17/16, 03/16/17, 06/14/2017, 06/28/17 and 09/20/17. A public meeting was conducted on 10/13/17and a public hearing on 10/27/17 of the Abilene City Council relating to proposed fare increases. In FY 2017, evaluation of a possible new city-wide route system was initiated. Remix software was purchased for this analysis and management staff received training on this new software. An ethics training program for City Council was adopted on 07/13/17. Newly hired drivers where provided appropriate training and certification to obtain CDL licenses and existing employees and staff provided training needed for compliance. Page 11 of 24

13 Task 1 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA 5303) $97, $97, $ % Local Planning Funds $ $ $ % FTA Section 5307 $3, $3, $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $101, $101, $ % TASK DATA DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE This task supports those planning activities that generate or collect critical transportation data. Transportation planning requires the development of detailed databases and maps that describe the primary aspects of the transportation system and maintenance of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to aid in data development and tracking. This data is used in the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and many other reports and studies. Subtask 2.1 Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Development - On-going data gathering, updates, and maintenance of databases and maps related to transportation planning. This may include research, development, map design, training, coordination efforts with outside agencies, and maintenance activities. It may also include initiatives to improve the management and organization of internal internet GIS data, enhance the GIS resources available to the public, advance the mapping functionality, and augment the use of GIS visualization techniques. Data gathering consists of analysis of the existing and planned transportation system with regard to issues related to emergency evacuation, hazardous materials transportation, and other emergency response situations. It includes updates to the data pertaining to the Travel Demand Model including roadway network database development, Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) structure development, monitoring of regional growth through data collection of new residential development, acquisition of employer information, acquiring land-use data, and creating organized databases for this data for transportation and land-use analysis, and demographic database development to obtain and maintain a working model. It will also include ways to identify and analyze Title VI Civil Rights in the planning process by focusing on enhancing analytical capability for assessing impact distributions by using Census data and other means for Page 12 of 24

14 production of maps of minority, elderly, and low-income persons along with striving to minimize adverse effects of transportation projects on the human environment by using these identifying factors Work Performed and Status The MPO updated an interactive map showing the latest traffic counts for citizens to access on our website. Maps were prepared related to current project listings. MPO staff provided traffic counts and other data at citizen s request. The MPO used existing data and created new data to assist the City of Abilene in making project selection decisions for the construction of sidewalks as a part of the second phase of their Sidewalk Construction Program from their 2016 Bond program. GIS analysis helped to refine potential project options, to coordinate these options with other infrastructure programs, and to establish the extent of projects able to be constructed with available funding. The GIS staff initiated a bi-annual update to sidewalk data created in 2015 for the City of Abilene. This data which was originally created by the MPO is being compiled by use of Google Earth imagery, aerial imagery, as well as some physical site verifications as needed. For this update newly identified facilities are being mapped with significantly greater accuracy in terms of the physical location and extent of sidewalk as compared to the previous data. Additionally, this update for the first time is showing sidewalk ramp locations and is capturing data on the type of pavement found and the observed pavement condition. When complete this update should provide an enhanced platform to assist in planning and decision making to better serve pedestrians, and many users of non-motorized travel. In addition, GIS staff created and produced maps related to MPO Project Selections; US 277 corridor information; 2017 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program submittal; Corridor location analysis along Loop 322, Clack Street, and FM 3034; Transit Route Comparisons; Sidewalk Deferrals and Waivers along with Constructed, and Existing Sidewalks. Subtask Website Enhancement and Maintenance - MPO staff will maintain the MPO website and provide updates to enhance public participation in the MPO processes. This will provide more effective and efficient public access to MPO documents, reports, and maps. This is a continual project that will evolve as technology changes to provide the best possible use of resources. The use of interactive maps, on-line surveys/opinion polls, and postings of on-going construction projects will be considered to engage the public and try to obtain a more active participation in the planning process. Work Performed and Status The MPO updated the website with pertinent information as needed such as minutes, board meeting notices, public meeting notices, reports, project picture updates, upcoming MPO events, and many other items in an effort to keep the public involved in Page 13 of 24

15 our process and generate interest in the MPO. Draft documents were posted on the website to allow better access by the general public. An interactive on-line map for traffic counts was updated and enhanced. New traffic count information was uploaded and for the first time an option was created to allow users to also view information from the previous year. This will provide a more complete data picture to users so they can make better informed decisions Subtask Performance Measures With the Passage of MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Transportation Authorization Bill originated a new set of Performance Measure requirements that will transform Federal highway programs and provide a means to more efficient investment of Federal transportation funds by focusing on national transportation goals, increasing the accountability and transparency of the Federal highway programs, and improving transportation investment decision-making through performance based planning and programming. This performance based system will establish national performance goals to achieve the following: 1) Safety to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads; 2) Infrastructure condition to maintain the highway infrastructure asset system in a state of good repair; 3) Congestion reduction to achieve a significant reduction in congestion on the NHS; 4) System reliability to improve the efficiency of the surface transportation system; 5) Freight movement and economic vitality to improve the national freight network, strengthen the ability of rural communities to access national and international trade markets, and support regional economic development; 6) Environmental Page 14 of 24

16 sustainability to enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting and enhancing the natural environment; 7) Reduced project delivery delays to reduce project costs, promote jobs and the economy, and expedite the movement of people and goods by accelerating project completion through eliminating delays in the project development and delivery process, including reducing regulatory burdens and improving agencies work practices. The MPO will be working with other organizations to implement measures to achieve these national goals. Work Performed and Status The MPO is still awaiting direction from the State as they complete specific elements and reporting features relating to performance measures. Significant progress has been made through meetings, webinars, s and conversations that the MPO has been a participant in. TxDOT and TEMPO have endorsed a set of proposed measures. Once finalized it is anticipated that MPO s will have an option to use these statewide measures or to develop their own. Subtask Transit Planning Data CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work. Provision of monthly operational, statistical and financial reports. Development and incorporation of information, data and statistical analysis to address short range transit needs as it relates to fare changes, route changes and bus stop evaluations. Work Performed and Status CityLink staff compiled statistical data and performance metrics relating to operations, finance and other performance measures throughout the fiscal year for scheduled meetings with the City Council, ADA Advisory Board, MPO Technical Advisory Committee, and MPO Policy Board. Information gathered was also used for special projects such as the evaluation of route performance and the development of potential new routes and service locations. Three such potential new destinations within the City evaluated for new service included the Abilene Zoo, a new Hendricks Hospital facility and the Shotwell Stadium sports complex. Subtask Metropolitan Thoroughfare Plan Update, maintain, and periodically republish the official map of the Thoroughfare Plan for the Abilene Metropolitan Area as needed to reflect new development. Evaluate the plan with the City of Abilene as needed to incorporate any updates. Work Performed and Status The MPO GIS staff worked closely with the City of Abilene to ensure that the plan stayed current with information provided by the City. Tabular data was created to review historical changes to the City of Abilene s Thoroughfare Plan to ensure tracking of those changes was maintained. Subtask Central GIS Division Staff Support at City of Abilene City of Abilene staff with TPF funds will do the following work. Provide centralized support for MPO geographic information system operations including coordination of interaction between MPO staff and the City of Abilene, Taylor County, the Taylor County Central Appraisal District, and the Taylor Page 15 of 24

17 County District. In return, TPF funds will be used to provide hardware, software, and communications support for use by one staff position in the GIS Division office in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding for GIS Support between the MPO Policy Board and the City of Abilene. Anticipated support for the City GIS Division will pay annual software maintenance costs, other routine software upgrades, hardware maintenance and repairs not covered by warranty and proportional shares of network maintenance costs. The cost of these items is estimated at $1,300. Work Performed and Status The City of Abilene s IT department routinely performs maintenance, software updates, and backups of data and assists the MPO in evaluating hardware and software needs. The City provided centralized support of the MPO geographic information system operations through map layers, information, training, and network support. The GIS department provides ArcGIS software updates and GIS staff is available to assist with questions. A helpdesk for technical support is available through the IT department. MPO staff is able to utilize the helpdesk for any questions or concerns regarding software and hardware functions and malfunctions. Various projects throughout the year required utilization of the expertise within the GIS department. Task 2 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA 5303) $74, $53, $20, % Local Planning Funds $1, $1, $ % FTA Section 5307 $5, $5, $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $81, $60, $20, % PL -112 was under 75% due to not as much progress on the performance measures as was expected. TASK SHORT RANGE PLANNING This task includes all planning activities that require short range or immediate implementation. Documents and studies from this task supplement other tasks covered in the UPWP. These include updates to the Transportation Improvement Program, amendments to the UPWP, coordination between public transportation providers, transit route analysis, and other activities necessary for short range planning. To produce and implement short-range transportation planning activities which will assist with the development of long-range programs and ongoing Page 16 of 24

18 projects. Develop more coordinated efforts among public transportation providers in the planning and development of transit related activities. Subtask Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) The development, implementation, and amendment of the TIP falls under this task. This is a coordinated on-going effort between TxDOT, CityLink Transit, and the MPO. The MPO will monitor and amend the current FY TIP and conduct project development meetings and presentations to educate and receive public participation as needed for the development and writing of the FY TIP. Provide support, review and incorporate transit activities for more coordinated transit efforts. It includes development of the Annual Listing of Projects Report. Work Performed and Status The FYs TIP was approved at the June 21, 2016 Policy Board meeting. Staff monitored the document to ensure compliance. The Annual Listing of Obligated Projects Report was completed in December At each of the MPO Policy Board meetings project updates are given to the group with the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the current projects. Subtask Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) To provide for a cooperative development of a Unified Planning Work Program and amend and/or update the current UPWP as needed. It includes development of the Annual Performance and Expenditure Report. Work Performed and Status - The UPWP for FYs was amended at the April 18, 2017 Policy Board meeting. The Annual Performance and Expenditure Report was completed in December The FYs UPWP was created and adopted at the June 20, 2017 Policy Board meeting with an administrative amendment on August 4, These reports required working closely with TxDOT, CityLink, City of Abilene, and others to compile the information needed for them. Subtask 3.3 Transit Planning Work with public transportation providers to coordinate transportation efforts and participate in the regional planning process (HB 3588) of the multicounty regional planning area. This could include sharing data, preparing maps, attending or sponsoring meetings, and providing general transportation planning expertise. The MPO will also be working with transit providers, the City of Abilene, and others on continuation of the Multimodal Terminal planning for the Abilene area. Continue to work with CityLink Transit to ensure efficient operations and planning. Monitor existing transit stops/facilities to determine their efficiency and to identify any warranted modifications. Conduct planning activities as needed to evaluate traffic patterns, needs analysis, and service standards on transit services. On March 10, 2017 the Regional Coordination Planning Committee elected the Abilene MPO to serve as the lead agency. This will entail and expand activities in support of that designation. Page 17 of 24

19 Work Performed and Status MPO staff and CityLink staff work on a variety of projects throughout the year. These include the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the Annual Performance and Expenditure Report (APER), the Annual Report of Obligated Projects, and many others. The MPO participated in the Regionally Coordinated Transportation Plan (RCTP) Stakeholders Group and provided extensive assistance in the development and approval of the West Central Texas Region 7 Plan. The 2017 plan was approved on February 8, After this approval Central Texas Rural Transit District/City and Rural Rides resigned its status as the lead agency for Region 7. The MPO has stepped in temporarily following this resignation to take a more prominent leadership role while a new lead agency can be determined. The MPO also prepared a Transit Assessment Management Plan as per the new requirements. In addition, numerous transit meetings were held throughout the year that the MPO participated in pertaining to route analysis, shortfall of drivers, route changes, and other topics. Subtask 3.4 Bicycle Planning The City of Abilene is currently working on an update to their bicycle plan. This task provides support for the implementation of planning activities in the City of Abilene s Bicycle Plan. Work with local government and community organizations to access grants and other funding opportunities to develop bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation. Work with the local transit agency to incorporate a more congruent transit, bicycle, and pedestrian method of transportation. Work Performed and Status The MPO assisted the City of Abilene to locate appropriate corridors, refine project elements, obtain public input and support and craft the text for a project application under TxDOT s Transportation Alternatives Set Aside program (TASA). MPO staff helped the City to optimize project details to integrate sidewalk, and intersection improvements with existing and planned pedestrian, bicycle and transit resources. The MPOs involvement was critical in selecting a competitive project to synergize multi-modal options in a key mixed-use area of the City containing dense low-income multifamily apartments, large and small retail establishments, and institutional and educational uses. The result of the cooperative team approach used was that the City was successful in obtaining a project award despite the highly competitive nature of the program. Page 18 of 24

20 In addition, the MPO GIS staff developed an initial test bicycle ridership map utilizing available on-line data to show where cyclists were traveling throughout our MPO area. Subtask 3.5 Short-Term Transit Planning CityLink staff with FTA Section 5307 funding will do the following work: short range planning projects needed to meet federal requirements recognizing established Planning Emphasis Areas; provide funding projections and budgetary planning for incorporation of transit projects in the TIP and UPWP; Bus Stop identification, GIS database compiling, Inventory, and shelter locations; and analysis of effectiveness of routes and reduction of headways. Work Performed and Status A city-wide re-evaluation and analysis of all bus routes was initiated. Remix software was used to provide enhanced evaluation of data relating to creating efficient system performance and enhanced service to relevant demographic population groups. Special emphasis was placed on studying system headway, performance metrics, and level of service. Staff evaluated route operational costs to determine optimum route efficiencies balancing costs and provision of services. Page 19 of 24

21 Task 3 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA 5303) $37, $33, $3, % Local Planning Funds $ $ $ % FTA Section 5307 $3, $3, $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $41, $37, $3, % TASK METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN (MTP) The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) identifies long-range transportation needs within the MPO boundary. This task encompasses all activities associated with maintaining the MTP. Plans are to update as needed and determine what parts of the plan could be expanded and improved to better reflect the MPO s current transportation needs while still addressing all the Federal laws, State laws, Planning Emphasis Areas, and local transportation plans. Subtask 4.1 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) This includes ongoing MPO support of the social and economic vitality of the metropolitan area through any needed updates or revisions to the current MTP. Effort will focus on incorporating performance measures into a revision of the MTP. The project selection criteria will be evaluated and potentially updated into formal documentation. Additional work will be to implement the planning emphasis areas into the planning process. Focus will also be on proactive public participation along with assessment of the social impacts of transportation projects in low-income and minority areas to make certain that Title VI and Environmental Justice guidelines are adhered to. Staff will use the concept of an interconnected system with regards to aspects of safety, enhanced connectivity, and planning. Work Performed and Status - The current MTP for FYs has been monitored to ensure compliance with projects. Numerous meetings were held with TxDOT, FHWA, and the Texas Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations on performance measures and ways to incorporate into our planning documents. The project selection subcommittee met many times to discuss current processes and ways to improve on them. Maps were created/evaluated on Page 20 of 24

22 low-income areas as projects were being looked at. Staff continues to monitor the MTP for any needed updates. Subtask 4.2 Travel Demand Modeling Consultants might be used to help with this task along with MPO staff with TPF funding in cooperation with TxDOT staff using TxDOT funding. Travel Demand model update, review of data, socioeconomic data collection, roadway network analysis, alternative analysis, and other topics might be developed by the MPO, with the assistance of TxDOT, the Texas Transportation Institute and/or a consultant. Work Performed and Status The Abilene MPO staff has completed an initial map update of the 2015 network system and uploaded this into the TxDOT Dashboard system for review and consultation with TxDOT modeling experts. A travel demand model timeline was created to track progress. Work is proceeding to obtain demographic data and to map the projected future network system. A consultant was not hired during this time period but a Request for Proposals/Qualifications is currently being prepared for a search. Task 4 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA 5303) $50, $20, $29, % Local Planning Funds $0.00 $0.00 $ % FTA Section 5307 $0.00 $0.00 $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $50, $20, $29, % PL -112 was under 75% due to TDM work being delayed such as hiring of a consultant. TASK 5.0 SPECIAL STUDIES This task involves special studies of transportation and transportation related topics that support the development and maintenance of the planning process. Activities might include consultant contracting, research and data analysis. Documents produced in this task are intended to supplement information for other tasks as well as contribute to the revision of the MTP and help in prioritizing transportation improvement projects. It involves special one-time planning activities and major corridor analyses. Work Performed and Status - No work was programmed or performed. Page 21 of 24

23 Task 5 - Funding Summary Funding Source Amount Budgeted Amount Expended Balance % Expended Transportation Planning Funds (PL 112 & FTA 5303) $0.00 $0.00 $ % Local Planning Funds $0.00 $0.00 $ % FTA Section 5307 $0.00 $0.00 $ % Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) $0.00 $0.00 $ % STP/MM $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL $0.00 $0.00 $ % Page 22 of 24

24 Total Transportation Planning Funds (TPF) Budgeted and Expended for FY 2017 UPWP TASK DESCRIPTION AMOUNT BUDGETED AMOUNT EXPENDED BALANCE % Expended $97, $97, $ % $74, $53, $20, % 3.0 Short Range Planning $37, $33, $3, % 4.0 Metropolitan Transportation Plan $50, $20, $29, % 5.0 Special Studies $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL TOTAL $259, $204, $54, % Local Planning Funds Budgeted and Expended for FY 2017 UPWP TASK DESCRIPTION AMOUNT BUDGETED AMOUNT EXPENDED BALANCE % Expended Administration- Management Data Development and Maintenance Administration- Management Data Development and Maintenance $ $ $ % $1, $1, $ % 3.0 Short Range Planning $ $ $ % 4.0 Metropolitan Transportation Plan $0.00 $0.00 $ % 5.0 Special Studies $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL TOTAL $3, $3, $ % FTA (Sec. 5307) Funds Budgeted and Expended for FY 2017 UPWP TASK DESCRIPTION AMOUNT BUDGETED AMOUNT EXPENDED BALANCE % Expended Administration- Management Data Development and Maintenance $3, $3, $ % $5, $5, $ % 3.0 Short Range Planning $3, $3, $ % 4.0 Metropolitan Transportation Plan $0.00 $0.00 $ % 5.0 Special Studies $0.00 $0.00 $ % TOTAL TOTAL $12, $12, $ % Page 23 of 24

25 ABILENE URBANIZED AREA AND METROPOLITAN PLANNING AREA Page 24 of 24