Fresno COG Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) / Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) Member Agency Workshop Agenda Date: Thursday, ust 23, 2012 Time: 4:00 p.m. Place: COG Sequoia Conference Room 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Toll Free Number: 877-455-8695 ~ Participant Code: 740166 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations The Fresno COG offices and restrooms are ADA accessible. Representatives or individuals with disabilities should contact Fresno COG, at least 3 days in advance, to request auxiliary aids and/or translation services necessary to participate in the public meeting / public hearing. If Fresno COG is unable to accommodate an auxiliary aid or translation request for a public hearing, after receiving proper notice, the hearing will be continued on a specified date when accommodations are available. Item Description Enclosure Action* I. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Committee on items within its jurisdiction but not on this agenda. Note: Prior to action by the Committee on any item on this agenda, the public may comment on that item. Unscheduled comments may be limited to 3 minutes. II. INFORMATION / DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Welcome and Introductions Tony Boren Yes Overview of RTP/SCS and ision Making Process B. RTP s and Related Tasks Barbara Steck Yes Schedule of planning process C. RTP Components & Task Managers Yes Regional Context Kathy Chung Policy Lauren Dawson Sustainable Communities Strategy Kristine Cai Action Clark Thompson/John Downs Financial Lindsey Monge Conformity Lauren Dawson Environmental Impact Report Rob Terry Public Outreach Brenda Veenendaal Environmental Justice Analysis Process Peggy Arnest D. Discussion ~ Q & A
2014 Fresno COG RTP ision Making Process Flowchart Fresno COG Staff and retained Consultants RTP Roundtable Various Technical Working Groups (Public Outreach, EJ, SCS, etc.) Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) Fresno COG Policy Board
Public Outreach Regional Context Policy Environmental Impact Report () Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) Conformity Financial Action Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Complete Plan Overview 2012 2013 Regional Context Overview Policy Activities SB 375 Task Force Activities & Target Setting SCS Performance Indicators & Scenario Development Action Activities Financial Activities Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS & Caltrans & FHWA Review and Approval Conformity Activities Environmental Impact Report Activities Public Outreach and Participation Activities Public Outreach Environmental Impact Report () Conformity Regional Context Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Financial Policy Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) Action Notes: Project Manager: Barbara Steck, Deputy Director Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 202 fax (559) 233-9645 email: bjsteck@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Regional Context 2012 2013 Valleywide RTP Team Formation Regional Planning, Memoranda of Understanding, Transportation by Modes, Air Quality and Funding Issues County Profile Fresno COG, RTP, Traffic Modeling and Other Analytical Tools Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & Caltransa & FHWA Review and Approval Blueprint Activities, County Regional Planning Policies and MAP-21 RTP Roundtable Activities Public Outreach Regional Context Notes: Task Manager: Kathy Chung, Senior Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 214 fax (559) 233-9645 email: kchung@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Policy 2012 2013 Review Current Policy Outlines Draft Policy Outline Draft Goals and Objectives Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & a & FHWA Review and Approval Finalize Draft Text of Goals/ Objectives/Policies RTP Roundtable Activities Policy Notes: Task Manager: Lauren Dawson, Senior Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 217 fax (559) 233-9645 email: ldawson@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) 2012 2013 SB 375 Task Force Activities & Target Setting Performance Indicators Alternative Scenario Development (Land Use & Transportation) Finalize Draft SCS Scenario Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & Caltransa & FHWA Review and Approval Draft SCS Outreach RTP Roundtable Activities Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) Notes: Task Manager: Kristine Cai, Senior Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 215 fax (559) 233-9645 email: kcai@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Action 2012 2013 Review and update Overview, Existing System Inventory, Accomplishments, Needs Assessment, Proposed Actions and Un-funded Needs Multi-Modal Stakeholder Meetings Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & Caltransa & FHWA Review and Approval Prepare Draft Action RTP Roundtable Activities Action Notes: Clark Thompson, Senior Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 203 fax (559) 233-9645 email: clarkt@fresnocog.org Task Managers: John Downs, Senior Transit Planner Fresno Area Express (FAX) 2223 G Street Fresno, CA 93706 (559) 621-1502 email: john.downs@fresno.gov Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Financial 2012 2013 Update Revenue Projection Tables (MAP-21 Allocations) Draft Financial Goals/ Objectives and Project Criteria Technical Focus Group Meetings Present Project Criteria Selection to RTP Roundtable Call for Projects Project List Incorporated into SCS Scenarios Finalize Chapter Content and Format Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & Caltransa & FHWA Review and Approval RTP Roundtable Activities Conformity Financial Notes: Task Manager: Lindsey Monge, Associate Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 205 fax (559) 233-9645 email: lmonge@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Conformity 2012 2013 Network Model Development Draft Project Lists Interagency Consultation on Document Development Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & Caltransa & FHWA Review and Approval Update Project Timely Implementation Document RTP Roundtable Activities Conformity Notes: Task Manager: Lauren Dawson, Senior Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 217 fax (559) 233-9645 email: ldawson@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Environmental Impact Report () 2012 2013 Consultant Retained NOP & Comment Period Administrative Draft Preparation Draft Draft RTP/ SCS & Review Final RTP/ SCS S & a & FHWA Review and Approval RTP Roundtable Activities Environmental Impact Report () Notes: Task Manager: Rob Terry, Associate Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 fax (559) 233-9645 email: rterry@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
2014 Fresno COG RTP Schedule - Public Outreach 2012 2013 County-wide Scientific Survey and Research Co-ordination and consultation with various agencies, identified interest groups and the general public Community-based mini grants organized and delivered Environmental Justice (EJ) Task Force Formation and Activities Fresno COG RTP (SCS, etc.) Workshops and Meetings Draft RTP/ SCS & Final RTP/ SCS S & a & FHWA Review and Approval Website and Social Media Outreach Efforts and Updates Valleywide SCS Public Outreach Activities RTP Roundtable Activities Public Outreach Notes: Task Manager: Brenda Veenandaal, Senior Planner Fresno Council of Governments 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Ext. 219 fax (559) 233-9645 email: brendav@fresnocog.org Current as of 8/15/12
Action Establish a future vision for the transportation system in the County consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the RTP. Both federal regulations and state statute require RTPs to address each transportation mode individually. But modal considerations must also be integrated to enable the development of a complete and coordinated multimodal transportation system. Each mode is presented in a separate section, to include an inventory of the existing system, an assessment of the issues and needs, and proposed actions. The latter will be divided into shortrange (0-4 years) and long-range (5-25 years). Proposed actions will be based upon projected travel demand and appropriate policy. The short-range measures will then form the basis for the RTIP and FTIP. Highways, Streets, and Roads This section will identify the existing system, including streets and highways of regional significance, and describe the future streets and highways network noting both short-term improvements and the envisioned long-range system. Other considerations include corridor preservation for possible future transportation projects, infrastructure for ITS, and unmet highway needs. Local Streets & Roads Where every trip begins and ends. Major issue is the preservation needs of the local road system, in light of declining revenues and rising maintenance costs. [Regionally Significant Road System For transportation modeling purposes.] Regional Aviation System A major contributor to the economy and should be protected. Challenges include aircraft noise mitigation, ground access congestion, and encroachment from incompatible land uses. This section includes a broad locational diagram of public use airports within the Fresno County region, the specific details of individual airport facility development, a discussion of future aviation needs, and references to aviation related planning documents; i.e. Airport Master Plans, Land Use Compatibility Plans, etc. Rail Includes both freight and passenger rail. System inventory. Additional emphasis on high speed rail and the short line railroad. Bicycle & Pedestrian Promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce environmental impacts. Focused on regional and metropolitan bikeway networks and a network of multi-use trails that includes bicycling. Includes an updated inventory of bikeways and trails; policies, plans, and programs used to promote the usage of bikes and walking and unmet needs. Transit interface with bicyclists and pedestrians. Previous RTPs have not had much to say about pedestrian facilities because they have not been considered regional in function. Instead, they are typically site specific and local and of particular importance in community design in working toward a more livable environment. However, there is increased emphasis generally within COGs and local
agencies on Active Transportation (bicycle and pedestrian trips) and their relationship with transit. The 2011 RTP included new policy regarding Complete Streets and policy enhancements suggested by the Fresno County Department of Public Health that emphasize Active Transportation and transit for reasons of health and well-being. Goods Movement (Rail, Trucking and Aviation) Emphasis on improving the regional goods movement transportation system so positive impacts (e.g. job creation) are maximized and negative impacts (e.g. land use conflicts, air pollution) are minimized. This section will establish the economic importance of goods movement within the region (especially farm to market), inventory highway and roadway routes used for trucking, air cargo facilities, freight rail lines, and freight transfer facilities within the region, and identify freight-related highway and freight rail lines within the region. Transportation System Operations and Management This section includes operational and management strategies aimed at improving the performance of the existing regional transportation system in order to reduce transportation congestion issues and maximize the safety and mobility of people and goods. Examples include traffic incident management, travel information services, freeway management, traffic signal coordination, etc. Regional Intelligent Transportation System Architecture ITS can improve the operation and efficiency of the existing transportation system (streets and highways, transit, trains, etc.). Includes wireless and wire line communications-based information and electronics technologies. Examples are advanced traffic signals, ramp metering, roadway and weather monitoring stations, bus and other vehicle location systems, electronic roadside information signs, etc. Congestion Management Process (CMP) Provides information on transportation system performance and alternatives to relieve congestion and improve mobility of persons and goods. Where is congestion occurring or expected to occur (performance measures). What alternative strategies should be considered before constructing capacity-increasing projects. All reasonable travel demand and operational improvement strategies should be conducted for the corridor in which a capacity increasing project is proposed. 2014 RTP Roundtable Workshop. docx
2014 RTP Policy Board Workshop 8/23/2012 [Talking Points} RTP must comply with California Transportation Commission Guidelines as codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), as legislated [U.S. Code] Introduction Policy The Policy seeks to identify the transportation goals, objectives, and policies that meet the regional needs. Goals, objectives, and policies are established to direct the specific courses of action that will provide efficient, integrated multimodal transportation systems to serve the mobility needs of people, and freight, including accessible pedestrian and bicycle facilities, which will foster economic prosperity and development, while minimizing mobile sources of air pollution. The Action, which will be covered by Clark and John, describes the programs and actions necessary to implement the Goals of the Policy. The Financial, that Lindsey will share, summarizes the cost of plan implementation constrained by a realistic projection of available revenues. The 2014 Regional Transportation Plan s goals, objectives, and policies will be developed to serve as the foundation for both short and long-term planning. For purposes of the RTP the following definitions will apply. Goal: A Goal is the end toward which the overall effort is directed; it is timeless, general and conceptual. The intent of the overall goals is to provide a framework for subsequent objectives and policies. Objective: An Objective provides clear, concise guidance to obtaining the goal. Objectives are successive levels of achievement in movement toward a goal. Individual objectives are capable of being quantified and realistically attained. 1
2014 RTP Policy Board Workshop 8/23/2012 [Talking Points} RTP must comply with California Transportation Commission Guidelines as codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), as legislated [U.S. Code] Policy: A Policy is a direction statement that guides present and future decisions on specific actions. Policies should support the attainment of objectives. The goals, objectives and policies will be developed in six broad categories: General Transportation including general Air Quality Goals; Highways, Streets, and Roads; Mass Transportation; Aviation Goals; Non-Motorized or Active Transportation Rail These very broad, conceptual, and timeless goals will be reflective of the Blueprint Principles, Sustainable Communities Strategies and Health in all Policies, and will incorporate the results from the survey to assess community values and transportation needs. FYI Background information: Blueprint Principles: Create a range of housing choices Create walkable neighborhoods Encourage community collaboration Foster communities with strong sense of place Make development decisions predictable fair and cost effective Mixing land uses Preserving open space Providing variety of transportation choices Strengthening and directing development toward existing communities Take advantage of compact design Active transportation: Refers to systems that promote pedestrian mobility, bicycle usage, connectivity to mass transit and the complete streets approach that make room for all modes of transport. 2
Fresno COG SCS Development Process ember 2012 uary 2012 / 2013 ust 2013 ober, 2013 1. Select Performance Indicators 2. Develop Alternative Scenarios 3. Finalize Draft SCS Scenario Draft SCS Outreach Final RTP/SCS Adoption Land use elements Transportation elements Focus Groups to inform and refine performance indicator selection Public Workshops (to refine target setting scenarios 2 and 3 and identify additional scenario theme) Project selection process Workshops (RTP & SCS) RTP/SCS Roundtable Public Workshops TTC/PAC Public Hearings Policy Board Deliverable: Catalog of Performance Indicators Deliverable: Alternative Scenarios (land use + transportation) Deliverable: Draft SCS Deliverable: Comments addressed Deliverable: Final 2013 RTP/SCS
2013 Regional Transportation Plan FINANCIAL ELEMENT Fresno COG Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Introductory Workshop ust 15, 2012
What is the Financial? Where the money is! Costs of implementing the plan vs. available revenues Recommendations for allocation of funds Pieces of Financial Goals and Objectives Revenue Projection Tables RTP Project Lists
Project Criteria and Lists ALL NEW PROCESS! Technical focus group to develop RTP Project Criteria and ranking system Call for Projects to receive member agency projects Projects ranked by mode and placed on constrained or unconstrained list Consistency is key!
Financial Timeline
Contact Information Lindsey Monge, Associate Regional Planner 559-233-4148 ext. 205 lmonge@fresnocog.org
2014 RTP Policy Board Workshop 8-23-2012 Transportation Conformity Talking Points Transportation Conformity is a federal requirement that applies to regions that are designated as being in nonattainment for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and those that receive Federal funding for transportation plans, programs or projects. Only involves Criteria Pollutants Ozone Particulate Matter Carbon Monoxide (CO) ***Does NOT include GHG yet! GHG are not classified by the federal government under the CAA as criteria pollutants yet. The Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) process that we will be following is a state mandated requirement, not federal. Also, because we are a multi-jurisdictional/ Multi-nonattainment area we are mandated to do a Fresno County Transportation Conformity Analysis concurrently with the other 7 counties in the SJV Air Basin Submitting a positive Transportation Conformity Analysis is documentation that Transportation plans, programs, and projects DO NOT negatively impact air quality And that the transportation plans, programs, and projects Conform with approved State Implementation Plans-which are the state s response to EPA requirements showing how the state will work toward attaining national air quality standards The Transportation Conformity process Quantifies impacts of transportation and land use decisions by evaluating Mobile Source Emission Budgets The emission budgets act as a ceiling on emissions for attainment year Conformity modeling process requires: Latest Planning Assumptions (population, employment) Transportation Modeling Regional Emissions Analysis 1
Requires Separate Formal Public Process Interagency consultation review and development process : US EPA, California ARB, Caltrans-local and headquarters;, Local Air District, FTA, FHWA, all eight Valley MPOs in SJV participates in the process and provides comments Public notice, public review and Public hearing, formal response to comments Minimum 30 day public review period FHWA/FTA has authority to approve or disapprove the conformity analysis Potential Consequences of a Transportation Conformity disapproval: Conformity Lapse-off-set sanctions Highway Sanctions Changes to Transportation Conformity for the 2014 RTP: include COG will have to use the all new EMFAC 2011 model developed by California ARB that estimates mobile source exhaust emissions and the new improved COG transportation network model developed during the recent work called the Model Improvement Program.[ MIP]. Externally the documents will look the sameinternally there will be tremendous changes and challenges- additional pollutant budgets etc. COG modelers have been proactive in this work and have already done preliminary modeling runs. Testing of the new models and inputs is continuing. 2
Fresno COG RTP/SCS RFP Schedule Activity Date Request for Proposals (RFP) Released 18, 2012 Deadline for Proposal Submittal Questions 7, 2012 Deadline for Proposal Submittal 21, 2012 Determine Short List for Interviews (If determined necessary) 28, 2012 Interviews and/or Selection 12, 2012 Fresno COG Policy Board Approval 26, 2012 Notice to Proceed Subject to Contract Signing ust 2, 2012 Consultant/Fresno COG Staff Kick off Meeting ust 13, 2012 Notice of Preparation (NOP) ust 27, 2012 NOP Comments Due (min. 30 day comment period) ober 4, 2012 Administrative Draft Released ch 14, 2013 Notice of Completion Draft (D) 20, 2013 Public Notice of Availability (D) 20, 2013 D Presentation to Fresno TTC/PAC and RTP Roundtable* 12, 2013 Public Workshops (min. 2 each) TBD D Presentation to Fresno COG Policy Board** 25, 2013 D Public Hearing at COG Policy Board** 25, 2013 D Comments Due (min. 45 day comment period) ember 16, 2013 Final Presentation to Fresno TTC/PAC and RTP Roundtable ober 11, 2013 Final and RTP/SCS Certification & Adoption ober 31, 2013 Notice of Determination ember 1, 2013 Completion of contract work ember 1, 2013
Environmental Justice Analysis Process It is the goal of Fresno COG s Environmental Justice process to ensure that all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age or income are protected from disproportionate negative or adverse impacts caused by Fresno COG s 2014 RTP Program of Projects. The Environmental Justice Taskforce will be asked to define the environmental justice populations within Fresno County. For example, for the 2011 RTP, the EJ taskforce focused on four disadvantaged populations : low-income, non-white, senior, and disabled. Using Federal Census and American Community Survey data, Fresno COG staff with help from the EJ Taskforce will determine which areas of Fresno County are EJ areas. Fresno COG will use a methodology in the traffic model to determine whether all EJ neighborhoods not only are not negatively impacted by the Program of Projects, but share in the benefits from the Projects as well. Once the EJ areas are determined and entered into the traffic model, the model methodology will test eight criteria: accessibility, mobility, cost-effectiveness, equity, reliability, consumer satisfaction, and safety. Each criterion will be analyzed separately to determine performance and impacts specifically on EJ Areas compared with Non-EJ areas. CRITERIA MODEL WILL TEST Accessibility: The ease of reaching destinations as measured by the percent of commuters who can get to work within a given period of time. Mobility: The ability to move throughout the region and the time it takes to reach desired destinations within a reasonable amount of time. Cost effectiveness: Maximized return on transportation investment. Equity: Equitable distribution of transportation investment benefits (as a share of benefits). Reliability: Percentage of on-time arrivals by transit and highways. Consumer satisfaction: The condition where consumers can largely agree that their transportation needs are being met in a safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective manner. Safety: Minimal risk of accident or injury as measured by reduced accidents.
Fresno Council of Government s Environmental Justice Task Force Federal guideline for Environmental Justice is based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Growing attention has been placed on the need to incorporate Environmental Justice Principles into the processes and products of transportation planning. In response to this challenge Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) developed methods to assess the impacts of our transportation plans and planning processes on Environmental Justice Populations such as low-income, non-white, senior or the disabled. An Environmental Justice Task Force (EJ Task Force) was formed for the following purposes: Identify and map locations of low-income and minority populations Review existing COG processes to identify needs of Environmental Justice populations Document and evaluate the agency s public involvement process and Environmental Justice Plan (EJ Plan) Quantitatively assess benefits and burdens of transportation plans with respect to target populations Fresno COG is seeking interested parties who represent the Environmental Justice Communities defined in our current EJ Plan, to sit on the EJ Task Force. Those communities include low income, non-white, seniors or the disabled, representing public, private or non-profit sectors. No experience or understanding of transportation plans is required. The EJ Task Force will meet as needed on a monthly basis from ust 2012 to ober 2013 to serve in an advisory capacity as the Fresno Council of Governments updates the following plans: 1. Regional Transportation Plan, which includes the Sustainable Communities Strategy A seat for one EJ Task Force member will also be available on the Regional Transportation Plan Roundtable. 2. Environmental Justice Plan 3. Regional Housing Needs Assessment Once these plans are completed, the EJ Task Force and Fresno COG will assess how often the group should continue to meet. However, it will always be on an as needed basis. The EJ Task Force will meet at the Fresno COG offices in Downtown Fresno on a date and time agreed upon by active members of the committee. Meeting would typically be scheduled in two hour blocks of time. All parking would be validated. Fresno COG is located at: 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 ext. 219 If you are interested in joining the Environmental Justice Task Force, or would like more information, please contact Fresno COG Senior Regional Planner Brenda Veenendaal by calling (559) 233-4149 ext. 219 or email her at brendav@fresnocog.org.