Chairman
Robert A. Maxwell, P.E., Jones & Carter, Inc.
Vice Chairman: Darrin Willer, HNTB
*Call for meeting times and location: 281-875-0660
Transportation Committee
2010 Goals and Objectives
GOALS
The Committee will inform NHA members, north Houston citizens and the NHA Board of Directors of transportation related activities by providing support and input to elected officials and agencies in regard to strategies for improved mobility in the north Houston region. Further, the committee will strive to ensure it receives information covering the many sides of an issue to better position it for informed and balanced recommendations.
OBJECTIVES
Advocate Project Funding – Assist the various agencies (i.e. City of Houston, City of Tomball, City of Humble, City of Shenandoah, City of Oak Ridge North, The Woodlands Township, Harris and Montgomery Counties, H-GAC, TxDOT, HCTRA, METRO, etc.) in achieving mobility objectives for the North Houston region.
- Assist with submitting projects for federal funding, where applicable.
- Evaluate various agency bond elections and make recommendation to the NHA Board of Director’s to support or oppose as appropriate.
- Testify/submit written commentary in regard to specific requests for help.
Legislative and Regulatory Issues - Monitor transportation issues and provide public comments and/or support as needed.
- Monitor legislative issues that arise prior to the 2011 Session. Identify transportation issues that warrant advocacy and action, including local option funding. Prepare comment papers.
- Monitor implementation of and modifications to HB3588 and 2702, SB 792, including toll facilities and rail facilities.
- Provide update on federal regulations regarding air quality, environmental processes, and transportation funding.
- Meet with NHA area elected officials to present comment papers and/or project funding advocacy.
Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) – An SMP Subcommittee is in place to keep the public and membership updated and informed on regional transportation projects.
- Continue Task Force to advocate for and accelerate projects identified in the 2007 SMP.
- Review, comment, and provide input on the NHA Fact Book updates as relates to transportation.
- Begin preparation for Strategic Mobility Plan to be issued in 2011.
SH 99 (Grand Parkway) – A Grand Parkway Task Force is in place to monitor and provide input/support when appropriate.
- Monitor overall project development as it relates to issuance of Record’s of Decisions (ROD).
- Meet with TxDOT, HCTRA and the Grand Parkway Association to stay informed on the progress of the planning and design of Segments E, F-1, F-2, and G.
- Monitor planning documents, establish position statements, and keep membership informed.
- Educate and inform citizens affected by the Grand Parkway of the value and regional need for parkway.
- Advocate for preferred Grand Parkway segments to be finalized and constructed.
- Champion the Grand Parkway as a priority project to the appropriate agencies with emphasis that the project is expedited through required review processes.
- Work to improve north-south mobility which will be needed to access the Grand Parkway as it is implemented from I-10 eastward to US 59.
Rail and High Capacity Transit Issues – Monitor and provide input/support when appropriate to METRO,TxDOT, and Gulf Coast Rail District.
- Support METRO in its efforts to be included in the federal stimulus package, which includes $410 million for early work on the North and Southeast rail lines, as well as $70 million for conversion from HOV to HOT lanes.
- As a member of the North Corridor Coalition, work to educate citizens on the value of high capacity transit and advocate for its implementation.
- Monitor all elements of rail by working with the Railroad companies and appropriate agencies to provide support and assistance for needed projects.
- Establish a Subcommittee on Rail to monitor and report on, as appropriate, issues related to the improvement of the movement of people and goods.
- Maintain communication with the Gulf Coast Rail District, and create a Freight/Commuter Rail Task Force.
- Monitor and provide input to agencies on the development of US 290 and SH 249 commuter rail corridors, and High-Speed Rail.
- Provide input to METRO and TxDOT during development of the North Corridor MIS and DEIS/FEIS process.
- Advocate for Harris and Montgomery County Commuter Rail lines and other commuter rail corridor lines that will improve regional mobility.
- Advocate for funding of commuter rail lines that will improve regional mobility.
- Advocate for funding of the Texas Railroad Relocation and Improvement Fund.