Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the submission of applications to Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) for construction funding related to the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program (Executive Director of Developmental Services)
Background:
Approval of this item will authorize the submission of projects made on October 7, 2024, to the H-GAC STBG program for construction funding.
H-GAC and TxDOT monitor projects within the 4-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) timeframe by conducting quarterly meetings with project sponsors. The meetings are conducted for projects funded with Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Fund (CMAQ), STBG Funds, and Transportation Alternative Set Aside Funds (TASA). H-GAC identified several projects within these funding categories that are taking longer to than expected. The delay encountered with these projects means that these funding accounts exceed 200% of the annual allocation which is against the State adopted regulations and that without viable projects in our area, the unspent funds could be reallocated to other areas in the State and/or reduce the amount of funding typically awarded to H-GAC in these funding categories.
To be eligible for these “spend down” funds, the project must be ready to move into construction no later than August 2026. H-GAC had a total of 60 eligible projects valued at approximately $335Million to review. City Staff met with H-GAC in early October to see if any projects currently listed in the City’s CIP program would be eligible for these “spend-down” funding categories. Around October 15th, Staff was notified that the following projects were eligible and would be recommended for STBG funding:
• City CIP Project #10: TxDOT Roadway Intersection Improvements. This project will design, and construct turn lane improvements at the SH 96 and FM 270 intersection and at the FM 270 intersections with Austin, Webster, Coryell. The project will also allow for the design and rebuild of the SH 96 and Columbia Memorial Parkway intersection. There is not expected to be any land acquisition needed for this project. The project is currently only partially funding in the approved CIP with work being spread out over a 3-to-4-year window. The total construction estimated cost for this project is $2,687,000 with the City being required to cover all design costs plus invest 10% of the construction costs back into the RSTF program.
• City CIP Project #11: TxDOT Traffic Signal Improvements. This project will update the pedestrian crossing system at 34 signalized intersections to the Audible Push Button System meaning that approximately 253 pushbuttons and 362 Count Down LED Lamps would be upgraded. This project will also replace signal heads at 63 intersections and consists of 3 - 5 Section Heads, 114- 4 Section Heads, and 367 - Three Section Heads along with reflective backplates will be installed. The project is currently only partially funding in the approved CIP with work being spread out over a 5-year window The total estimated cost for this project is $3,919,550 with the City being required to invest 10% of this cost back into the Regional Strategic Transportation Fund program (RSTF).
The total amount of funding being requested is $6,606,550 with the City being required to provide $660,655 (10%) to the RSTF program plus design costs for the projects as needed. The City’s 10% funds will be due at the time the projects are put out to bid.
On October 16, 2024, the H-GAC Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) recommended approval of the projects and on October 25, 2024, the Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) approved the projects for STBG funding.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. ST10 CIP Sheet
3. ST11 CIP Sheet
4. H-GAC List of Recommended STBG Funded “Spend Down” Projects
FUNDING
{X} Total funding in the amount of $990,655 is available over fiscal years FY2025 & FY2026 as follows:
FY2025 - $330,000 to begin the design of ST10, turn lane improvements at the SH96 & FM270 intersection and along FM270 where it intersections with Austin, Webster & Coryell. The project will also allow for the design and rebuild of the SH96 & Columbia Memorial Parkway intersection, with expenses charged to Miscellaneous Capital Project fund 5105.
FY2026 - 10% ($268,700) of the total anticipated construction of ST10 - $2,687,000 and 10$ ($391,955) of the total anticipated construction of ST11 - $3,919,550 is available from Miscellaneous Capital Project fund 5105.
The FY2026-FY2030 CIP will reflect the anticipated construction amounts shown above as they are currently construction estimates.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor #1 - Develop & Maintain our Infrastructure and Factor #2 - Financially Sustainable