At its June 2014 meeting, the H-GAC Board of Directors approved a local funding agreement with TxDOT to receive funding to support the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Motorist Assistance Program and freeway surveillance staffing at Houston TranStar. The program primarily serves as a freeway assistance patrol, providing assistance such as changing flat tires, supplying fuel, jump-starting vehicles and assisting in the removal of stranded vehicles from the freeway. In January 2016, the Sheriff's office began freeway monitoring activities from Houston TranStar to detect, assess and dispatch assistance for incidents that occur on the freeway system. In addition, deputies provide remote authorization for City of Houston SafeClear tow operators to remove stranded vehicles without an officer needing to come to the scene.

The Transportation Policy Council has committed $5,000,000 to continue these incident management activities.

TxDOT     $5,000,000

Yes

Request approval of resolution authorizing Local Project Advance Funding Agreement with TxDOT for receipt of funding for regional incident management activities; total program amount not to exceed $5,000,000. (Staff Contact: Alan Clark)