As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Houston-Galveston region, H-GAC is responsible for working with its member jurisdictions to identify, coordinate, and conduct transportation planning projects. Staff solicited transportation planning project proposals and received requests from local governments for planning assistance. H-GAC’s Transportation Policy Council approved the inclusion of various active transportation planning studies in the Unified Planning Work Program and allocation of federal funds in the Transportation Improvement Program. Active transportation planning studies identify needs and opportunities within a study area and develop recommendations for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.  

We are requesting authorization to enter into an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for $1,500,000 to fund the Active Transportation Studies Bundle, consisting of the following four studies:

· Bay Area Bicycle-Pedestrian Safety Plan in Harris County Precinct 2

· Buffalo Bayou East Design Concept Development in conjunction with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership

· Master Trail Plan in partnership with the City of Friendswood

· Memorial Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Study conducted with the Energy Corridor District

Federal – Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds: $1,500,000

Yes

Request authorization to enter into an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $1,500,000 to fund the Active Transportation Studies Bundle. (Staff Contact: Craig Raborn)