The Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Department developed the Subregional Planning Initiative as a response to a need for multijurisdictional coordination among various levels of stakeholders. These subregional studies develop a common vision and framework of long-range transportation needs by examining thoroughfare plans, land use, economic development information, and other region-wide information. Priority projects identified through Sub-regional Planning Initiatives may then be incorporated into the Regional Transportation Plan, and short-range priority projects may seek inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program.

In March 2022, the Houston-Galveston Area Council Board of Directors approved resolutions to enter into four Advance Funding Agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation for Active Transportation Planning Projects, Central Regional Planning Projects, South Regional Planning Projects, and Southeast Regional Planning Projects. These include partnerships with local agencies for seven subregional studies, and seven active transportation or transit studies, listed in the attached table. In addition to $4,445,000 Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds, local partners have committed to $390,000 in local contributions.

Staff is requesting authorization to enter into Interlocal Agreements with all local partners listed in the attached table for participation in study development and/or funding.

Federal – Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds: $4,445,000

Local Contribution: $390,000

Total: $4,835,000

Request approval to enter into Interlocal Agreements with local partners to accept a total of $390,000 in local contribution and/or commitment to participate in the development of fourteen subregional planning studies. (Staff Contact: Allie Isbell)