The Houston Region is projected to grow to approximately 10 million people by the year 2045.  The Region’s Ports currently generate in excess 1.3 Million truck trips per year and the truck trips are also expected to experience unprecedented growth over the next 25 years.  Because Ports are a vital element of the region’s economy, developing strategies to address mobility issues that may arise due to their anticipated growth is critical.

H-GAC has partnered with the four deep water ports in the region and TxDOT to conduct the Ports Area Mobility Study. This study will identify freight and goods supply chains that are dependent upon the regions port facilities.  The study will also identify improvements to better facilitate port related freight mobility from Infrastructure, Multimodal, Operational and Policy level perspectives.  The resulting analysis will identify projects/alternatives that can support Port mobility and access, as well as, address other components necessary to prepare for projected port growth.

H-GAC’s Board of Directors has provided authorization to H-GAC to enter into agreement with TxDOT to receive funds in the amount of $1.7 million to conduct the Ports Area Mobility Study, and an agreement with TxDOT was executed in 2017. The Board of Directors has also provided authorization to H-GAC to contract with HDR to conduct this study. The study is currently in the final phase, and the funding agreement with TxDOT expired on September 30, 2018. Staff is requesting authorization to re-enter into a funding agreement with TxDOT to continue to receive funds to complete this study. The study is anticipated to be completed by June 2019.

Federal - $1,600,000, State - $102,080, Local - $320,000

Yes

Request authorization to re-enter into funding agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for the Ports Area Mobility Study; total amount not to exceed $1,702,080. (Staff Contact: Alan Clark)