2012 Minutes - Technical Committee
Minutes of the January 6, 2012 Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization – Technical Committee meeting held at 10:15 a.m. in the Colonial Heights Library.
MEMBERS PRESENT: March Altman, Hopewell; George Schanzenbacher, Colonial Heights; Barbara Smith, Chesterfield; Steven Hennessee, VDR&PT; Sharon Williams, Prince George
Ron Svejkovsky, (alternate) VDOT; Mark Bassett, Dinwiddie; Mike Briddell, Petersburg; Gha-is Bashir, PAT; Joe Vinsh, Crater PDC
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Andrew Duggan, Fort Lee; Antoinette Haynes, Richmond Ridefinders; Dan Grinnell, Kerry Batten, Paul Agnello, VDOT; Brian Copple, Colonial Heights
Chairman Altman called the meeting to order at approximately 10:15 a.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – December 2, 2011
Upon a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Smith and carried, the minutes of the December 2, 2011 meeting were approved.
CITIZEN INFORMATION PERIOD
No comments
REVIEW OF 2035 TRANSPORTATION PLAN DRAFT CANDIDATE PROJECTS, BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PROPOSED RATING PROCEDURE
Mr. Vinsh distributed copies of a sheet listing identified candidate projects for rating. Mr. Vinsh also distributed information listing projects by jurisdiction with UPC numbers from the current Six Year Improvement Program. Mr. Vinsh indicated some projects with UPC numbers are fully funded and some are not. These projects are considered “Pre-Selected” or top priority for the allocation of any additional funds needed and would not be rated by the MPO.
After a period of discussion, it was agreed that any additional background narrative related to the candidate projects would be provided by project sponsors to the CPDC staff early the following week. Base scoring would be completed by Technical Committee voting members within 2 weeks and sent to the CPDC staff by January 25. The results of the base scoring, cost/benefit scoring and LOS scoring for each candidate project would be presented for review by the Technical Committee during the February 3, 2012 meeting.
Mr. Vinsh stated the MPO – Policy Committee meeting for February will be rescheduled for February 23 because of conflicts with the day of legislative meetings scheduled and the regular MPO - Policy Committee monthly meeting date.
Mr. Vinsh indicated VDOT has provided 2035 financial forecast information for use developing the constrained project list.
I-95/I-85 ROADWAY SAFETY AREA STUDY
As an “Other Business” item Mr. Agnello reported funding in the amount of $90,000 has been secured by VDOT to retain consulting services to conduct a safety study of the I-95 and I-85 corridors within the Tri-Cities. Mr. Agnello indicated the study would begin in the February/March timeframe and be completed by June 2012.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:15 p.m.
Minutes of the February 3, 2012 Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization – Technical Committee meeting held at 10:15 a.m. in the Colonial Heights Library.
MEMBERS PRESENT: March Altman, Hopewell; George Schanzenbacher, Colonial Heights; Barbara Smith, Chesterfield; Steven Hennessee, VDR&PT; Julie Walton, Prince George;
Ron Svejkovsky, (alternate) VDOT; Mark Bassett, Dinwiddie; Mike Briddell, Petersburg; Gha-is Bashir, PAT; Joe Vinsh, Crater PDC
MEMBERS ABSENT: Steven Hennessee, DR&PT; Gha-is Bashir, PAT; Mike Briddell, Petersburg
OTHERS PRESENT: Andrew Duggan, Fort Lee; Von Tisdale, Cherika Ruffin, Richmond Ridefinders; Dan Grinnell, Kerry Batten, Paul Agnello, VDOT; Brian Copple, Colonial Heights
Chairman Altman called the meeting to order at approximately 10:15 a.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – January 6, 2012
Upon a motion by Mr. Schanzenbacher, seconded by Mr. Bassett and carried, the minutes of the January 6, 2012 meeting were approved.
CITIZEN INFORMATION PERIOD
No comments
REVIEW OF 2035 CANDIDATE PROJECT RATING RESULTS
Mr. Vinsh made reference to a spreadsheet showing the results of the rating of the 65 candidate projects by functional classification as completed by local government members of the Technical Committee. Mr. Vinsh also reviewed how the 3 rating factors (base scoring, cost/benefit, LOS) were used to determine total project scores.
Ms. Smith and Mr. Schanzenbacher expressed some concern that the numerical rating procedure used does not always accurately reflect regional priorities.
Mr. Agnello stated the cost estimate used for the Rives Road/I-95 interchange was too high. He suggested the I-95/I-85 Roadway Safety Analysis currently underway includes this location and would probably be able to offer a more refined estimate on needed improvement.
Mr. Vinsh stated the estimate used for the I-95/Rives Road interchange improvement was taken from the 2031 Plan and inflated to 2011 costs.
After a period of discussion, it was agreed a review of the long range plan candidate project rating procedure would be considered as an agenda item for the March meeting.
Upon a motion by Ms. Smith, seconded by Mr. Bassett and carried, action was taken to recommend the results of the rating to the Policy Committee for public review and air quality analysis.
REVIEW OF UPDATED LISTING OF PRE-SELECTED PROJECTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2035 FINANCIALLY CONSTRAINED PROJECT LIST
Mr. Vinsh indicated a review of projects listed in the FY12 – FY17 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) has been completed and identifies 5 projects that are not fully funded with a total need of $14,345,169 in additional funding.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION ON 2035 FINANCIAL FORECAST
Mr. Svejkovsky reviewed information developed by VDOT on forecasted revenues for future interstate, secondary and statewide projects within the Tri-Cities. The forecasts covered both the next 6 year time period and the FY18 - FY35 time period.
After a period of discussion, it was agreed the revenue categories should be limited to interstate and statewide.
Mr. Vinsh indicated these forecasts would be applied to the project ratings and presented during the March meetings for review and endorsement.
STATUS REPORT ON THE TRI-CITIES PASSENGER RAIL STATION ALTERNATIVES STUDY
Mr. Vinsh reported representatives from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DR&PT) recently relayed information received from Amtrak that this passenger rail provider will not be able to conduct the anticipated passenger station alternatives study for the Tri-Cities because of budget considerations. This alternatives analysis was recommended in the environmental documents prepared for the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor study.
Mr. Vinsh further stated efforts are being made to find out how much funds Amtrak would need to have its consultants prepare this study according to the proposed project preliminary scope of work.
REVIEW OF SELECTED STATE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
Mr. Vinsh briefly commented on the status of several bills introduced at the General Assembly, including companion bills HB 1248 and SB 639 as advanced by the Governor’s office to address transportation revenues, land use and transportation relationships and selected regional transportation issues.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION REQUESTED BY VDOT REGARDING MPO AND PDC PROJECT PRIORITIES FOR THE FY13 – FY18 SIX YEAR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (SYIP) UPDATE
Mr. Vinsh reported that VDOT has requested MPO/PDC representatives to provide information on priorities for the FY13 – FY18 SYIP update during a statewide meeting scheduled for February 8, 2012.
After a brief period of discussion, it was agreed the 5 projects identified in the current SYIP that are not fully funded should be identified as the priorities for the FY13 – FY18 SYIP with equal weight.
REVIEW OF EXISTING PRIORITIZED CMAQ AND RSTP PROJECT LIST AND FY13 – FY18 SYIP DEVELOPMENT
Committee members reviewed the status of CMAQ and RSTP projects within their jurisdictions. It was determined that all active projects have sufficient funding to complete either entire project or the project phase scheduled over the next 6 year period.
Mr. Svejkovsky stated the next year (FY18) of CMAQ and RSTP allocations would be determined using the prioritized project list of each program. He added that this information would be prepared for review during the March meeting.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 2031 TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO INCLUDE A PROJECT AT LEE AVENUE & ROUTE 36
Mr. Vinsh indicated that at this time only about $2m of the $4.25m in State grant funds from the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority (VNDIA) that have been awarded to the Crater PDC for Fort Lee expansion transportation related projects will be able to be spent. This is because of the unanticipated State stimulus funding made available for the Route 36 & Route 144 project and because bids received for the Hickory Hill Road improvement projects were considerably lower than estimated costs. Mr. Vinsh added Fort Lee has developed the concept for a new project to modify the signal at Lee Gate and extend a right turn lane for an estimated cost of $530,000. The 2031 plan would need to be amended to add this project. It is proposed that available surplus funding currently allocated to the Hickory Hill Road – Phase II project be used for the Route 36 & Lee Avenue project.
After a period of discussion, Mr. Schanzenbacher made a motion seconded by Mr. Bassett and carried, that this amendment be recommended to the MPO – Policy Committee.
After a further period of discussion, it was agreed to recommend to the Policy Committee that the idea of securing authorization from the State to retain surplus funding from VNDIA for the purpose of establishing a Temple Avenue Improvement Fund for future improvement in this corridor.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Schanzenbacher made a motion seconded by Mr. Bassett and carried, that the meeting be adjourned at approximately 12:05 p.m.
Minutes of the March 2, 2012 Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization – Technical Committee meeting held at 10:15 a.m. in the Colonial Heights Library.
MEMBERS PRESENT: March Altman, Hopewell; George Schanzenbacher, Colonial Heights; Steven Hennessee, VDR&PT; Julie Walton, Prince George; Ron Svejkovsky, (alternate) VDOT; Mark Bassett, Dinwiddie; Mike Briddell, Petersburg; Gha-is Bashir, PAT; Joe Vinsh, Crater PDC
MEMBERS ABSENT: Barbara Smith, Chesterfield
OTHERS PRESENT: Andrew Duggan, Fort Lee; Dan Grinnell, Jim Ponticello, VDOT; Brian Copple, Colonial Heights; John Stuart, Lockner, Inc.;
Chairman Altman called the meeting to order at approximately 10:15 a.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – January 6, 2012
Upon a motion by Mr. Schanzenbacher, seconded by Mr. Bassett and carried, the minutes of the January 6, 2012 meeting were approved with corrections to show that Hennessee, Bashir and Briddell were not present.
CITIZEN INFORMATION PERIOD
No comments
REVIEW OF 2035 CANDIDATE PROJECT RATING RESULTS
Mr. Vinsh distributed updated spreadsheets showing the 2035 revenue forecast by interstate and statewide categories, as discussed during the February meeting, and the 2035 project priorities by functional classification by three funding periods or bands.
Mr. Svejkovsky explained the forecasted revenues discussed at the February meeting have been deflated in this spreadsheet to FY2012 dollars and grouped into funding periods or band years consisting of band 1 (FY12 – FY17) or the current Six-Year Improvement Program), band 2 (FY2018 – FY2028) and band 3 (FY2029 – FY2035). These funds are anticipated to be available within the MPO area during the designated time periods or bands being used for the air quality conformity analysis.
Mr. Vinsh commented that the Route 460 PPTA project is also being included in the project list and in the air quality analysis.
Mr. Svejkovsky further explained there are some buffer amounts under both forecasts. There were insufficient funds to fiscally constrain the revised estimate for the total cost of the Rives Road interchange project.
Mr. Vinsh added that recommendations from the on-going Roadway Safety Analysis of the I-95/I-85 interchange would probably lead to revisions in the current scope and cost estimates for this top priority interstate project.
After a period of discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to recommend the updated project listing showing fiscal constraint for 2035 prioritized projects by time periods and with PE only phases for both the Rives Road and the Southpark interchange projects for the March 8 Policy Committee meeting.
REPORT ON STATE GRANT FUNDS FROM THE VIRGINIA NATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITY (VNDIA)
Mr. Vinsh indicated the next quarterly report for these grant funds is due soon and a recommended approach to use remaining funds needs to be identified. As discussed during the February meeting, the some VNDIA grant funds are not going to be used for intended projects because the Commonwealth Transportation Board decided used State ARRA funds to complete the Rt. 36 & Rt. 144 split intersection project at Sisisky Gate and because the bid awards at both Hickory Hill Road projects were considerably less than estimated cost.
Mr. Vinsh commented that it may be better to seek authorization from the VNDIA to use the remaining funds for a project that can be completed with remaining funds rather than recommending these funds be designated for future Temple Avenue improvements as discussed previously. The Rt. 36 & Puddledock Road project currently on the RSTP priority list for future improvement was discussed as being proximate to Fort Lee and suitable for the remaining funds. The cost of this project is estimated at $1,213,700. The scope for this project would include realignment of the intersection and installation of crossing guard arms at the railroad track.
After a period of discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to recommend requesting authorization to use the remaining funds for an intersection project at Rt. 36 and Puddledock Road. This project is currently on the RSTP priority list as a future improvement. The cost of this project is estimated at $1,213,700. The scope for this project would include realignment of the intersection and installation of crossing guard arms at the railroad track.
REVIEW OF CURRENT PROCEDURE FOR RATING CANDIDATE PROJECTS FOR TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATES
Mr. Vinsh reviewed the 3 factors used to rate the 2035 candidate projects.
It was the consensus of the Committee that the Chair would establish a Sub-Committee to address this item.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED FY13 – FY18 CMAQ AND RSTP ALLOCATIONS
Mr. Svejkovsky reviewed spreadsheets showing recommendations for allocations for the years FY13 – FY18 based on project status information discussed during the February meeting. Mr. Svejkovsky explained that projects highlighted in yellow either need additional funds in future years or the cost estimate is expected to change, projects highlighted in green have surplus funds and projects in blue are newly initiated.
Mr. Vinsh stated the project allocations shown in the spreadsheets prepared by VDOT reflect the priorities established by the MPO during the candidate project ratings conducted for each program.
After a period of discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to recommend Policy Committee endorsement of the allocations shown in the spreadsheets
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Schanzenbacher made a motion seconded by Mr. Bassett and carried, that the meeting be adjourned at approximately 12:05 p.m.
