Summary: Approve FY 2015/16 Transportation Development Act Claims. The amounts claimed for Local Transportation Funds (LTF) and State Transit Assistance (STA) funds are:

Action: Staff requests TTC/PAC to recommend approval by resolution of the TDA Claims FY 2015/16 of the above listed member agencies.

Summary:  The FY 2014-15 Fourth Quarter Progress Report is included for your review. 

Action:  Staff recommends acceptance of the FY 2014-15 Fourth Quarter Progress Report. 

Summary: The Measure C Committee met on January 28^th to discuss the Measure C New Technology Reserve Subprogram.  The first meeting provided an overview of the Measure C program and detailed information on the funding availability for the New Technology Program.  It was expected that in 20 years the program would have over $36 million in revenues per the Expenditure Plan; however, the most recent estimates reflect an expected $30.6 million. As of March 24, 2015, the program has $9.4 million which is growing at about $1.4 million per year (based on FY 14/15 estimates).  Every meeting has included an extensive discussion about funding for Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) and staff has provided background information on how the New Technology Program came about, including a discussion on the Measure C funded Public Transportation Infrastructure Study (PTIS) that included an assessment of the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) project. The study concluded the PRT was too expensive; more than what will be available in the fund source. The committee also discussed a few different options proposed throughout the last seven years on how the New Technology funds can and should be expended; however, there has not been one project that has garnered enough traction to be funded through this program. Because of this, the committee discussed the importance of exploring other options including the issuance of a call for projects and explore what is out there that could potentially be a good candidate for funding through this subprogram.

The second committee meeting was held on March 25^th where the recommendation and direction to staff was to develop a workgroup that would focus on developing and recommending specific scope and criteria for the solicitation and project selection process.  The workgroup met on May 18^th, June 8^th, June 22, and July 8^th.  Members of the committee and subcommittee have expressed strong sentiment in regards to ensuring that projects funded through this program include environmental, social equity, and economic benefits to Fresno County residents and communities (keep it local). Other members from the Social Services areas provided input that spoke to the need of investing New Technology funds on improving the current transit system. 

The subcommittee has also heard from several experts regarding advanced transit technologies including Mr. Bengt Gustafsson, CEO of Beamways, a company in Sweden which has recently received a US Patent for a unique Automated Transit Network System that could potentially be used on Pod Cars on a PRT system. The Committee also received a presentation from John D. Clements, Retired Director of Transportation and Consultant/Advisor/Advocate regarding the use of the New Technology funds for purposes of providing matching project funds for innovative projects, like electric buses, that are requesting cap and trade funds and/or other forms of funds. The most recent presentation was given by Aly M. Tawfik, PhD from Fresno State’s Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering who presented about advanced transportation technologies, and the future of transportation. His presentation provided an unbiased overview of the positives, negatives and risks of a PRT system in Fresno.

Current discussions include developing set-asides/soft targets for certain categories such as Near Term Deployment projects/programs (that would include awarding projects for match on other projects), Research and Development and Long-Term (Future) Projects. This discussion triggered staff to draft a rough funding allocation proposal, but when presented to the workgroup, the workgroup decided to table it for possible further discussion.

The workgroup met on July 29^th, August 19^th, and September 3^rd.  Fresno COG staff developed a grant application to be used to solicit projects and programs for the New Technology Funds and presented it to the subcommittee on August 19, 2015.  This application is included for your information. 

The initial release of the application/call for projects will be in either late 2015 or early 2016.

This initial award cycle will make $10,000,000 available.  Subsequent cycles will be biennial and make approximately $2.8 million available plus any funds not allocated from the previous cycle. 

Applications will be issued to eligible public agencies within Fresno County including the Fresno COG, Fresno County, and the cities in Fresno County.  Entities deemed ineligible to apply for New Technology Grant funds may apply as a partnering agency but must partner with an eligible applicant that will be responsible for implementing the project.  The applicant and/or implementing agency assumes responsibility and accountability for the use and expenditure of program funds. 

The next public meeting will be held Tuesday, October 27^th at 2pm in the Sequoia Room.  Please contact Peggy Arnest if you would like more information about the New Tech program.

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary: A new report that was released on September 8, 2015 by the California Transportation Commission has found that funds authorized by Proposition 1B in 2006 were spent effectively and have greatly improved the state’s transportation network.

The $20 billion bond measure was designed to be a one-time infusion of cash to begin the process of improving the transportation network, including both new projects like the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel between Oakland and Walnut Creek and a long list of projects to rebuild and repair deteriorating streets, highways and bridges.

The CTC managed $12 billion of the package and reports that:

• 98 cents of every dollar went to projects; only 2 cents to project administration.
• More than $12 billion from Proposition 1B leveraged (i.e., enhanced) an additional $25 billion in federal, local and private money.
• The expenditure of Proposition 1B bond funds came at a critical time, creating more than 650,000 jobs statewide at a time when jobs were most needed during the 2008-12 Great Recession—the nation’s worst economic downturn in 80 years.
• During this time, the state benefited from a strong competitive bidding environment resulting in $2 billion in project cost savings. These savings were rapidly reinvested in additional capital work, increasing the return on investment to taxpayers, by getting more “bang for the buck” and more projects than originally planned.

The report notes that state and local road improvements are projected to save drivers more than 530,000 hours of daily travel time. Major freight movement improvements were made in San Diego, the Los Angeles area and the Bay Area. Some 318 bridges received seismic retrofit work to protect them in case of an earthquake, and long-neglected Highway 99 saw more than 112 miles of improvements and increased capacity.

The full report can be found at http://www.catc.ca.gov/1baccount/Proposition_1B_Report_9-2-15.pdf. Please contact Melissa Garza at mgarza@fresnocog.org or 559-233-4148 ext. 205 if you have any questions.

 Action: Information. Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary: Last month, the U.S. Congress enacted another extension of funding for programs under the most recent multi-year Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).  While this extension expires October 29, 2015, it is possible that the U.S. Congress will enact additional MAP-21 extensions through the end of 2015 before it enacts multi-year surface transportation funding and policy legislation 

Additionally, the U.S. Senate approved a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act (the “DRIVE Act”), a six-year authorization of surface transportation programs containing revenue to support only three years of funding for those programs.  The U.S. House of Representatives has not yet introduced a multi-year proposal.  It is expected that the Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization process will gain momentum this fall as deliberations over policy and long-term funding between the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Administration intensify.

Attached are the California Statewide Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization Consensus Principles, which incorporate core Federal transportation priorities that include: 

• A long-term (4 to 6 year) reauthorization bill
• An overall increase in Federal transportation investment and national policy leadership and support for a “fix-it-first” philosophy
• Dedicated, sustainable funding for a freight/goods movement program
• Federal incentives and support to advance sustainability and climate preparedness efforts

Additionally, the California Statewide Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization Consensus Principles incorporate California stakeholder comments that were received during two statewide conference calls hosted by Caltrans this summer, in which over 110 participants statewide called in, as well as written follow up comments that we received after those calls. 

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary:  The enclosed message from California Highway Patrol Officer Perry Miller concerns a recent incident on westbound SR-180 just east of SR-99 that was resolved quickly and professionally by Budget Towing in its capacity as the towing provider for Fresno’s Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) program.  Staff typically only brings to your attention FSP matters related to contractor selection or significant operational changes but wanted you to be aware of this particular item because the CHP officer was so impressed with the FSP that he took the time to express it in writing.  Staff urges you to take a minute or two to read the enclosed note from Officer Miller.      

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary: Following official approval from Caltrans, traffic counts at strategic locations along both the SR-99 and Highway 41 corridors were taken the last week of July.  The counts and associated data are now being formatted, analyzed and validated.  Survey materials also associated with origin-destination study tasks are being finalized, and will be distributed shortly, with survey activities scheduled to take place throughout November and December.  Completion of all project tasks is anticipated for February 2016.  All tasks associated with the project remain on schedule and within approved budgets.

For any questions regarding upcoming activities associated with this project, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

Action: Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary: ARB is currently working on Updated Funding Guidelines for Administering Agencies for all programs funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (funded by Cap and Trade Auction Proceeds).  Draft guidelines have been available for review since mid- June, and are anticipated to be adopted by ARB at their September 24^th Board meeting.  Fresno COG has attended the various workshops hosted by ARB, and provided feedback associated with the guidelines, strongly encouraging (1) greater transparency requirements in the scoring processes, (2) improved equity and competitiveness for rural agencies, and (3) improved inclusion of regional SCSs.  Details on the Updated Funding Guidelines can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auctionproceeds/fundingguidelines.htm.  The agenda for the upcoming Board meeting where the updated Guidelines will be considered can be found out: http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2015/ma092415a.pdf.

In addition to updated guidelines, ARB has also been working on the Second Investment Plan (Fiscal Years 2016-17 through 2018-19) for Cap and Trade auction proceeds (as part of the overall California Climate Investments).  Throughout July and August – in conjunction with Funding Guideline Workshops – the ARB presented information on the Draft Investment Plan, and accepted public comment.  A revised draft of the plan is anticipated in late Fall 2015, with submission of the Final Draft to the Legislature anticipated for January 2016.

In relation to cap and trade, efforts are moving forward to update the AB 32 Scoping Plan, which reflects California’s new goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, as directed in Executive Order B-30-15.  On October 1, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the California Secretary of State Building, the California Environmental Protection Agency, California State Transportation Agency, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Air Resources Board, and Governor’s Office of Planning and Research are hosting a community workshop to build on the recent Governor’s Climate Change Pillars symposia, to seek public input on the strategies for achieving the reduction mandate. The 2030 Scoping Plan will also help expand on the post-2020 GHG reductions outlined in the first update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan.  The agenda and presentation materials will be made available prior to the public meeting.  Additional regional workshops are being planned for Los Angeles, the Central Valley, and the Bay Area in the fall (details to follow when made available).  The meeting materials can be found at the ARB’s Climate Change website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cc.htm.

Below are details on each of the Transportation and Sustainable Communities Funding programs associated with California Climate Investments:

• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program: This program is administered by the Strategic Growth Council (SGC), and implemented by both the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Natural Resources Agency’s, with a fiscal year 2014/15 funding allocation of $130 million.  The program aims to fund land-use, housing, transportation, and land preservation projects to support infill and compact development that reduce GHG emissions, while significantly benefiting disadvantaged communities and providing affordable housing.  Program activities are intended to yield in projects that include transit-oriented development, intermodal affordable housing, transit capital projects, active transportation and complete streets.

The SGC is currently working on updated guidelines for the next round of funding, which is anticipated to have an allocation of $400 million in fiscal year 2015/16.  SGC staff released Draft Updated Guidelines on September 17^th, which can be found at: http://sgc.ca.gov/docs/Draft_2015-16_Affordable_Housing_and_Susatainable_Communities_Program_Guidelines.pdf.  Included with the release of the draft guidelines was a memo notating that the issues of geographic equity/distribution of funding and MPO role and involvement in the process would not be addressed within the draft guidelines.  In Round One of the program, these same items (particularly the MPO role) was not addressed in detail by the SGC, who stated that following adoption of the original guidelines, they would work with the MPOs to ensure good coordination. MPOs throughout the state did not feel this was sufficiently done, and have been very vocal about their role for Round Two. Still, however, the item has been met with significant opposition from the SGC. Policy considerations for items outside of those currently found in the draft (including those notated above) will be discussed at the SGC meeting October 15^th in Sacramento.  Written comments on the draft guidelines are due by October 30th. The SGC plans to adopt final guidelines at their December 17th meeting, and release notice of funding availability in January 2016.

The SGC has scheduled workshops to take place in the month of October - with Fresno scheduled for October 26th (at the Hugh Burnes State Building from 1-4 pm).  Fresno COG is continually engaging with the SGC through CalCOG, the RTPA sub-group, Valley COG Director's and individually.

Additional information on the program can be found at: http://sgc.ca.gov/s_ahscprogram.php.

• High Speed Rail Program: This program is administered by the High Speed Rail Authority, with a funding allocation of $250 million.  Activities within the program consist of the planning, design, and right-of-way acquisition, and construction of the initial operating segment.  Appropriations for the fiscal year 2015/16 are $500 million for HSR.

The Authority currently has a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) out for the building of the Phase Four of High-Speed Rail in the Central Valley, which can be found at: http://www.hsr.ca.gov/Programs/Construction/design_build_construction_contracts.html.  The homepage for the HSR is: http://hsr.ca.gov/.

• Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP): This program is administered by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), with a funding allocation of $25 million.  Activities within this program consist of capital improvements and operational investments that will modernize California’s transit systems and intercity, commuter, and urban rail systems to reduce GHG emissions, expand and improve rail service and increase ridership, integrate the rail service of the state’s various rail operations, including integration with the high-speed rail system, and improve safety.

On June 30, 2015, CalSTA announced the awardees for the program, totaling $718,000,021 in funding for 14 projects.  One of the awards was in the San Joaquin Valley (San Joaquin RTD). 

Appropriations for fiscal year 2015/16 are $265 million.  Additional information on the program can be found at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/MassTrans/tircp.html.

• Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP): This program is administered through the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), with a funding allocation of $25 million.  Activities within this program are designed to provide operating and capital assistance for transit agencies to reduce GHG emissions and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities.  Approved projects in LCTOP will support new or expanded bus or rail services, expand intermodal transit facilities, and may include equipment acquisition, fueling, maintenance and other costs to operate those services or facilities, with each project reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

On June 30, 2015, the State Controller’s Office released information on the approved amounts of funds.  Among the 95 eligible projects detailed are three within Fresno County (FAX/City of Fresno, $249,311; City of Clovis, $36,902; and FCRTA, $69,760). 

Appropriations for fiscal year 2015/16 are $100 million with review and approval of eligible projects expected by March 1, 2016.  Caltrans, in coordination with ARB and SCO, is in the process of updating Guidelines to address timelines for continuous appropriation and to clarify a few administrative items. Public workshops were held in August. A NEW WORKSHOP WILL BE ADDED FOR THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY TO BE HELD EARLY NOVEMBER AT FRESNO COG (more information TBD by Caltrans). Additional information on the program can be found at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/MassTrans/lctop.html.

• Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Program: This program is administered by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), with a funding allocation of $230 million.  Within this program, Cap and Trade auction proceeds provide an additional funding source for ARB’s advanced technology, clean transportation incentive programs, thus expanding the types of projects ARB has funded through the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP).  Activities within the program include zero and near-zero emission passenger vehicle rebates, heavy duty hybrid/ZEV trucks and buses, freight demonstration projects, and pilot programs (car sharing, financing, etc.) in disadvantaged communities. 

Appropriations for fiscal year 2015/16 are $350 million.  Additional details for the various program activities can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/aqip.htm.

Action: Information item.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

(Prop 84 Round 2) Following is a brief report on the status of Round 2 activities:

(Task 1) Greenprint: The Greenprint Management Committee had its most recent conference call on Friday, September 25.  The purpose of the call was twofold; first, to solidify the project schedule going forward and second, to finalize a new direction to the expert panels task.  With regard to the schedule, the major milestone now is the release of the Request for Proposals for Demonstration Projects (formerly referred to as Pilot projects) the first week of January.  The work of the expert panels will feed into the RFP, as noted below, and must, therefore, be completed by mid-December.

The focus now with the expert panels and other stakeholders is to identify and come to agreement on the major topical issues affecting the non-urban lands of the Valley that correspond to the Greenprint themes of water, agriculture, biodiversity, energy, and the Valley’s rural economy.  Input will be solicited from the experts and also the County Planning Directors, the COGs (because of their responsibility to develop Sustainable Community Strategies), the Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and its relevant workgroups, and other stakeholder agencies and organizations (particularly state and federal agencies).  A report will be prepared detailing the results of this input, which will be used as the basis for the Demonstration Projects.  Demonstrations Projects should be able to use the Greenprint resources developed in Phase I to map and analyze an issue, and identify synergies or conflicts among resources and other uses.  

(Task 2) Model Land-Use Revalidation activities (Model Improvement Program Phase 2) have been ongoing since January 2014.  Fehr and Peers, as the selected consultant, is conducting activities associated with the project, including data collection and processing, refinement of model input data; and model estimation, calibration, validation, evaluation and associated training activities.  In addition, the consultant is overseeing all project management and information sharing details.

For any questions regarding Model Land-Use Revalidation efforts, please contact Mike Bitner at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 216 or via email at mbitner@fresnocog.org.

(Task 3) Due to the completion of several anticipated Round 2 activities within Round 1, Department of Conservation (DOC) representatives approved the re-allocation of line item funds to increase the amount of funding for both Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) printing/duplication for outreach and public involvement, as well as the amount available to assist with Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) coordination.  A total of $55,000 for RHNA coordination and $88,674 for SCS printing/duplication reflect the new line items.  These amounts are to be allocated to each COG based upon population percentages (utilizing the Planning Center data), similar to other valley activities in the recent past.  With 24% of the Valley’s overall population, Fresno COG’s proportion of these funds is $20,841.54 for SCS activities, and $13,200 for RHNA activities.

All Round 2 activities must be completed by 9/30/16, in accordance with the 3-year DOC grant period.  For any questions regarding SCS Implementation activities, please contact Rob Terry at (559) 233-4148 Ext. 222 or via email at rterry@fresnocog.org.

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

YARTS Public Transit from Fresno to Yosemite National Park

Service began Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 2015. YARTS continues with a modified fall/winter schedule. Wildfires in Madera County and the National Park affected access to and from the park as well as the air quality and safety considerations that likely impacted visitors and therefore ridership. Activities continue to support operations and increase ridership:

• Total ridership numbers from inception date of May 23, 2015 are as follows:
  • 5,797 passengers on YARTS Fresno Route - May (partial month), June, July and August (September numbers have yet to be tallied)
  • NPS staff continue to work with Fresno COG and YARTS to assess and provide feedback regarding progress of the service including ridership data
  • Supplemental funding sources to promote ridership are being actively pursued, particularly through the National Park Service submitting grant applications.
  • Stop locations, timing and schedule coordination have been established to Yosemite
  • A reliable communication system has been established between the bus/shuttle drivers, operations and maintenance staff as well as the park service to ensure the quality and safety of the service. 
  • Continuance of a media campaign builds upon the successful implementation of operations and maintenance provided by YARTS
  • News releases and advertisements via print, web and television to inform the public of the new service have been released regularly, and will continue throughout the demonstration period of this project.
  • Websites and Facebook continue to attract visitors and promote information about the service routes and schedules. For additional details visit:
    • www.YARTS.com

Big Trees Transit from Fresno to Sanger to SEKI (Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park):

Big Trees Transit began Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 2015, the service ended for the season on September 7, 2015. During the Rough Fire at Kings Canyon National Park, Big Trees Transit vehicles were utilized to assist evacuation of hikers. Activities continue to support operations and increase ridership:

• Total ridership numbers from inception date of May 23, 2015 are as follows:
  • 7,156 passengers on Big Trees Transit during May (partial month), June, July, August and September 1^st through 7th
  • NPS staff continue to work with the City of Sanger and the transit operator to assess and provide feedback regarding progress of the service including ridership data
  • Supplemental funding sources to promote ridership are being actively pursued, particularly through the National Park Service submitting grant applications.
  • Stop locations, timing and schedule coordination has been established to SEKI 
  • A reliable communication system have been established between the bus/shuttle drivers, operations and maintenance staff as well as the park service to ensure the quality and safety of the service. 
  • Continuance of a media campaign funded by the City of Sanger that builds upon the successful implementation of operations and maintenance provided by Big Trees Transit Operator FCRTA/EOC
  • News releases and advertisements via print, web and television to inform the public of the new service have been released regularly, and will continue throughout the demonstration period of this project.
  • Websites and Facebook continue to attract visitors and promote information about the service routes and schedules. For additional details visit:
    • www.bigtreestransit.com

 Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee. 

Summary: Fresno COG was selected by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as one of the 10 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) nationwide to receive $20,000 grant for the Bicycle-Pedestrian Count Pilot Program. Fresno COG matched $5,000 for this program. Reliable bike and pedestrian count data could support planning and investment decisions for active transportation as well as targeted safety improvements. This program is intended to spur interest from local agencies in collecting bicycle and pedestrian counts and support their active transportation planning efforts.

With $25,000 funding, Fresno COG purchased four sets of counters from Eco-Counter. Each set includes a PYRO-Box counter for pedestrian/cyclist counting and a pneumatic tube counter for bicycle counting. Six agencies participated in the program. The participating agencies include City of Fresno, County of Fresno, City of Clovis, CSU Fresno, City of Selma and City of Reedley.  Each agency is assigned a two-week count cycle to ensure data quality and reliability.

City of Fresno conducted its first cycle counts from Aug 31^st to Sept 16^th 2015, and the data collected showed significant variations among different count locations, different time of day, and between weekday and weekend. The successful completion of the first cycle counts by City of Fresno confirmed the proper functioning of the counters and the validity of the count data.

The pilot program will continue into April 2016. After the conclusion of the pilot program, the four sets of counters will remain Fresno COG’s property and the future usage of the counters will be discussed in the Congestion Management Process (CMP) meetings.

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary: See attached memo. For the latest information on grants, Fresno COG member agencies and partnering agencies can register for EfficientGov’s GrantFinder database service.  Fresno COG has subscribed to this service and is offering free membership to local agencies and partnering agencies.  If you or someone from your agency is interested in signing up for this service, or if you have any questions, please contact Lindsey Chargin at 559-233-4148 ext. 205 or lindseyc@fresnocog.org.

EfficientGov offers grantwriting  assistance and provides real-time, comprehensive, grant information for all federal, state, foundation and corporate grants that are available to municipalities, counties and non-profit agencies.  The database is updated daily with new grants as well as important updates to existing grants within the database.  Additionally, the service provides for unlimited access to EfficientGov news, articles and the GrantIntel newsletter, which focuses specifically on grant funding.

If your agency has already subscribed, but a tutorial on how to search for grants is needed, EfficientGov offers a free monthly demo for all of its users. You can sign up for the next available tutorial here: http://efficientgov.com/refresh.

Action: Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary: The Fresno Council of Governments is proposing a Draft 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program Amendment No. 8 (2015 FTIP Amendment No. 8) and 2014 Regional Transportation Plan Amendment No. 1 (2014 RTP Amendment No. 1), and Draft 2015 Conformity Analysis for the 2008 Ozone and 2012 PM2.5 Standards for the 2014 RTP/2015 FTIP.  See the enclosed memo and draft resolution for details.  Referenced documents are available on the Fresno COG website at www.fresnocog.org.

The public review and comment period was open for 30 days commencing on August 18, 2015 and ending on September 18, 2015; comments were due by 4:30 p.m. on September 18, 2015. A public hearing was held to receive public comment, on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in Fresno COG’s Sequoia conference room at 2035 Tulare Street Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721. One verbal comment was received outside of the public hearing and is reflected as part of the final document. Adoption of the 2015 FTIP Amendment No. 8, 2014 RTP Amendment No. 1, and 2015 Conformity Analysis addressing the 2008 Ozone and 2012 PM2.5 Standards is scheduled for the October 22, 2015 Fresno COG Policy Board meeting. 

The Draft 2015 FTIP Amendment No. 8, 2014 RTP Amendment No. 1, and 2015 Conformity Analysis addressing the 2008 Ozone and 2012 PM2.5 Standards meet all applicable transportation planning requirements per 23 CFR Part 450, 40 CFR Part 93, and conform to the applicable SIPs.  If you have any questions, please contact: Mike Bitner at 559-233-4148 ext. 216 or mbitner@fresnocog.org.

Action: Staff requests that TTC and PAC recommend to the Policy Board to adopt the 2015 FTIP Amendment No. 8, 2014 RTP Amendment No. 1, and 2015 Conformity Analysis addressing the 2008 Ozone and 2012 PM2.5 Standards via Resolution No. 2015-41.

Summary: The Call for Projects for the Regional ATP was initiated on June 26^th and closed on August 7^th. The ATP Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Group (MAG) formed a scoring committee made up of MAG members to evaluate the Active Transportation Program applications for the Fresno County region. The committee met on Wednesday Sept. 23^rd and reviewed 24 applications. **One application was withdrawn on September 25th because it will be funded through the statewide process. 

The Cycle 2 Fresno COG Regional Competitive ATP covers three years of funding, FY 16-17 through FY 18-19 making $1.3 million/year available for the Fresno COG Regional Call ($3,933,000 million total). Per the ATP legislation, at least 25% of Fresno COG’s program funds must benefit projects in disadvantaged communities, that is, $328,000 per year or $984,000 in Cycle 2. The enclosed summary illustrates a recommended award for 12 projects throughout the Fresno County region. Furthermore, 85% of the funds recommended will benefit disadvantaged communities. That is, $3,341,615 of the funds are expected to benefit either disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities in this area.

The program of projects being recommended will go to the Policy Board in October for adoption and then must go to the California Transportation Commission for their final acceptance in December. Below is the proposed schedule for adoption of the program:

• FCOG selected draft project list to TTC/PAC for recommendation of approval – October 9, 2015
• FCOG selected draft project list to FCOG Policy Board for adoption – October 22, 2015
• Deadline for MPO project programming recommendations to CTC – November 16, 2015
• CTC adopts MPO selected projects – December 9-10, 2015
• FCOG programs selected ATP projects as an amendment to the 2015 FTIP-February 2015

Action: Staff requests that TTC and PAC recommend to the Policy Board to adopt the Cycle 2 Fresno COG Regional Competitive Active Transportation Program of Projects as recommended by the ATP Scoring Committee.

Summary:The Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) has solicited proposals from qualified consultants to conduct Triennial Performance Audits for the Fresno COG and the four Transit Operators in Fresno County that receive Transportation Development Act funding.  This request covers a total of five audits and will cover the years 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Selection Committee is comprised of representatives of Fresno County Transit Operators. The proposal deadline is October 5th. The Selection Committee will review the proposals  after the mailing of the October TTC\PAC agenda; however, to facilitate the project and avoid losing a month, the Selection Committee will provide a recommendation at the October TTC/PAC. The actual award of the contract will be made by the Fresno COG Policy Board, scheduled for the October 22, 2015 meeting. Proposal opening does not constitute the awarding of a contract. The contract is not in force until it is awarded by the Fresno COG and executed by the Fresno COG’s designee(s). More information can be found on our website: RFP for Fresno COG's and the four Fresno County Region Transit Operators

Action:  Staff recommends approval of the Selection Committee recommendation. 

Summary: In response to increased public inquiry regarding the mitigation of noise levels from local freeways, Fresno COG contracted with LSA Associates, Inc. to prepare a Retrofit Soundwall Study Report for various freeway locations throughout Fresno County. While some of these locations were analyzed by Caltrans several years ago, these locations needed to be re-evaluated in light of growing traffic along the state highways adjacent to these locations. Under Senate Bill 45, the responsibility for prioritizing and programming noise reduction projects for the STIP was passed to local transportation planning agencies, such as the Fresno COG.  Five locations that would potentially be eligible for retrofit barrier funding under the Type 2 Retrofit Noise Abatement Program were identified in the December 2014.  The consultant has finalized the DRAFT Type II Retrofit Noise Abatement Project report. The draft report is available for a 30-day public review beginning October 1, 2015 through November 1, 2015.  The public will also have an opportunity to provide verbal comment at the October TTC, PAC and Policy Board meetings.  A presentation will be given by the consultant on the Final Draft in November for consideration of final adoption.   

The report can be found on our website at http://www.fresnocog.org/get-involved.

Action:  Information.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.

Summary:  Fresno COG  is excited to once again host our  7^th  Regional Forum.  The 2015 Forum event will be held on October 14, 2015 from 8am-3:30 pm at the Doubletree Hotel-Convention Center in downtown Fresno.   The purpose of the one day event is to introduce and educate community leaders, transportation and land use professionals, and members of the public to the many different activities and projects that Fresno COG and its member agencies are involved with. The theme of this year’s event is:  Moving…Moving People, Goods, Health, Solutions....  Fresno COG is pleased to announce that this year’s event will be featuring presentations by  a number of high ranking California   transportation professionals including:  Malcolm Dougherty- Director of Caltrans, Will Kempton, Executive Director- California Transportation Commission, and Vince Mammano- California Division Administrator, Federal Highways Administration.   A variety of panels and speakers are also planned for the event covering everything from “High Speed Rail” to “Using Technology to Better Manage our Mobility” to “Public Health Impacts of Land Use and Transportation”.  This year’s event will also feature several awards that recognize various community members' contributions to transportation over the years. Tickets for the event are $50.

To register for the event please go to www.Fresnocog.org and click on the Regional Forum link.

Action:  Information.

1.  November Meeting - November 6, 2015

2.  Mike Bitner retirement - 28 and 1/4 years

This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Committee on items within its jurisdiction but not on this agenda.  Note:  Prior to action by the Committee on any item on this agenda, the public may comment on that item.  Unscheduled comments may be limited to 3 minutes.

The TTC and the PAC will meet as a joint Committee to consider scheduled public presentations brought before the Committees.  This portion of the meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Summary: Caltrans staff will provide an update at the meeting.  A copy of the Caltrans Quarterly Report is included as an exhibit to this item.  

Action:  This is an information item.  Direction may be provided at the discretion of the Committee.