MPO Technical Committee

MPO TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AGENDA June 9, 2021 10:00 a.m. Council Chambers Farmington City Hall 800 Municipal Drive Farmington, New Mexico  AGENDA FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING June 9, 2021 10:00 AM This regular meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Farmington City Hall, 800 Municipal Drive, Farmington, New Mexico. Virtual participation will also be available via GoToMeeting. ITEM PAGE 1. Call to Order: Call meeting to order 2. Minutes: Approve the minutes from the May 12, 2021 Technical Committee 15-25 Meeting. 3. Transportation Project Fund (TPF): Review and finalize the list of projects to 1-8 be submitted to NMDOT for TPF funding consideration. Presented by: Peter Koeppel 4. TIP Project Updates from Technical Committee Members: Members will 9-11 provide updates on their TIP projects. 5. Reports from NMDOT a. Update from the Planning Bureau (Joseph Moriarty) b. Update from District 5 (Javier Martinez) 6. Committee Member Discussion Item(s) 12 No additional discussion items were presented for inclusion on the Agenda 7. Information Items 13 No Information Items were identified for this meeting 8. Business from Chairman, Members, and Staff 9. Public Comment on Any Issues Not on the Agenda 10. Adjournment The public body may only take action on an item if it is listed for action on the publicly noticed agenda. The public is invited to participate in this GoTo Meeting: By using a computer, tablet, or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/207022421 or by dialing: 1 (872) 240-3212 and entering access code: 207-022-421 ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the MPO Administrative Assistant at the Downtown Center, 100 W Broadway, Farmington, New Mexico or at 505-599-1466 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the MPO Administrative Assistant if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #3 Subject: New Mexico Transportation Project Fund (TPF) Project Review Prepared by: Peter Koeppel, MPO Officer Date: June 9, 2021 BACKGROUND During the 2019 legislative session, the New Mexico legislature passed HB 694 which created a new fund known as the “Local Government Transportation Project Fund” (LGTPF). The LGTPF serves as an expeditious mechanism to distribute appropriated funds to local governments using the NMDOT’s existing Metropolitan Planning Organization and Regional Transportation Planning Organization planning process. The Legislature changed the name of the fund during the 2020 Regular Session to the Transportation Project Fund. Due to the timelines specified in HB 694, the NMDOT passed an emergency rule in mid- 2019 to administer the initial $50 million appropriation. (No money was appropriated to the fund during the 2020 Regular Session). At the same time the State Transportation Commission authorized the adoption of an emergency rule, it authorized the adoption of a permanent rule. That rulemaking process has now been completed. CURRENT WORK  The Project Oversight Division is soliciting applications for the Department's Transportation Project Fund (TPF) for fiscal year 2022 formally known as Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF).  Local and tribal governments in New Mexico are eligible to apply for state funded grants.  FMPO entities submitted projects for potential TPF funding ANTICIPATED WORK  The FMPO Technical Committee will employ criteria provided by NMDOT to discuss submitted projects  FMPO staff will submit a list of projects and other required documentation to NMDOT by the specified deadline of June 15, 2021 ATTACHMENTS  List of submitted projects  TPF call for projects memo  TPF frequently asked questions document 1  ACTION ITEM  Staff recommends that the Technical Committee review and finalize a list of projects for TPF funding. 2  FMPO 2021 TPF Project Submittals Evaluation Criteria Planning: Is this Project Readiness: Phasing: a. Is this project part project identified If awarded, will Priority Bridge: of a phased project previously as a priority on a the applicant be Is this project funded with other state funds local or regional able to start addressing a (e.g. Local Government Road planning or spending the bridge on Fund, Municipal Arterial programming money within 3 NMDOT’s Local Program, Capital Outlay, State document? Is this months from Bridge Priority Road Fund etc.)? b. Is this project consistent receiving the fully List for project part of a phased project Amount with local or executed project Replacement/R previously funded with TPF? If # of Crashes Project Entity Description requested regional plans? agreement? ehabilitation? so, what year? AADT (2019 & 2020) (2015‐2019) Functional Class Yes ‐ fair East Blanco Bridge Bloomfield Bridge replacement $383,000 MTP, TIP Yes condition Yes 2550 & 2101 N/A Minor Arterial Reconstruct road with travel lanes, bike lanes, MTP, roundabout, multi‐use Comprehensive trail, and drainage Plan, ICIP, FMPO Foothills Dr. Phase 3 Farmington improvements. $1,672,950 Bike Plan Yes No Yes 2370 & 2114 7 Minor Arterial Before Wildflower Mesa Parkway: 9719 & 8008 Comprehensive After Wildflower Mesa Wildflower Pkwy Farmington Resurfacing $605,910 Plan Yes No No Parkway: 7066 & 5822 55 Minor Arterial 3 TIP, Capital CR 6100 San Juan County Resurfacing $603,250 Replacement Plan Yes No No 1808 & 1408 21 Major Collector Roads 6405 Kirtland Resurfacing $114,950 No No N/A 4 N/A Roads 6411 Kirtland Resurfacing $114,950 No No N/A 2 N/A MTP, ICIP, Comp McWilliams Rd. Aztec Paving + sidewalks $698,000 Plan Yes No No 3,243 & 2526 1 Minor Collector April 15, 2021 RE: Transportation Project Fund (TPF) Call for Projects Metropolitan and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations: The Project Oversight Division is soliciting applications for the Department's Transportation Project Fund (TPF) for fiscal year 2022 formally known as Local Government Transportation Project Fund Michelle Lujan (LGTPF). Local and tribal governments in New Mexico are eligible to apply for state funded grants. Grisham Eligible projects are in the following categories: (1) environmental and other studies; (2) planning; (3) Governor design; (4) construction; and (5) acquisition of rights of way necessary for the development of transportation infrastructure, which includes highways, streets, roadways, bridges, crossing structures and parking facilities, including all areas for vehicular, transit, bicycle or pedestrian use for travel, Michael R. Sandoval ingress, egress and parking. Cabinet Secretary The Metropolitan or Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (MPO/RTPO) will use the following criteria to prioritize their planning-area projects; the District office will also use the criteria to rank projects from their District. Commissioners Project Prioritization Criteria: Jennifer Sandoval 1. Planning: Is this project identified as a priority on a local or regional planning or Commissioner, Vice-Chairman programming document? Is this project consistent with local or regional plans? District 1 2. Project readiness: If awarded, will the applicant be able to start spending the money within 3 months from receiving the fully executed project agreement? Bruce Ellis 3. Priority Bridge: Is this project addressing a bridge on the NMDOT’s Local Bridge Priority Commissioner List for Replacement / Rehabilitation? District 2 4. Phasing: a. Is this project part of a phased project previously funded with other state funds (e.g. Hilma E. Chynoweth Local Government Road Fund, Municipal Arterial Program, Capital Outlay, State Commissioner Road Fund etc.)? District 3 b. Is this project part of a phased project previously funded with TPF? If so, what year? 5. Additional criteria identified by the MPO or RTPO Walter G. Adams Commissioner, Chairman The application package shall include the following: District 4 1. Cover letter application including: (1) brief overview of project; (2) whether the potential grantee intends to apply for hardship (match waiver); (3) the timeframe in which the potential grantee is Thomas C. Taylor prepared to spend the grant funds, if received (project readiness); (4) verification that funding Commissioner requested will be enough to complete the phase of work submitted, and (5) whether the project falls District 5 into category (a) or (b): a) Project is located on or within locally-owned right-of-way and the project does not include Charles Lundstrom federal funds; or Commissioner, Secretary b) Project is located within or on NMDOT owned right-of-way or is an NHS route and/or may District 6 include federal funds; 2. Project must fall into one or more of the following categories, including: (1) environmental and other studies; (2) planning; (3) design; (4) construction; and (5) acquisition of rights of way necessary for the development of transportation infrastructure, and includes highways, streets, roadways, bridges, crossing structures, parking facilities, including all areas for vehicular, transit, bicycle or pedestrian use for travel, ingress, egress and parking. Please be sure to clearly identify the phase of work the funding will be used for (i.e. planning, design, construction, etc.); G e n e r a l O f f i c e P. O. B o x 1 1 4 9 S a n t a F e, N M 8 7 5 0 4 4 3. Project Feasibility Form (PFF) signed by District representative if the project does not have a signed PFF, then the potential grantee must work with the District on the PFF; 4. Resolution of Sponsorship from their governing body, indicating the availability of the 5% match. Alternatively, the potential grantee may submit an official letter signed by the potential grantee’s chief executive or official with budget authority, indicating the availability of the 5% match; 5. Map of project location including mile posts; and 6. Required if local entity does not own the right of way; A letter of support from owners of the project right-of-way. This includes getting a letter from the NMDOT District if the project is partially or fully within NMDOT right-of-way. Complete applications must be submitted through NMDOT’s FTP site https://grader.dot.state.nm.us/public/folder/d8gSzswmw0ezwTcsxTQodQ/FY22%20TPF%20Applicatio ns no later than close of business May 31, 2021. All incomplete applications will be returned to the local entity for submission the following year. Projects will be selected and approved by the State Transportation Committee by September 1, 2021. Selection letters will be mailed out within the first week of September. If you have any questions regarding funding or agreements please contact Clarissa Martinez, 505.699.9946 or Clarissa.Martinez@state.nm.us or Sean Sandoval, 505.660.6102 or Sean.Sandoval@state.nm.us. George Dodge Jr. our Local Government Relations Director is also available for all other inquiries at George.Dodge@state.nm.us or 505-470-4095. Sincerely, Michael Sandoval Cabinet Secretary Xc: NMDOT District Engineers District Coordinators Clarissa Martinez, State Funded Grant Manager Sean Sandoval, Project Oversight Director George Dodge Jr., Local Government Relations Director 5  Frequently Asked Questions The Department of Transportation established the Transportation Project Fund (TPF, formerly known as LGTPF) in 2019. The MPO/RTPO played an important role in application process. The department provided webinars and public hearing to help establish the criteria and processes. Since the 2019 call for projects, the department has not changed the process or the roles of the MPO/RTPO. The most pertinent change to the process is that projects that have federal funds, no longer qualify for TPF funding. Below are a list of frequently asked questions. 1. When are applications due to the NMDOT FTP site? The department has extended the submittal date for FY22 Call for Projects. The deadline to submit applications to the FTP site is Tuesday, June 15, 2021 by 5:00 pm. 2. What is the estimated amount of funding available for the TPF program? The estimated amount of funding available for FY22 is 120 million ($3 million will be held for hardship waivers). In the future, the program anticipates being approximately $40 million per year. 3. What is the definition of “Shovel Ready”? Shovel Ready is defined as- the project is advertisement ready, regardless of the phase the funding is being applied for. 4. Do the MPO/RTPO’s need to create a point system to prioritize and rank projects? No, a point system is not necessary to prioritize projects, however an MPO/RTPO may use one if they choose to. A ranking scale of 1-10 will be sufficient. If no point system is used, submit all applications received. 5. What if an MPO/RTPO does not wish to rank their projects? If the MPO/RTPO does not wish to rank their projects, they will need to submit a letter to the Cabinet Secretary stating they do not want to rank the projects and they are allowing the District to do so on their behalf. 6. What criteria does the MPO/RTPO use to rank projects? The criteria is provided in the call for projects letter dated April 15. The MPO/RTPOs have the option to add additional criteria if desired. 6 7. Is the MPO/RTPO Board required to approve the ranked list of projects? No, the MPO/RTPO Boards are not required to approve the ranked projects. However, each respective board should decide if a ranking system would be used. 8. Who can approve the ranking of projects? MPO/RTPOs Staff or Boards are all eligible to approve ranking of projects if desired. 9. Is the MPO/RTPO staff responsible for uploading approved applications to the FTP site or will the local entities do this individually? Yes, MPO/RTPO’s should upload the applications to the FTP on behalf of the local entities. 10. Does NMDOT accept the Project Prospectus Form (PPF) in place of the Project Feasibility Form (PFF)? Yes will accept the PPF. However, we recommend using the PFF that has been created for use with the TPF program and is geared toward 100% state funding. 11. Does a project have to be on an RTIPR to be eligible for funding? No, projects do not have to be on an RTIPR to be submitted for consideration. However, if a project is on the RTIPR local entities must ensure that no federal funds have or will be used on the project. If a project does have federal funds, it will need to be de-federalized to be eligible for TPF funding. 12. Is drainage work an allowed expense? Yes, as long as the drainage work is part of an overall project it is eligible. The drainage work cannot be a standalone project. 13. Is utility work an allowed expense? Yes, if the utility work is required to mitigate the impacts of the proposed construction. A standalone project or upgrading of utilities will not be eligible for this grant funding. This work can be added to the project provided it is paid for with another local or state funding source. 14. Can an application be submitted with the same scope of work as a project that has already been awarded federal funding? No, the scope of work being submitted cannot be identical to a federally funded project. Per the final rule, federal funds may not be used as part of a TPF funded project. 15. Can any form of meeting (i.e. Zoom, Phone, in person, etc.) be used to review project applications with NMDOT District staff? Yes, meetings to review projects are allowed to be held virtually, by phone or in person. 7 16. What role do the Districts play in the application review process? The districts will review the applications to ensure all paperwork is filled out correctly. They will also review the project feasibility form to verify the work can be completed in the time allotted and that funding requested is enough to complete the work/phase requested. The districts provide a priority list of projects to the Cabinet Secretary based on project evaluation criteria. 17. Can the District Engineer reprioritize the list of projects received by the MPO/RTPO? Yes, the District Engineer has the ability to reprioritize the projects submitted to the Cabinet Secretary. 18. Can the Cabinet Secretary reprioritize the list of projects received by the District Engineer? Yes, the Cabinet Secretary has the ability to reprioritize the projects submitted to the State Transportation Commission. 19. Who is responsible for the final approval of Transportation Project Funds? The State Transportation Commission is responsible for final approval of awards. 20. Can Tribal Entities apply for TPF Hardship waiver? Yes, Tribal Entities qualify for Hardship waiver only if the Department of Finance approves a financial hardship qualification certification. Tribal Entities may use Tribal Transportation Funds as their match, but this must be disclosed on the application. It is not the department’s responsibility to verify the requirements for the Tribal Transportation funds are followed. 8  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #4 Subject: Status of TIP Projects Prepared by: MPO Staff & Technical Committee Members Date: June 9, 2021 BACKGROUND  The STIP Protocols, finalized in early 2014, require that each MPO shall develop a process to monitor the progress and status of each project in the first two years of the TIP. These monthly reviews help correct inconsistencies in the TIP, STIP, the MPO’s MTP, Agreement Request Forms (ARFs), etc. and provide for discussion among the members and NMDOT representatives.  Listed below are the projects currently on the FFY2020-2025 TIP.  The Policy Committee approved the new FFY2022-2027 TIP on May 27, 2021, which becomes effective on October 1, 2021. TRACKING INFORMATION Local Agreement Status (ARF) ITS/Sys ENG Certification ROW Certification Public Involvement Certification Design Completion 30 – 60 – 90% Environmental Certification Utilities Certification Railroad Certification Archeology Certification PROJECTS ON FMPO FFY2020-2025 TIP  Aztec F100091 – East Aztec Arterial Phase II  Bloomfield F100300 – East Blanco Bridge  Farmington F100099 – Foothills Drive Enhancement Phase II F100100 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase I F100101 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase II F100132 – 20th Street Phase III TF00001 – Red Apple Transit  San Juan County F100021 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase III F100290 – CR 5500 Bridge Replacement F100320 – Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension F100330 – Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension F100360 – CR 3000 Bridge Replacement F100370 – CR 3500 Bridge Replacement  NMDOT F100170 - NM 173 Safety Improvements 9 F100340 – US 550 Pavement Rehab F100350 – NM 371/N36 (PE) F100351 – NM 371/N36 (Const) ATTACHMENT  Status Report Table of TIP project updates received from Technical Committee members. Any subsequent updates will be available at the meeting in a revised table. INFORMATION ITEM  This is an information item only. Committee members will have an opportunity to provide any needed feedback/updates regarding current TIP projects status and details. 10  Status Reports - FMPO TIP Projects – June 9, 2021 Aztec F100091 East Aztec Arterial Phase III Bloomfield F100300 East Blanco Bridge Phase I is complete. Seeking funding for Phase II. Farmington F100099 Foothills Drive Enhancement Phase II F100100 East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase I F100101 East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase II F100132 20th Street Phase III TF00001 Red Apple Transit San Juan County F100021 East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase III F100290 CR 5500 Bridge Replacement F100320 Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension F100330 Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Ext. F100360 CR 3000 Bridge Replacement 11 F100370 CR 3500 Bridge Replacement NMDOT F100170 NM 173 F100350 NM 371/Navajo 36 F100351 NM 371/Navajo 36  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #6 Subject: Committee Member Discussion Items Date: June 9, 2021 DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no additional discussion items provided by Technical Committee members for inclusion on the Agenda. 12  FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Agenda Item #7 Subject: Information Items Prepared by: MPO Staff Date: June 9, 2021 INFORMATION ITEMS There were no Information Items identified for this meeting. 13  The minutes from the May 12, 2021 Technical Committee meeting are on the following pages. 14  MINUTES FARMINGTON METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING May 12, 2021 Technical Members Present: Steven Saavedra, City of Aztec Beth Escobar, City of Farmington Virginia King, City of Farmington Javier Martinez, NMDOT District 5 Andrew Montoya, Red Apple Transit Nick Porell, San Juan County Dan Flack, Town of Kirtland Technical Members Absent: Jason Thomas, City of Bloomfield Staff Present: Peter Koeppel, MPO Officer Kathryn Leys, MPO Associate Planner June Markle, Administrative Assistant Staff Absent: None Others Present: Joseph Moriarty, Planning Liaison, NMDOT Chair Porell, Committee Member Steven Saavedra, and FMPO Staff attended in person. The other Technical Committee members attended via the GoToMeeting link. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Porell called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 2. APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 14, 2021 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING Ms. Escobar moved to approve the minutes from the April 14, 2021 Technical Committee meeting. Mr. Saavedra seconded the motion. The motion to approve the minutes passed unopposed. 3. AMENDMENT #7 TO THE FFY2020-2025 TIP Subject: Amendment #7 to the FFY2020-2025 TIP Prepared by: Peter Koeppel, MPO Officer Date: May 12, 2021 15  BACKGROUND  The firsts Call for Projects for the FFY2020-2025 TIP Amendment #5 was sent on March 22, 2021; a reminder sent out on March 31.  The Public Notice for Amendment #7 to the FFY2020-2025 TIP was published on the MPO’s website and in the Daily Times on May 9, 2021  The amendment includes four projects: Foothills Drive Phase 3, County Road 6100 pavement rehabilitation, the Lower Animas Valley River Trail, and the East Blanco Bridge  The Technical Committee will consider recommending approval of proposed Amendment #7 and the Self-Certification for Amendment #7 to the Policy Committee on May 12, AMENDED TIP PROJECT(S)  Foothills Drive Phase 3  County Road 6100 Pavement Rehabilitation  Lower Animas Valley River Trail  East Blanco Bridge ACTION ITEM  Staff recommends that the Technical Committee consider recommending approval to the Policy Committee of proposed Amendment #7 and the Self- Certification for Amendment #7 to the FFY2020-2025 TIP. APPLICABLE CITATIONS  § 450.328 TIP revisions and relationship to the STIP.  (a) An MPO(s) may revise the TIP at any time under procedures agreed to by the cooperating parties consistent with the procedures established in this part for its development and approval. In nonattainment or maintenance areas for transportation-related pollutants, if a TIP amendment involves non- exempt projects (per 40 CFR part 93), or is replaced with an updated TIP, the MPO(s) and the FHWA and the FTA must make a new conformity determination. In all areas, changes that affect fiscal constraint must take place by amendment of the TIP. The MPO(s) shall use public participation procedures consistent with § 450.316(a) in revising the TIP, except that these procedures are not required for administrative modifications.) After approval by the MPO(s) and the Governor, the State shall include the TIP without change, directly or by reference, in the STIP required under 23 U.S.C. 135. In nonattainment and maintenance areas, the FHWA and the FTA must make a conformity finding on the TIP before it is included in the STIP. A copy of the approved TIP shall be provided to the FHWA and the FTA.  (c) The State shall notify the MPO(s) and Federal land management agencies when it has included a TIP including projects under the jurisdiction of these agencies in the STIP. DISCUSSION: Mr. Koeppel reported that four projects were received for Amendment #7 to the FFY2020-2025 TIP. Three of the projects will be in the outer years of the TIP: Foothills Drive Phase III, County Road 6100 Pavement Rehabilitation, and Lower Animas Valley River Trail. The last project change is to update the funding for the existing East Blanco Bridge project. 16 MPO Staff recommends that the Technical Committee recommend approval of FFY2020-2025 TIP Amendment #7 and the Self-Certification for Amendment #7 to the Policy Committee. Chair Porell opened the public hearing for Amendment #7 to the FFY2020-2025 TIP. No comments were received. Chair Porell closed the public hearing. ACTION: Ms. Escobar moved to recommend approval to the Policy Committee of Amendment #7 and the Self-Certification to the FFY2020-2025 TIP. Ms. King seconded the motion. The motion was approved with no opposition. 4. FFY2022-2027 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) DEVELOPMENT Subject: FFY2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Development Prepared by: Peter Koeppel, MPO Officer Date: May 12, 2021 BACKGROUND  The TIP is a short-term program of projects expected to be completed in the next four (4) years.  Projects included in the TIP must be regionally significant and fiscally constrained.  The TIP adoption process includes updating project information, adding new projects, and developing a TIP priority list.  A Call for Projects was issued on December 18, 2020 to start the new TIP adoption process.  See the schedule published in the Call for Projects memo distributed on December 18, 2020 for submittal deadlines for all projects. CURRENT WORK  Staff continues to discuss updates to current projects and/or new projects with the entities, Red Apple Transit, and NMDOT.  The STIP is scheduled to be updated in August 2021  The new TIP needs to be submitted to NMDOT by June 30, 2021.  A 30-day public comment period on the new TIP opened on April 22. FUNDING AND FISCAL CONSTRAINT  The TIP is required to be fiscally constrained. The projects listed have identified detailed funding sources as required. ACTION ITEM  MPO Staff recommends that the Technical Committee review the projects and consider recommending approval to the Policy Committee of the FFY2022-2027 TIP and Policy Committee Resolution 2021-3. 17  APPLICABLE CITATIONS  23 CFR § 450.326 DISCUSSION: Mr. Koeppel reported on the proposed FFY2022-2027 TIP for the FMPO region (see pages 9-18 of the Agenda). Projects in the current FFY2020-2025 TIP and in Amendment #7, when approved, will be incorporated into the proposed new TIP. Also, those projects in the outer years of the current TIP will be moved up into the new proposed TIP years. The TIP can, and will be, amended as needed in the upcoming years. FMPO Staff recommend that the Technical Committee recommend approval to the Policy Committee of the proposed FFY2022-2027 TIP and Policy Committee Resolution 2021-3. Chair Porell opened the public hearing. No comments were received. Chair Porell closed the public hearing. ACTION: Chair Porell moved to recommend adoption of the proposed FFY2022-2027 TIP and Policy Committee Resolution 2021-3. Mr. Saavedra seconded the motion. The motion passed with no opposition. 5. NEW MEXICO TRANSPORTATION PROJECT FUND REVIEW & RANKING Subject: New Mexico Transportation Project Fund Review and Ranking Prepared by: Peter Koeppel, MPO Officer Date: May 12, 2021 BACKGROUND  During the 2019 legislative session, the New Mexico legislature passed HB 694 which created a new fund known as the “Local Government Transportation Project Fund” (LGTPF). The LGTPF serves as an expeditious mechanism to distribute appropriated funds to local governments using the NMDOT’s existing Metropolitan Planning Organization and Regional Transportation Planning Organization planning process. The Legislature changed the name of the fund during the 2020 Regular Session to the Transportation Project Fund.  Due to the timelines specified in HB 694, the NMDOT passed an emergency rule in mid- 2019 to administer the initial $50 million appropriation. (No money was appropriated to the fund during the 2020 Regular Session). At the same time the State Transportation Commission authorized the adoption of an emergency rule which authorized the adoption of a permanent rule. That rulemaking process has now been completed. 18  CURRENT WORK  The Project Oversight Division is soliciting applications for the Department's Transportation Project Fund (TPF) for fiscal year 2022 formally known as Local Government Transportation Project Fund (LGTPF).  Local and tribal governments in New Mexico are eligible to apply for state funded grants.  FMPO entities submitted projects for potential TPF funding DISCUSSON: Mr. Koeppel reported on the state issued call for projects for the Transportation Project Fund (TPF). Entity projects were to be to the FMPO by May 5 and the following shows the four projects received along with the Evaluation Criteria used by FMPO staff for the initial prioritization: FMPO 2021 TPF Project Submittals Evaluation Criteria Planning: Is this project identified Project Priority Phasing: a. Is this project part as a priority on a Readiness: If Bridge: Is this of a phased project previously local or regional awarded, will the project funded with other state funds planning or applicant be able addressing a (e.g. Local Government Road programming to start spending bridge on Fund, Municipal Arterial document? Is this the money within NMDOT’s Program, Capital Outlay, State project 3 months from Local Bridge Road Fund etc.)? b. Is this consistent with receiving the fully Priority List for project part of a phased Amount local or regional executed project Replacement/R project previously funded # of Crashes Project Description requested plans? agreement? ehabilitation? with TPF? If so, what year? AADT (2019 & 2020) (2015‐2019) Functional Class Yes ‐ fair East Blanco Bridge Bridge replacement $383,000 MTP, TIP Yes condition Yes 2550 & 2101 N/A Minor Arterial Reconstruct road with travel lanes, bike lanes, roundabout, MTP, multi‐use trail, and Comprehensive drainage Plan, ICIP, FMPO Foothills Dr. Phase 3 improvements. $1,672,950 Bike Plan Yes No Yes 2370 & 2114 7 Minor Arterial Before Wildflower Mesa Parkway: 9719 & 8008 After Wildflower Comprehensive Mesa Parkway: 7066 Wildflower Pkwy Resurfacing $605,910 Plan Yes No No & 5822 55 Minor Arterial TIP, Capital CR 6100 Resurfacing $603,250 Replacement Plan Yes No No 1808 & 1408 21 Major Collector The Technical Committee members discussed the TPF:  Entities may submit more than one project;  Four project already submitted are on point as far as in size and scope;  NMDOT District 5 is anticipating $20,000,000 to be distributed between FMPO, Santa Fe MPO, and the RTPOs in the District; o Encouraged FMPO entities to add several more projects to the list;  With extended NMDOT deadline, additional projects will be considered; o Aztec and Kirtland were encouraged to submit project(s);  Project readiness will be the challenge with TPF funding for this call;  Going forward, as TPF funding is expected to be recurring, have ongoing discussions on developing future projects that would be eligible for this funding;  Prioritization/Ranking – combined effort with Technical Committee and FMPO staff: 19  o Above list used evaluation criteria derived from NMDOT’s recommendations; o Any additional project(s) need to be submitted to the FMPO by May 28; o Complete project prioritization/ranking at June 9 meeting.  Final projects selected will need to include a resolution passed by their Council/Commission (for required 5% local match);  Final prioritized list must be to NMDOT by June 15. 6. STATUS OF TIP PROJECTS Subject: Status of TIP Projects Prepared by: MPO Staff & Technical Committee Members Date: May 12, 2021 BACKGROUND  The STIP Protocols, finalized in early 2014, require that each MPO shall develop a process to monitor the progress and status of each project in the first two years of the TIP. These monthly reviews help correct inconsistencies in the TIP, STIP, the MPO’s MTP, Agreement Request Forms (ARFs), etc. and provide for discussion among the members and NMDOT representatives.  The Policy Committee approved the new FFY2020-2025 TIP during a Special meeting on July 25, 2019.  Listed below are the projects currently on the FFY2020-2025 TIP.  Three projects were submitted for inclusion in Amendment #7 to be considered for approval in May.  Work has begun on the new FFY2022-2027 TIP. TRACKING INFORMATION (2018-2023 TIP) Local Agreement Status (ARF) ITS/Sys ENG Certification ROW Certification Public Involvement Certification Design Completion 30 – 60 – 90% Environmental Certification Utilities Certification Railroad Certification Archeology Certification PROJECTS ON FMPO FFY2020-2025 TIP  Aztec F100091 – East Aztec Arterial Phase II  Bloomfield F100300 – East Blanco Bridge  Farmington F100099 – Foothills Drive Enhancement Phase II F100100 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase I F100101 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase II F100132 – 20th Street Phase III TF00001 – Red Apple Transit 20  San Juan County F100021 – East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension Phase III F100290 – CR 5500 Bridge Replacement F100320 – Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension F100330 – Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension F100360 – CR 3000 Bridge Replacement F100370 – CR 3500 Bridge Replacement  NMDOT F100170 - NM 173 Safety Improvements F100340 – US 550 Pavement Rehab F100350 – NM 371/N36 (PE) F100351 – NM 371/N36 (Const) INFORMATION ITEM  This is an information item only. Committee members will have an opportunity to provide any needed feedback/updates regarding current TIP projects status and details. DISCUSSION: The Technical Committee members provided their TIP project updates: City of Aztec – Steven Saavedra The project is proceeding with Wilson & Company. They are working to get all the contracts on outside state funding back to NMDOT. The City of Aztec is also working with NMDOT to ensure that the federal funding has not expired. City of Bloomfield – Jason Thomas Mr. Thomas was unable to attend the meeting (update is noted on Status Report spreadsheet on Page 33 of the Agenda). City of Farmington – Virginia King Foothills Drive enhancement Phase II This project was rebid on April 4 with two bids received. Bid opening was conducted on April 27 and contractor selected. Farmington City Council awarded the bid on May 11. Notice to Complete date has not yet been selected. 20th Street Phase III Signed production plans and obligation letter have been submitted. Awaiting the executed co-op agreement for construction. East Pinon Hills Blvd Extension The City of Farmington met with NMDOT on May 4. Red Apple Transit – Andrew Montoya The bid for the bus shelters was awarded at the May 11 Farmington City Council meeting for a total cost of $152,000. 21 San Juan County – Nick Porell County Road 5500 Bridge Replacement Utility relocations began this week. Contractor to be on site to begin construction on June 1. Kirtland Schools Walk Path Extension Awaiting the co-op agreement for construction from NMDOT. Glade Run Recreation Area Trails Extension Public review process for the NEPA document is ongoing. East Pinon Hills Blvd Phase III San Juan County submitted an earmark request to Congresswoman Leger Fernandez for this project. They were notified that the project made the “short” list so they may be some right-of-way funds available later this year. NMDOT District 5 – Javier Martinez NM 173 This project is ready for PS&E and is expected to be constructed this year. US 550 Pavement Rehab NMDOT is working on developing the plans. It will be on the shelf until funding becomes available. NM 371 / N 36 Awaiting an agreement with the Navajo Nation. Chair Porell said he was asked why the resurfacing project on US 550 between Aztec and Bloomfield was not on the STIP. Mr. Martinez stated that as a maintenance type project, District 5 uses maintenance funds. These projects can be listed on the STIP, but funding happened so quickly in this case that it did not make the amendment cycle. Mr. Saavedra thanked District 5 for the resurfacing being done in Aztec, but asked about repainting the crosswalks in the downtown area. The City of Aztec asked if they could enter into a maintenance agreement with NMDOT to have these sections repainted. Mr. Martinez said the contractor will re-do the crosswalks once the repaving is complete. For a maintenance agreement for other painting or striping concerns, the City would need to coordinate with Ken Barnett. 7. REPORTS FROM NMDOT Planning Bureau – Joe Moriarty Mr. Moriarty reported that the draft NM 2045 Plan, which is the guide for NMDOT’s long range transportation plan, is available for review and feedback until June 24. Twenty-four critical freight corridors (over 233 miles) have been approved by FHWA- New Mexico. These are viewable on NMDOT’s website map gallery. 22 The draft Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is also out for a 45-day public comment period ending on June 13 (www.walksafenewmexico.com). NMDOT opened the call for projects for Recreational Trails (RTP), Transportation Alternatives (TAP), and Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) programs. The call is from May-October 2021 and are for projects starting in either FFY2023 or FFY2024. The program guide and application are available for download and contact either Mr. Moriarty or Mr. Koeppel if interested in applying. District 5 – Javier Martinez District 5 will be working on the TPF project rankings as the lists are received from the MPOs and RTPOs. The District will notify the FMPO by email of the final projects selected. 8. COMMITTEE MEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS Subject: Committee Member Discussion Items Date: May 12, 2021 DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no additional discussion items provided by Technical Committee members for inclusion on the Agenda. 9. INFORMATION ITEMS Subject: Information Items Prepared by: MPO Staff Date: May 12, 2021 INFORMATION ITEMS a. CMAQ, RTP, and TAP Call for Projects. NMDOT issued a call for projects for the Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality, Recreational Trails, and Transportation Alternatives programs on May 3, 2021. b. Proposed Changes to the Census Urban Area Criteria. The Census Bureau has proposed changes to the criteria used to determine urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Census. Comments to the Federal Register are due May 20. Additional Resources on the Proposed Changes to the Census Urban Area Criteria: Federal Register Notice https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/19/2021- 03412/urban-areas-for-the-2020-census-proposed-criteria 23  National Association of Regional Councils Summary of Proposed Changes for 2020 Urban Areas https://narc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Overview-of-Proposed- Changes-to-2020-Urban-Areas.pdf AMPO Resource Guide on Proposed Changes https://ampo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Proposed-Changes-to- the-Urban-Area.pdf DISCUSSION: a. Mr. Koeppel stated that all the information regarding NMDOT’s call for projects for the RTP, TAP, and CMAQ programs have been shared with the Technical Committee members. There will be more discussion on this call once the TPF project ranking is completed. Please let Mr. Koeppel know if there are any questions. b. Ms. Leys provided information (and a map of the FMPO region showing potential impacts) on the Census Bureau’s proposed changes to the criteria used in determining urban areas based on the results of the 2020 Census. FMPO Staff will continue to monitor the proposal and will be providing their comments to the Federal Register on these potentially far-reaching changes. 24  A summary of Ms. Leys’ presentation and Technical Committee questions and comments follows: - Proposed changes only; - 2020 Census data not available until September 2021; this current proposal based on 2010 data; - 2020 Census data may change the look of the map; - Increase minimum threshold to qualify as an urban area (more people); - Housing density rather than population density; - Aztec and Bloomfield may no longer be considered urban area as they may not meet the minimum housing density requirement of 10,000 units; - Farmington urbanized area could drop below 50,000 in population which could have regional impacts, but this is unclear at this time; - USDOT’s definition of “urban” or “urbanized” area is not changing; - FHWA also has no plans to adjust their current definitions or thresholds, or alter definition for MPO designations; - Participation in MPO by entities would not change as the planning area is larger than the urbanized area; - Larger household sizes locally vs. less overall dense housing area; o Cultural concerns and differences; o Zoomed out view or technical process; not how people actually live. FMPO Staff will continue to update the Technical Committee as more information becomes available. 10. BUSINESS FROM THE CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS AND STAFF Mr. Koeppel reported that the City of Farmington had asked about the condition of the pavement on NM 516 (Main Street) in the area of the Farmington Museum and he asked if District 5 had an opportunity to look at it. Mr. Martinez replied that he had forwarded the concern the District 5 Maintenance Engineer and that there should be a response soon. There was no additional business from the Chairman, Members and Staff. 11. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ISSUES NOT ON THE AGENDA There was no additional public comment on any issues not on the agenda. 12. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Saavedra moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Escobar seconded the motion. The motion passed with no opposition. Chair Porell adjourned the meeting at 10:46 a.m. ___________________________ _________________________ Nick Porell, Technical Committee Chair June Markle, Administrative Assistant 25