PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Meeting
Minutes
December
12, 2012
MEMBERS ATTENDING
Bradley Birge, City of Saratoga Springs
Frank Bonafide, NYS Department of Transportation R1
Peter Comenzo, Town of Rotterdam
Darrell Duncan, Albany County
Todd Fabozzi, representing Rocky Ferraro, Capital
District
Regional Planning Commission
Ross Farrell, Capital District Transportation Authority
Stephen Feeney, Schenectady County
Michael Franchini, Capital District Transportation
Committee
Steve Iachetta, Albany County Airport Authority
Patrick McCarroll, representing Michael Loftus, NYS
Thruway
Authority
Barb McHugh, Town of Clifton Park
Randy Milano, City of Albany
Mike Morelli, Town of Bethlehem
Russ Reeves, City of Troy
Paul Reuss, Village of Menands
Joe Teliska, representing Wayne Bonesteel,
Rensselaer County
Tony Tozzi, Town of Malta
Michael Valentine, Saratoga County
Steve Watts, Town of Halfmoon
STAFF AND
OTHERS
Bill Anslow, Albany County
Anne Benware, Capital District Transportation Committee
Jennifer Ceponis, Capital District Transportation
Committee
Christopher Desany, Capital District Transportation
Authority
Lee Ecker, CHA
Peter Faith, Greenman-Pedersen,
Inc.
Karen Hulihan, NYS Department of Transportation R-1
Dave Jukins, Capital District Transportation Committee
Mary Anne Mariotti, NYS
Department of Transportation R-1
Leah Mosall, Capital District Transportation Committee
Larry Mulvaney, NYS Department of Transportation R1
Sree Nampoothiri, Capital District Transportation
Committee
Chris O’Neill, Capital District Transportation Committee
Jason Purvis, Capital District Transportation Committee
Jim Rivers, Greenman-Pedersen,
Inc.
Ron Shaffer, NYS Department of Transportation R-1
Barb Tozzi, City of Troy
Carrie Ward, Capital District Transportation Authority
Edward Wolk, Capital District Transportation Authority
VISITORS’
ISSUES
Steve Iachetta opened the meeting at
approximately 9:35 AM. There were no
visitors’ issues.
ADMINISTRATION
Previous
Meeting Minutes – November 28, 2012
The minutes incorrectly listed Randy Milano
as representing Albany County instead of the City of Albany; and incorrectly
listed Christopher Desany with the NYS Department of Transportation instead of
CDTA. With these changes noted,
members approved the November 28th minutes.
ACTION
ITEMS
2010-15
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AMENDMENTS
A500
(1757.95), Sheridan Hollow Sidewalks, City of Albany
Randy Milano explained that this amendment involved a
schedule change to advance design funds into the 2012-13 federal fiscal year
and to advance construction funds into the 2013-14 federal fiscal year. Design will be done in house. Members approved the amendment.
DISCUSSION
ITEMS
PARK AND RIDE LOTS ON
US 20, CITY OF RENSSELAER
Mike Franchini said that this agenda item
is in response to a question from the last meeting about how the Park and Ride
Lots project in the City of Rensselaer was programmed on the TIP
originally. Dave Jukins distributed a
handout (attached) and explained that that City of Rensselaer submitted an
application for a Park and Ride lot in the US 20 corridor
in response to a solicitation for projects for the 2005-10 Transportation
Improvement Program. The request was
authorized by a resolution unanimously approved by the City Council and signed
by the Mayor.
2013-18
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE
A. CDTC Sub-Allocations
Frank
Bonafide distributed a handout (attached) and presented an overview of TIP
funding targets and sub allocations. He
emphasized that preservation targets are a strong priority for the Department
of Transportation. He explained that
flat funding after MAP-21 is assumed. Region
1 is expected to spend 83.1% of funding on preservation. That goal is based on preservation modeling
and condition goals.
Mike
Franchini said that the MPO directors have been asking for more information on
the State’s models; a meeting is planned, but not yet scheduled.
Frank
Bonafide explained that in the past, sub allocations to CDTC have been based on
applying the State formula at the regional level. This time, it was not possible to replicate
the State formula, so historical percentages were used, in consultation with
CDTC and A/GFTC.
Mike
Franchini commented that underfunding for transportation is a problem
throughout the nation. He explained that there will also be Transportation
Enhancement Program (TEP) funds and Transportation Alternative (TA) funds. TA funds will continue the TEP program
through MAP-21.
Frank
Bonafide explained that HSIP funds are included in the calculation of
preservation funding targets, while TA funds are kept separate. HSIP either has to be spent on preservation,
or count as part of the core spending.
Federal fiscal years 2013 and 2014 will be held harmless, except that Marchiselli funding may not be available.
Dave
Jukins asked how the Department will deal with other policies beside preservation,
such as ADA compliance, complete streets, and MPO Long Range Plans. Frank Bonafide responded that preservation
projects are considered consistent with complete streets legislation and smart
growth legislation. He also said that
ADA projects are considered to be preservation projects.
Joe
Teliska asked if there will be any changes to project process and design report
requirements. Frank Bonafide said they
are trying to streamline the process, but they must meet the federal
requirements. He noted that under
MAP-21, principle arterials are now part of the NHS system and must meet a
higher standard. Karen Hulihan commented that mill and fill jobs may be more
streamlined.
Randy
Milano asked about the Albany Shaker Road project in Albany. He said that if federal funding is not
available, the $11 M cost of the project is not affordable for the City. He said that spending hundreds of thousands
to mill and fill does not make common sense if the best solution,
reconstruction, is still needed. Frank
Bonafide said that we may need to patch things together to keep the system safe
and passable. Mike Valentine asked if in
five years under this approach, will we be in a
situation where everything needs “Beyond Preservation”. Steve Watts commented that governments have
kicked the can down the road, and we are now burdened with debt. Frank Bonafide commented that the situation
is difficult and frustrating, but we at this table cannot change the revenue
stream. Mike Franchini commented that
MPOs around the State are in the same situation, although others have not had
as many locally sponsored projects. We
have to hold on tight and hope for improvements in the next MAP-21.
B. Preservation Project
List
Frank
Bonafide reported that all Beyond Preservation forms were reviewed by Region 1. As discussed at the last meeting, Region 1
submitted a list of projects to the Main Office.
C. Set-Aside
Programming Options
Mike
Franchini distributed a handout (see attached) that represents a staff attempt
to look at how set-asides could be programmed in the new TIP. This is for discussion today and action at
the January 9th meeting. The
first group of set-asides represent projects with special funding or that were
special onetime projects; it is recommended that this group of set-asides won’t
be continued or don’t have to be funded with TIP funds. The second group of set-aside projects can be
considered preservation projects. The
third group of set-aside on the handout can be considered for “capital funding”
over four years. We can solicit every
year for set-asides candidates, which will give sponsors more lead time to
determine the best projects that are financially feasible. Frank Bonafide noted that solicitation for
bridge projects should occur 18 months in advance. Mike Franchini explained that federal fiscal
year 2015 would be the first year.
Brad
Birge asked about showing CMAQ set-asides in future years. Mike Franchini explained that the table
assumes that other funding sources will be found for these important set-asides
in future years. In particular, CDTA
programs are important.
Jason
Purvis asked about TA funding. Frank
Bonafide explained that the TA program should be independent from preservation
targets. The next TEP round should be in
the spring or the summer.
Mike
Franchini said that the criteria for project selection will need to be
determined, and he suggested that ability of the sponsor to deliver in a timely
way should be considered in the criteria.
Frank Bonafide commented that timeliness is a very big concern, and it
is important that he knows current status for projects.
Brad
Birge asked about the increase in funding for goods movement. Mike Franchini explained that MAP-21 places
emphasis on goods movement needs, and staff is hoping to revitalize the Freight
Task Force. Steve Iachetta commented
that intermodal facilities will be important, especially with the growth in
internet shopping.
Steve
Iachetta asked about the large expenditure for the TMC (Transportation
Management Center). Frank Bonafide
commented that the need should be somewhat less than shown. Mike Franchini explained that the TMC
represents a recognized strategy for congestion management in the Capital
District. It may be a good idea to
invite the TMC to make a presentation to the Planning Committee.
D. FFY 2015 and
Post-TIP Projects on the existing TIP
Mike
Franchini explained the list of projects included in the mail out. He said that three options have been
suggested for dealing with projects that cannot be funded:
1. Move
the projects to the new fifth year of the TIP
2. Move
the projects to the new post-five year section of the TIP
3. Add
projects to a contingency list to be used in the event of increased funding.
Mike
Franchini mentioned the Exit 3/4 project as an example. Phase 1 of the project, replacing the
Northway bridges, may have funding under preservation guidelines. Frank Bonafide said that these bridges meet
criteria for replacement, but then they would not be categorized as
“preservation”. Steve Iachetta said that
the possibility of programming FAA money for phase 2 of the project is being
explored.
Frank
Bonafide said that the Region will review the list with respect to their
projects; some projects have been downscaled.
Dave Jukins commented that the Selkirk Bypass is an example of a project
for which there is interest in keeping some status on the program, even though
it is recognized it cannot compete against preservation projects. Mike Franchini said that some projects can be
withdrawn, such as the Elm Street Bypass project.
E. Next Steps
Mike
Franchini said that lists will be refined and action will be required at the
January 9th meeting.
CDTC SCREENING OF BEYOND
PRESERVATION PROJECTS
Mike
Franchini distributed a handout (see attached) presenting CDTC evaluations for
Beyond Preservation (BP) Pavement Project Candidates. Sandy Misiewicz explained that the evaluation
was completed using data available from the BP forms, which provides less
information than CDTC would normally collect.
Many projects are already on the TIP, had status, and are good
projects. All of the projects would have
passed screen in the CDTC process. The
quantitative analysis updated project costs based on the BP forms. Projects with white shading were evaluated. For example, the Route 9 & 20 project
limits have been reduced, and therefore the benefits are lower. The conclusion was that all of the projects
have benefit-cost ratios that are consistent and fairly high, and are
competitive projects.
CMAQ SOLICITATION RESULTS
Mike
Franchini distributed a handout (see attached) that listed the project
applications received for the CMAQ solicitation. Dave Jukins said that there were eight
projects received totaling $1.3 M and reviewed the projects. Steve Feeney stated that the Rosendale Road
project does not provide sidewalks on Rosendale Road. Frank Bonafide asked if the Malta project on
the list was funded with Demo funding.
Further work was needed to clarify the answer to this question. Mike Franchini said that staff will update
the project status sheet to determine how much CMAQ funding will be available,
and a goal would be to make a decision on selecting additional CMAQ projects by
February or March, since time is of the essence to obligate construction for
CMAQ projects by September 30, 2014.
HSIP SOLICITATION RESULTS
Frank Bonafide reported that Region 1 had received
an application for HSIP funding from Saratoga Springs for the Ballston Avenue
project. There will be a second submittal deadline for FFY 2014 in March
with roughly $43 M available. For 2013, the State is emphasizing
pedestrian countdown timers and centerline rumble strips as systemic
improvements.
PLANNING COMMITTEE OFFICERS
NOMINATION AND ELECTION
Mike
Franchini explained that at the January 9th meeting there will be
election for Planning Committee officers.
We will need to nominate and elect a Chair and Vice Chair, since Steve
Iachetta was elected to Vice Chair and then moved to Chair. Mike asked members to think about who they might want to nominate and who would be willing to
serve. Steve Iachetta said that he is
willing to serve as Chair in the coming year.
Status
of Planning Activities
CDRPC
Todd
Fabozzi reported that CDRPC is working on population forecasts at the traffic
analysis zone (TAZ) level. A preliminary
set of forecasts for Albany County is completed.
CDTA
Ross
Farrell reported that route restructuring has been completed. BRT planning is under way for the Washington
Western corridor and for the river corridor.
CDTA will be updating its Transit Development Plan (TDP), a five year
plan of services. This week a kickoff
presentation will be given to the CDTA Board.
The TDP will align with the CDTC New Visions Plan.
NYSTA
Patrick
McCarroll reported that that the southbound lanes between Exits 23 and 24 on
the Thruway are now on concrete. Two
lanes will be open for the winter.
Albany County Airport
Authority
Steve
Iachetta reported that the Albany International Airport was the only upstate
airport to experience positive growth.
Linkage/Local Planning
Activities
Sandy Misiewicz reminded everyone that the
latest solicitation for Linkage projects is out, and applications are due
January 4th.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately
11:35 PM. The next Planning Committee
meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2013.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Franchini
Secretary