Albemarle RPO Board Meetings · 2016. 1. 4. · CTP Inventory and Assessment Annual list of prioritized CTP needs ARPO 1415_000 I-1.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Inventory and Assessment

512 South Church Street P.O. Box 646 Hertford, NC 27944 Phone: 252‐426‐5775 Fax: 252‐426‐5435 www.albemarlecommission.org Proudly serving Northeastern NC Counties: Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington

Albemarle RPO Board Meetings

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Dare County Administration Building, Room 238, 954 Marshall C Collins Dr. Manteo

NC 27954

Technical Coordinating Committee: Starts at 11:00 AM

1. Call to Order Rhett White, TCC Chair2. Roll Call Rhett White, TCC Chair3. Agenda Approval Rhett White, TCC Chair4. Approval/ Adoption of Minutes from Last Meeting Rhett White, TCC Chair 5. Election of Chairs Approval Rhett White, TCC Chair 6. Planning Work Program Approval Rhett White, TCC Chair 7. STI discussion Approval Rhett White, TCC Chair 8. Legislative agenda Approval Rhett White, TCC Chair 9. Public Comments Rhett White, TCC Chair 10. Adjournment Rhett White, TCC Chair Lunch and Presentations NCDOT – 2018‐2027 STIP discussion Malcolm Fearing – presentation Ferry update TPB update ARPO update Transportation Advisory Committee: Starts at 1 PM 1. Call to Order Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair 2. Roll Call Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair 3. Agenda Approval Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair 4. Approval/ Adoption of Minutes from Last Meeting Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair 5. Election of Chairs Approval Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair 6. Planning Work Program Approval Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair7. STI discussion Approval Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair8. Legislative agenda Approval Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair9. Public Comments Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair 10. Adjournment Lloyd Griffin, TAC Chair

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Minutes of the Rural Technical Coordinating Committee (RTCC) Meeting September 28, 2016

11:00 a.m.

The September 28, 2016 RTCC meeting was held at the College of the Albemarle Foreman Center in Elizabeth City, NC was opened and called to order by RTCC Chairman Rhett White at 11:00 a.m.

Roll Call It was determined a quorum was present with the following TCC members in attendance: Chairman Rhett White, Town of Columbia; Dan Scanlon, Currituck County; Shelley Cox, Pasquotank County; Donna Creef, Dare County; Erin Burke, Town of Maneto; Bill Rich, County of Hyde; David Clegg, County of Tyrrell; Frank Heath, Perquimans County; Brandon Shoaf, Town of Hertford; Joe Heard, Town of Duck; Erin Burke, Town of Manteo; Natalie Rountree, Gates County; Andy Garman, Town of Nags Head; Dan Porter, Camden County; Bill Rich, Hyde County; Meredith Gunns, Town of Kill Devil Hills; Willie Mack Carawan, Washington County; Jerry Jennings, NCDOT Division 1; Gretchen Byrum, NCDOT Division 1 and Nazia Sarder‐ NCDOT‐TPB. Agenda Approval Chairman White called for a motion to approve the agenda. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Frank Heath and seconded by Shelley Cox, and unanimously carried. Approval of April 27, 2016 RTCC Minutes Chairman White called for a motion to accept the minutes as presented. A motion to adopt the minutes was made by David Clegg, his motion was seconded by Bill Rich, and unanimously carried. Division level scoring Sterling Baker provided and overview of funding for the ferry system and explained the ferry systems” most urgent needs regarding vessels replacement. Chairman Rhett White then asked for an action to assign local input points to “division” tier projects. Angela Welsh reviewed the outcome of the projects that were scored based on the SPOT scores with the Board and after discussion, it was decided the RTCC would apply the ARPO’s 1300 local input points to the following projects in the “division” category. Although high scoring, Dare County chose not to allocate points on project H090284 due to the fact there was no local support for the project at this time. The following projects received 100 points each:

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H090139‐ Camden / Currituck County A130044‐ Washington County

H090285‐ Perquimans County B141340 – Tyrrell County

H090869 – Camden County B141365 – Dare County

H141931 ‐ Pasquotank/ Camden County F130001 – Dare/ Hyde County

H150680 – Perquimans County F130013 _‐Dare/Hyde/Currituck County

H150682 – Pasquotank County

A130005‐ Hyde County

A130041 – Currituck County

Chairman Rhett White called for a motion to approve the allocation of the ARPO’s 1300 local input points on the above listed projects. David Clegg made a motion to approve the allocation of the ARPO’s 1300 local input points on the above listed projects, his motion was seconded by Bill Rich, and carried unanimously. STI Discussion The ARPO Director provide the Board copies of resolutions adopted by the Rocky River RPO and the Mid‐East RPO. The resolutions were in response to the fact rural area are receiving very little funding for transportation projects in the ‘Statewide” and “Regional” tiers of funding in the STI. Chairman Rhett White called for discussion and a motion was made by bill Rich to have the ARPO Director draft a similar resolution. Shelley Cox seconded his motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Public Comments Chairman White opened the floor for public comments and there being no public comments closed the floor. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 12:05 pm.

Lunch and Presentations

NCDOT Update – Discussion/Presentation Gretchen Byrum provided an update regarding construction projects in the region.

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Minutes of the Rural Technical Advisory Committee (RTAC) Meeting

September 28, 2016 1:00 p.m.

Call to Order The September 28, 2016 RTCC meeting was held at the College of the Albemarle Foreman Center in Elizabeth City, NC was opened and called to order by RTAC Chairman Lloyd Griffin at 1:00 p.m. Roll Call It was determined a quorum was present with the following RTAC voting members in attendance: Lloyd Griffin, Pasquotank County; Michael McLain, Camden County; Jack Shea, Dare County; Leroy Spivey, Tyrrell County; Matt Peeler, Perquimans County; Malcolm Fearing, BOT Appointee. RTAC Non‐voting members in attendance: John Ratzenberger, Town of Nags Head Alternates in attendance: Wally Overman, Dare County Agenda Approval Chairman Griffin called for a motion to approve the agenda. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Jack Shea and seconded by Matt Peeler, and unanimously carried. Approval of April 27, 2016 RTAC Minutes Chairman Griffin called for a motion to accept the minutes as presented. A motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Jack Shea, his motion was seconded by Matt Peeler, III, and unanimously carried. Division level scoring The Board discussed the RTCC’s recommendation to assign local input points to the 13 projects below:

H090139‐ Camden / Currituck County A130044‐ Washington County

H090285‐ Perquimans County B141340 – Tyrrell County

H090869 – Camden County B141365 – Dare County

H141931 ‐ Pasquotank/ Camden County F130001 – Dare/ Hyde County

H150680 – Perquimans County F130013 _‐Dare/Hyde/Currituck County

H150682 – Pasquotank County

A130005‐ Hyde County

A130041 – Currituck County

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After discussion, Chairman Lloyd Griffin asked for an action to assign local input points to “division” tier projects. It was decided the RTAC would follow the RTCC’s recommendation and apply the ARPO’s 1300 local input points (100 points each) to the projects listed above in the “division” category. Chairman Griffin called for a motion to approve the allocation of the ARPO’s 1300 local input points on the above listed projects. Jack Shea made a motion to approve the allocation of the ARPO’s 1300 local input points on the above listed projects, his motion was seconded by Matt Peeler, and carried unanimously. STI Discussion The ARPO Director provided the Board copies of resolutions adopted by the Rocky River RPO and the Mid‐East RPO. The resolutions were in response to the fact rural area are receiving very little funding for transportation projects in the ‘Statewide” and “Regional” tiers of funding in the STI. After discussion, the Board decided they would like more information, to wait until the final scores came out for the Prioritization 5.0 and to discuss this itm at their January 25, 2017 meeting. Chairman Griffin asked for a motion and a motion was made by Mike McClain to discuss this item at their January 25, 2017 meeting. Jack Shea seconded his motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Public Comments Chairman Griffin opened the floor for public comments and there being no public comments closed the floor. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, Chairman Griffin adjourned the meeting at 1:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Angela Welsh, Secretary ARPO Director


Agenda Item No. 5

Number of attachments: 1

Item Title: Election of RTCC Chairman and Vice-Chairman and RTAC Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Item Summary: ARPO Bylaws state the officers of the RTCC and the RTAC consist of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman and are to be selected by majority vote for a term of two years. The officers must be selected at the first meeting of every odd calendar year and there is no limit as to how many consecutive terms they can serve.

Specific action requested: Election of RTCC Chairman and Vice-Chairman during RTCC meeting and election of RTAC Chairman and Vice-Chairman during RTAC meeting

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Current officers for the RTCC:

Rhett White, Chairman - Town Manager for the Town of Columbia

Dan Porter, Vice-Chairman - Planning Director for Camden County

Current officers for the RTAC:

Lloyd Griffin, Chairman - Pasquotank County Commissioner

Leroy Spivey, Vice- Chairman - Tyrrell County Commissioner

The RTAC officers must be County elected officials as only County members are allowed to vote on the RTAC.


Agenda Item No. 6


Item Title: FY 17-18 Planning Work Program (PWP)

Item Summary: The Planning Work program (PWP) is a funding contract between the Albemarle Rural Planning Organization (ARPO) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The Plan lists planning priorities anticipated by the ARPO during the next Fiscal year and outlines expenses needs for certain work tasks.

Specific action requested: Discussion and possible Adoption of FY 17-18 PWP

The attached word document and spreadsheet explain the various tasks ARPO Staff will complete, and deliverables Staff will provide to the Transportation Planning Branch, for FY 17-18. This item must be approved by May 1, 2017.

I. DATA COLLECTION AND ASSESSMENT

I-1 DATA COLLECTION AND ASSESSMENT $ 8,000 $ 32,000 $ 40,000 40,000$

I-1.1 CTP Inventory and Assessment

Annual list of prioritized CTP needs ARPO 1415_000

I-1.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Inventory and Assessment

Implementation of action steps in Albemarle Regional Bicycle plan ARPO 1415_008

I-1.3 Parking Inventories

I-1.4 Vehicle Occupancy Rates (VOR) Counts and Assessment

I-1.5 Traffic Volume Counts and Assessment

Collect/maintain ADT data and maps ARPO 1415_000

Analyze count locations to address planning needs ARPO 1415_000

I-1.6 Crash Data and Assessment

I-1.7 Public Transportation Service Data and Assessment

RPO/Transit workshops ARPO 1415_006

Attend transit meetings/studies ARPO 1415_006

I-1.8 Multimodal Data Collection and Assessment

FY 2017-2018

Albemarle Rural Planning Organization

ANNUAL PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES TABLE

PLANNING WORK PROGRAM

TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT

TOTAL

HIGHWAY/TRANSIT

LOCAL

20%

STATE

80%

GEOGRAPHY

PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION

RPO PROGRAM FUNDS RPO Expenditures

I. DATA COLLECTION AND ASSESSMENT

SPENDING DETAILS PER LINE ITEM ARE REQUIRED EACH

QUARTER.

FY 2017-2018

QUARTERLY EXPENDITURE SUMMARY

Albemarle Rural Planning Organization

BUDGETED

AMOUNT

Albem arle PO 1 FY 2015-2016

TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT

HIGHWAY/TRANSITGEOGRAPHY

PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION


BUDGETEDI-1.9 Freight Data Collection and Assessment

I-1.10 Socioeconomic Data Inventory

I-1.11 Environmental and Land use Data Inventory and Assessment

I-1.12 Demographic Data Collection and Assessment

II. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

II-1 COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (CTP) DEVELOPMENT $ 2,000 $ 8,000 $ 10,000

10,000$

II-1.1 Develop CTP Vision

II-1.1.a CTP Study Setup

II-1.1.b Local CTP Vision

II-1.2 Conduct CTP Needs Assessment

II-1.2.a Data Collection and Assessment

II-1.2.b Current and Future Year Data Endorsements

II-1.2.c Deficiency Assessment

II-1.3 Analyze Alternatives and Environmental Screening

II-1.3.a Alternatives Assessment

II-1.3.b Local Alternative Consensus


QUARTER.


QUARTER.


QUARTER.


TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT


PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION


BUDGETED

II-1.4 Develop Final Plan

II-1.4.a Develop CTP Maps

II-1.4.b Local Endorsement

Coordinate final review Pasquotank 1415_015

II-1.4.c Adopt Plan

II-1.4.d CTP Document


QUARTER.


TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT


PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION


BUDGETED

II-1.4.e CTP and Local Land Use Revisions

5 year Update Hyde 1718_001

5 year Update Tyrrell 1718_002

II-1.4.f Development of Local Implementation Strategies

II-2 PRIORITIZATION AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT $ 5,000 $ 20,000 $ 25,000 25,000$

II-2.1 Local Project Pr ior itization

II-2.1.a Local Project Prioritization

SPOT 4.0 Participation/process ARPO 1415_004

II-2.1.b Project Entry and SPOT Prioritization Process

SPOT 4.0 participation/process ARPO 1415_004

II-2.2 STIP Participation

II-2.2.a STIP Participation

STIP Participation/process ARPO 1415_004

II-3 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT $ 3,068 $ 12,272 $ 15,340 15,340$

II-3.1 Problem Statement and Purpose and Need

II-3.1.a Purpose and Need Data

II-3.1.b Public Involvement Strategies

II-3.2 Merger Process

II-3.2.a Meeting Attendance

Meeting Attendance ARPO 1415_005

II-3.2.b Review and Comment

review and comment on materials for merger meetings ARPO 1415_005

II-3.3 Indirect and Cumulative Effects


QUARTER.


QUARTER.


QUARTER.

SPENDING DETAILS PER LINE ITEM

ARE REQUIRED EACH QUARTER.


TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT


PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION


BUDGETED

II-3.3.a ICE Assessment of Probable Growth

II-3.3.a ICE Assessment of Probable Growth

II-4 GENERAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING $ 3,886 $ 15,542 $ 19,428 19,428$

II-4.1.a Regional or Statewide Planning

Attendance at NCARPO, NADO and RPO America ARPO 1415_000

Attendance misc. meetings/training ARPO 1415_000

Attendance at CTG Section 9 meetings 1516_004

Attendance at Albemarle Commission meetings ARPO 1415_000

Attendance at Southern Albemarle Association meetings ARPO 1516_003

II-4.1.b Special Studies and Projects

Transit meetings ARPO 1415_006

II-4.1.c CMAQ Planning

II-4.1.d Air Quality Assessment

II-4.1.e Alternative Funding

II-4.1.f Training and Certification

Misc. training and certification ARPO 1415_000

II-4.2 Title VI

II-4.2.a RPO Affirmation of Title VI Compliance

Title VI ARPO 1415_000

II-4.2.b Transportation Initiatives and ADA Compliance

II-4.2.c Environmental Justice Assessment

II-4.2.d Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Assessment

III. ADMINISTRATION OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND POLICIES

III-1 ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT $ 6,953 $ 27,810 $ 34,763

34,763$

III-1.1 Administrative

SPENDING DETAILS PER LINE ITEM ARE REQUIRED EACH QUARTER.

SPENDING DETAILS REQUIRED EACH QUARTER.

CHANGES TO FUNDING FOR SUB-CATEGORIES

EXCEEDING $2500 or 10% (whichever is less) WILL REQUIRE AN

AMENDMENT.


QUARTER.


QUARTER.


TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT


PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION


BUDGETEDIII-1.1.a Planning Work Program

Prepare and update PWP for FY 17-18 ARPO 1415_000

III-1.1.b 5-Year Planning Calendar

Prepare 5 year planning calendar for FY 17-22 ARPO 1415_000

III-1.1.c Quarterly Invoice and Progress Reports

Prepare quartely invoice and progress report for FY 2017-2018 ARPO 1415_000

III-1.1.d TCC/TAC Work Facilitation

Coordinate TAC Ethics requirements ARPO 1516_001

ARPO General activities, i.e., Prepare minutes and agenda and host ARPO TCC/TAC

meetings ARPO 1415_000

III-1.1.e Regulatory Documents

III-1.1.f Miscellaneous Expenses

ARPO Quarterly newsletters ARPO 1516_006

Citizens Guide to Transportation Planning ARPO 1516_005

meetings with and responding to member requests ARPO 1415_000

III-1.2 Public Involvement

III-1.2.a Public Involvement Plan (PIP)

Update PIP ARPO 1415_000

III-1.2.b Documentation of Public Input

Update ARPO website and Facebook page as needed ARPO 1415_000

List of public workshop attendees and comments ARPO 1415_000

$ 28,906 $ 115,625 $ 144,531

144,531$

$ 115,625

TOTAL


QUARTER.


QUARTER.


TASK

CODE

WORK

PRODUCT

FORMAT


PRIMARY

PROJECT #

(IF APPLICABLE)

TASK CODE/

WORK PRODUCT

DESCRIPTION


BUDGETED

$ 28,906

Approved by the RTAC on:

25-Jan-17

_______________________________________________________

Lloyd Griffin, RTAC Chairman

________________________________________________

Angela Welsh, RPO Secretary


FY 17-18 Planning Work Program (PWP)

Summary The Planning Work program (PWP) is a funding contract between the Albemarle Rural Planning Organization (ARPO) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The Plan lists planning priorities anticipated by the ARPO during the next Fiscal year and outlines expenses needs for certain work tasks. The PWP is reviewed, and approved by the ARPO Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and the NCDOT Transportation Planning Branch. Revisions to the PWP are allowed if the ARPO needs to make significant changes to the overall budget or a specific work task, however, no additional dues will be requested from County members. An approved PWP is required for the Lead Planning Agency, the Albemarle Commission, to be reimbursed for work task expenses incurred by the ARPO.

Data Collection and Assessment During FY 17-18, the ARPO will continue implementing of the action steps in the Albemarle Regional Bicycle Plan such as: set up a regional Walk Bike website by partnering with the NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Division, continue to help to establish Safe Routes to School Programs in local jurisdictions, and help local governments apply for the “Bicycle Friendly Community” designation by the League of American Bicyclists. The ARPO will also continue to collect ADT maps as well as attend required transit workshops and/or meetings.

Transportation Planning The ARPO will also continue Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) work for counties in the ARPO region in FY 17-18 if they aren’t completed in FY 16-17. The final CTP documentation and closeout will take place for Pasquotank County.

Prioritization and Program Development In FY 17-18 the SPOT workgroup will meet to discuss changes to transportation project prioritization. The ARPO will continue to advocate for changes to put us in in a better position to compete for funds at the “state” and “regional” categories which would allow us to fund more transportation related projects.

Project Development In FY 17-18 the ARPO Director will continue to participate in the merger process as a member of the merger team. Merger is a process to streamline the project development and permitting processes. Stakeholders include the NCDOT, USACE, NCDENR (DWQ, DCM), and FHWA. The Merger process provides a forum for appropriate agency representatives to discuss and reach consensus on ways to facilitate meeting the regulatory requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act during the NEPA/SEPA decision-making phase of transportation projects.

General Transportation Planning The ARPO Director will also attend all NCARPO quarterly meetings in FY 17-18 as it is a requirement of funding. The ARPO Director will also continue to attend all US 17/643 meetings, CTG Section 9 meetings, Albemarle Commission meetings, Southern Albemarle Association meetings as well as other transportation related meetings throughout the region.

Administration of Transportation Planning and Policies As a requirement of funding, the ARPO Director will prepare the PWP for FY 18-19 and the 5 year planning calendar for FY 18-19, prepare quarterly invoice and progress reports for FY 17-18, coordinate TAC Ethics requirements, update the ARPO Public Involvement Plan (PIP), update the ARPO Facebook page and web page on a regular basis, draft and distribute ARPO quarterly newsletters, draft a “Citizens Guide to Transportation Planning” and continue to respond to member requests.

24%

6%

19%11%

14%

26%

PWP expenditures by line itemData Collection and assessment

Transportation Planning

Prioritization and ProgramDevelopment

Project Development

General Transportation Planning

Administration of TransportationPlanning and Policies

80%

20%

Funding summary

NCDOT $115,625.00

County dues $28,906.00


Agenda Item No. 6


Item Title: STI Discussion

Item Summary: Discussion of resolutions/draft legislation regarding the STI.

Specific action requested: Discussion and possible action

We discussed this item at our September 28, 2016 meeting and the RTAC wanted to hold off on action until this month when the final results of P 5.0 were released. In the middle of January, the House Select Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning and long term Funding Solutions released their Draft report for consideration by the 2017 General Assembly. The report contains findings, recommendations, and draft legislation regarding transportation needs in the state. The findings and recommendations begin on page 11 of the report and we will be discussing them during our RTCC and RTAC meetings on January 25, 2017. If you recall, on July 25, 2016, the House Select Transportation Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning invited a couple of statewide rural advocacy groups to present the rural counties view of transportation project planning and funding. The Rural Center was one of the groups invited to speak and provided an analysis regarding how the STI Act is working for rural counties. The allocation of available funds is an issue the ARPO TCC and TAC Boards have been concerned about, and working to change, since the STI Act took effect.

The Rural Center provided the following statistical information regarding the P4.0 process:

79% of the total $3.1 billion for transportation projects will go to urban counties

– 68% of it will go to 4 urban counties

11.5% will be awarded to projects in Regional City/Suburban counties

– 9.5 percent will be awarded to rural counties – 2 counties out of the 80 rural counties

Only a total of 4.5% ($142.4 million) will go to RPO counties.

Also, attached are resolutions adopted by the Rocky River RPO and the Mid-East RPO. These resolutions were adopted in response to the fact rural areas are receiving very little funding for transportation projects in the “Statewide” and “regional” tiers of funding.

N O R T H C A R O L I N A G E N E R A L A S S E M B L Y

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

AND LONG TERM FUNDING SOLUTIONS

REPORT TO THE

2017 SESSION of the

2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF NORTH CAROLINA

DRAFT

JANUARY 9, 2017

Page 2

A LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES OF THIS REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FOR

DISTRIBUTION THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY

ROOM 500

LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-5925

TELEPHONE: (919) 733-9390

Page 3

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ........................................................................................ 5

COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS ...................................................................................... 7

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................... 11

RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION ................................................................................ 14

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

MEMBERSHIP OF THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON

STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND LONG TERM

FUNDING SOLUTIONS .................................................................................. 29

APPENDIX B

COMMITTEE CHARGE/LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY ..................................... 31

Page 4

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Page 5

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

January 9, 2017

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE 2017 REGULAR SESSION

OF THE 2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The House Select Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning and Long Term Funding Solutions respectfully submits the following report to the 2017 Regular Session of the 2017 General Assembly. Representative John A. Torbett, Chair

Page 6

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Page 7

COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS

[Back to Top]

The House Select Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning and Long Term

Funding Solutions met seven times after the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015-2016

General Assembly. The following is a brief summary of the Committee's proceedings.

Detailed minutes and information from each Committee meeting are available in the

Legislative Library, and at the Committee's website:

http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/DocumentSites/browseDocSite.asp?nID=283

July 25, 2016

The first meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session was held July

25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 544 of the Legislative Office Building. The Committee

first heard a review of Committee's work to date, and a summary of transportation-related

legislation from the 2016 session, from Committee staff Wendy Graf Ray, Luke

Gillenwater, and Giles Perry. The Committee next heard a presentation on STIP funding

vs. needs from Amna Cameron, Committee staff. Next, the Committee heard a

presentation entitled "A Transportation Vision for Metropolitan Communities" from

Mayor Nancy McFarlane, Past Chair, North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Coalition,

Mayor, City of Raleigh; and Julie White, Executive Director, North Carolina

Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. The Committee's next presentation was on

transportation’s role in rural development, from Patrick Woodie, President, North

Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. Next, the Committee heard a presentation

on "How Grassroots Organizations Can Raise Public Awareness Concerning North

Carolina’s Transportation Needs" from Marc Finlayson, Chair, NC Go!, Finlayson

Consulting, LLC, Director for Highway 17/64 Association; and Charles Hodges,

Executive Director, NC Go!. The final presentation of the meeting was a review of the

Map Act, the Kirby Decision, and potential fiscal impact, from Giles Perry, Luke

Gillenwater, and Amna Cameron, Committee staff.

August 22, 2016

The second meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session was held

August 22, 2016, beginning at 9:00 am at Salem Baptist Church in Sneads Ferry, North

Carolina.

After convening, the Committee departed for a site visit tour that included a shrimp

boat tour, to understand the effects of shallow draft navigation and dredging on the

commercial fishing industry, and a tour on an Onslow County activity bus that included a

discussion of transportation challenges facing the Onslow County School System. The

Committee heard from Lisa Padgett, bus coordinator for Onslow County Schools and

Fred Burns, Mayor, North Topsail Beach on the tour. In addition, Stuart Turille, Town

Manager, North Topsail Beach led discussion of beach nourishment and other options

used to mitigate beach erosion.

Page 8

Following lunch, the committee reconvened at Salem Baptist Church for a regular

meeting. The Committee heard the following presentations:

"Overview of State and Federal Responsibility and Funding for Dredging

Operations", Bryce Ball, Committee Staff.

"How the Shallow Draft Navigational Channel and Lake Dredging Fund has

Benefitted One Coastal Community (Topsail Beach) and the Difficulty in

Financing Dredging Operations for Small Towns (North Topsail Beach)", Chris

Gibson, President, TI Coastal Services, Inc.; Stuart Turille, Town Manager, North

Topsail Beach.

"The Use of Terminal Groins and Jetties for Shoreline Erosion and Navigation",

Spencer Rogers, Coastal Construction and Erosion Specialist, North Carolina Sea

Grant.

"Camp Lejeune’s Navigational and Connectivity Challenges", Joe Ramirez,

Director of Military/Government and External Affairs, Marine Corps Base, Camp

Lejeune.

"Connectivity and Highway Development Needs of Southeastern North

Carolina", Mary Jennings, Government Affairs and Policy Director, NCDOT, and

Karen Collette, PE, Division Engineer, Highway Division 3, NCDOT.

September 26, 2016

The third meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session was held

September 26, 2016 beginning at 8:50 a.m. at High Pastures Christian Retreat and

Conference Center, Burnsville, North Carolina.

The Committee first boarded buses for a series of site visits in Yancey and Madison

Counties in order to better understand the transportation needs of mountain communities.

The first stop of the tour was on I-26 to view a rockslide containment area. Randy

McKinney, P.E., Resident Engineer, NCDOT, gave an overview of the challenges to

build a road through this area, and the technologies employed to mitigate and prevent

rockslides. Next, the committee traveled to the NCDOT Welcome Center on I-26 in

Madison County. Don Lee, P.E., State Roadside Environmental Engineer, NCDOT,

discussed how NCDOT incorporates landscape design in transportation projects for

NCDOT buildings, such as rest areas, welcome centers, and visitor centers, and on

roadsides. Following lunch at Mars Hill University, the Committee traveled back to

Yancey County via NC 197, a State-maintained primary road with an eight mile section

of unpaved road. The committee made a stop on SR 1102, Winter Star Road. Chris

Deyton, P.E., County Maintenance Engineer, NCDOT, discussed the challenges of

paying for and paving State-maintained gravel roads in mountain communities.

Following the site visit tour, the Committee returned to High Pastures Christian

Retreat and Conference Center Committee for an afternoon Committee meeting. The

Committee heard the following presentations:

"The Challenges of Secondary Road Construction in Mountainous Terrain", Chris

Deyton, P.E., Yancey/Madison County Maintenance Engineer, NCDOT.

"Rockslide Containment Strategies", Randy McKinney, P.E., Resident Engineer,

NCDOT.

Page 9

"The Blue Ridge Parkway: Funding and Maintenance Challenges", Mike Molling,

Chief of Maintenance and Engineering for the Blue Ridge Parkway, US Parkway

Service

"Transportation Infrastructure Development as an Economic Development Tool

in Western North Carolina", John Skvarla, III, Secretary, NC Department of

Commerce.

"Snow and Ice Prevention, Treatment, and Removal", Mark T. Gibbs, P.E.

Division Maintenance Engineer, NCDOT.

October 24, 2016

The fourth meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session was held

February 1, 2016 in Raleigh.

The Committee met at 8:50 am outside the Legislative Office Building and proceeded

by bus to a series of morning site visits. The Committee first visited the NCDOT Division

of Aviation Flight Operations facility at the RDU International Airport. At this site, the

Committee heard from Bobby Walston, Director, Division of Aviation, North Carolina

Department of Transportation, and Michael Landguth, President and Chief Executive

Officer, RDU International Airport. The Committee then took a brief tour of the runway

and other facilities at the RDU International Airport.

The Committee then proceeded to the NCDOT Rail Division Capital Yard, 862

Capital Blvd, in Raleigh. At this site, the Committee heard comments from Paul Worley,

Director, Rail Division, NCDOT, and toured an NCDOT passenger train, and inspected

the rail maintenance facility.

Following lunch, the Committee reconvened at 1:00 pm in room 544 of the

Legislative Office Building for a regular Committee meeting.

The Committee first heard a presentation on "Revitalizing the Economy Through

Transportation Investments" by Dr. Alison Premo Black, Senior Vice President of Policy

and Chief Economist, American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

Next, the Committee heard from Dr. Daniel Findley, P.E., Senior Research Associate,

Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE), North Carolina State

University on "The Importance of Transportation Investments to Support Economic

Development in Rural and Urban North Carolina Communities".

The Committee then heard a Hurricane Matthew damage assessment report from

Mike Holder, P.E., Chief Engineer, NCDOT.

Next, the committee heard an overview of three new technologies implemented by

NCDOT: Automated Machine Guidance, by Lamar Sylvester, P.E., State Construction

Engineer, NCDOT; Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System, by Louis

Mitchell, P.E., Division Engineer – Division 10 NCDOT; and Terradrain by Ben

Johnson, P.E., Value Management Program Engineer, NCDOT.

November 14, 2016

The fifth meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session was held

November 14, 2016 at 9 a.m. in Room 643 of the Legislative Office Building.

Page 10

The Chair, Representative John Torbett, opened the meeting by offering thanks and

congratulations to departing committee staff Bryce Ball.

The regular agenda of the Committee began with a presentation on transportation

revenue sources in North Carolina and other states from Committee Fiscal Staff Amna

Cameron and Bryce Ball. Next, the Committee heard a transportation debt capacity report

given by Dora Fazzini, Director, NC Capital Facilities, North Carolina Department of

State Treasurer, Following this presentation, David Vanderweide, Fiscal Analyst, NCGA

staff, gave a report on options to increase transportation debt capacity. Next, the

Committee heard from David Tyeryar, Chief Financial Officer, NCDOT, on the use of

the State Infrastructure Bank and GARVEE bonds by NCDOT. The final presentation of

the meeting was given by Sharon Decker, Chief Operating Officer, Tryon International

Equestrian Center, on the facility and its impact on the rural economy.

December 12, 2016

The sixth meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session was held

December 12, 2016 at 9 a.m. in Room 643, Legislative Office Building.

The Committee first heard a presentation from Jeff Mann, General Manager,

GoTriangle, on the benefits of a regional transportation system. Next, the Committee

heard from Jim Trogdon, National Transportation Director, SAS Institute, on the need for

transportation infrastructure investments, and various methods used around the country

to pay for it. The final presentation of the meeting was from Ted Abernathy, Managing

Partner, Economic Leadership LLC, on how transportation infrastructure investments

stimulate economic development in the State.

Following these presentations, the Committee discussed legislation and topics they

would like addressed in the final report, and directed Committee staff to prepare a draft

report for their review.

January 9, 2017

The seventh and final meeting of the Committee following the 2016 Regular Session

was held January 9, 2017. The Committee discussed and then approved this report, and

adjourned.

Page 11

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

[Back to Top]

The Committee makes the following findings and recommendations:

1. Funding of the State's Transportation Infrastructure Needs

(a) Needs.-- The Committee finds that North Carolina has significant transportation

infrastructure needs and insufficient revenue to meet these needs. North Carolina’s

population is expected to grow by 2.5 million citizens by 2040. Without additional

revenue, road and rail congestion will worsen. NCDOT’s 2040 Plan included estimates of

needs from 2011-2040, totaling $159 billion. The majority of the needs include highway

maintenance and construction needs ($117 billion). For example, improvements

necessary to bring the three newly designated interstates up to standard total $2.9 billion:

$1.5 billion for I-42, $1.3 billion for I-87, and $100 million for I-587. North Carolina’s

roads will require an additional $28 billion over the next 30 years to maintain current

road conditions. To improve current road conditions to NCDOT’s target condition, it will

cost an additional $55 billion over the next 30 years. To create optimal conditions, an

additional $89 billion over the next 30 years is required. The 2040 report identified $24

billion in needs for public transportation and $11 billion for rail. The full implementation

of the Raleigh-Richmond Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor is estimated to cost $3.8

billion and near-term frequency expansions and longer-term initiation of regional

intercity passenger services are expected to cost $1.3 billion. The Morehead City and

Wilmington ports are estimated to need $1.6 billion by 2040. Aviation needs totaled $3

billion in the 2040 Plan. The Governor’s Aviation Development Task Force (2015)

identified operations and maintenance funding gaps of $15 million per year for general

aviation airports and $67 million per year for commercial service airports.

(b) Revenue options.--The Committee recommends that the General Assembly study

additional and alternative revenue sources. Motor fuel tax revenues generate 55% of State

transportation revenues, but with the combination of increased fuel efficiency standards

and the use of alternative fuel vehicles, motor fuel tax revenue will decline. Other states

are shifting their reliance on motor fuel tax revenue by implementing a dedicated State

sales tax, a sales tax on motor fuel sold at the pump, a vehicle miles travelled based tax,

increasing registration fees on alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, states rely on

property tax revenues, general fund revenues or lottery proceeds to support transportation

needs. Many states have increased the use of toll roads and managed lane facilities to

mitigate congestion and accelerate projects. Low interest rates have encouraged states to

issue special obligation or general obligation bonds or increase the use of GARVEE

bonds to advance transportation projects. The study of revenue sources may need to

expand beyond the responsibility of the State. Enlisting greater fiscal participation from

county and municipal governments will help to accomplish local transportation needs.

Through a combination of the enacting additional revenue options to local governments

and increased use of existing revenue sources, local governments will be motivated to

Page 12

increase financial participation. Additionally, grants from a State infrastructure bank will

assist localities in completing local and regional priorities.

2. Transportation Megaprojects Funding

The Committee recommends that the General Assembly consider enactment of

legislation to establish a megaproject fund, for the purpose of funding expensive and

large-scale transportation projects.

See attached recommended legislation 2017-MLz-11

3. Oversight of the State Infrastructure Bank


legislation to expand the purposes for which funds from the State infrastructure bank may

be used, and to create an oversight board for the State infrastructure bank.


4. STI/Regional & Divisional Weighting


legislation to adjust the weighting attributed under the Transportation Investment

Strategy formula to the Department of Transportation's Division Engineers, the

Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and the Rural Transportation Planning

Organizations, as follows:

When selecting regional impact projects, 10% to the rankings identified by the

Division Engineers, and 20% to the rankings identified by the Metropolitan

Planning Organizations and the Rural Transportation Planning Organizations. The

remaining 70% is based on the quantitative criteria set forth in G.S. 136-

189.11(d)(2)a.

When selecting division impact projects, 15% to the rankings identified by the

Division Engineers, and 35% to the rankings identified by the Metropolitan

Planning Organizations and the Rural Transportation Planning Organizations. The

remaining 50% is based on the quantitative criteria set forth in G.S. 136-

189.11(d)(3)a.


5. Blue Ribbon Committee on Transportation Infrastructure Funding


legislation to create a joint Blue Ribbon Committee on Transportation Infrastructure

Funding to study all options available, including debt instruments, revenue changes, local

government participation, and tolling, to increase funding for the transportation

infrastructure needs of the State.


6. Federal Funds

The Committee finds that federal funds appropriated to the State for transportation

infrastructure can be used most effectively, efficiently and expeditiously if they are

granted with maximum flexibility.

Page 13

7. State Role in Dredging.

The Committee finds that many navigation channels and inlets in the State are in need

of additional dredging in order to ensure their availability for commercial and

recreational use. The Committee recommends that General Assembly consider seeking

authority from the federal government to authorize the State to assume a larger role in

dredging, and, in addition, allow use of the dredged sand for beach renourishment

projects.

8. State Ports

The Committee recommends that the North Carolina State Ports Authority prepare

and submit a special report to the 2017 General Assembly on capital improvement plans,

including associated cost estimates and funding needs, that, if implemented, accomplish,

but are not limited to, the following:

Increasing operational capability and capacity at both the Port of Morehead and

Port of Wilmington through use of developing available property.

Modernizing the Port of Morehead and the Port of Wilmington in an effort to

maximize the assets of the people of North Carolina in preparation for growth in

export and import global maritime trade.

Developing road and rail access to the Port of Morehead and the Port of

Wilmington.

Maintaining year-round free and clear navigational channels.

Page 14

RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION

See attached bill drafts, below

2017-MLz-11

2017-MLz-20

2017-MLz-19

2017-MLz-23

Page 15

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2017

H D

BILL DRAFT 2017-MLz-11 [v.9] (11/08)

(THIS IS A DRAFT AND IS NOT READY FOR INTRODUCTION)

12/19/2016 01:42:39 PM

Short Title: Transportation Megaproject Funding. (Public)

Sponsors: Representative Torbett.

Referred to:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A MEGAPROJECT FUND TO FUND HIGHER-COST 2

AND LARGER-SCALE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS, AS RECOMMENDED 3

BY THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION 4

PLANNING AND LONG TERM FUNDING SOLUTIONS. 5

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 6

SECTION 1. Establishment of the Megaproject Fund. – Chapter 136 of the 7

General Statutes is amended by adding a new Article to read: 8

"Article 14C. 9

"Megaproject Fund. 10

"§ 136-189.12. Creation of the Megaproject Fund. 11

(a) An account designated as the Megaproject Fund is hereby created within the 12

Highway Trust Fund. The Megaproject Fund consists of revenue from appropriations or 13

transfers by the General Assembly. 14

(b) The amounts deposited to the Megaproject Fund shall be used as provided in 15

this Article, notwithstanding any provision of Article 14B of this Chapter to the 16

contrary. The provisions of Article 14B of this Chapter shall not apply to the application 17

of the Megaproject Fund. 18

"§ 136-189.13. Use of the Megaproject Fund. 19

The Department of Transportation shall use the Megaproject Fund to fund 20

transportation projects, selected by a workgroup overseen by the Department, of 21

statewide or regional significance that exceed two hundred million dollars 22

($200,000,000) in total project cost. The workgroup selecting projects under this section 23

shall establish project selection criteria based on the provisions of this Article. 24

"§ 136-189.14. Reports by Department of Transportation. 25

The Department of Transportation shall develop, and update annually, a report 26

containing a completion schedule for all projects to be funded from the Megaproject 27

Fund, including the selection criteria and reasoning used for each project. The annual 28

update shall indicate the projects, or portions thereof, that were completed during the 29

preceding fiscal year, any changes in the original completion schedules, and the reasons 30

for the changes. The report shall also include the Department's anticipated schedule for 31

Page 16

future projects. The Department shall submit the report and the annual updates to the 1

Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee by November 1 of each year." 2

SECTION 2. Exclusion from Transportation Investment Strategy Formula. – 3

G.S. 136-189.11(b) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read: 4

"(b) Funds Excluded From Formula. – The following funds are not subject to this 5

section: 6

... 7

(11) Funds appropriated or transferred to the Megaproject Fund, in 8

accordance with Article 14C of this Chapter." 9

SECTION 3.(a) Establishment of Workgroup and Megaproject Selection 10

Criteria. – The Department of Transportation shall establish a workgroup for the 11

purposes of developing megaproject selection criteria and selecting projects in 12

accordance with G.S. 136-189.13, as enacted by Section 1 of this act. The megaproject 13

selection criteria shall: 14

(1) Address large-scale, significant transportation needs of the State. 15

(2) Provide for interstate and intrastate connectivity between urban and 16

rural areas, and between rural areas. 17

(3) Encourage economic development in both urban and rural areas of the 18

State. 19

(4) Improve existing major highway corridors by increasing capacity and 20

relieving congestion. 21

(5) Provide for infrastructure improvements and rail and highway 22

connectivity to the State ports. 23

(6) Encourage delivery of projects in the most effective, efficient, and 24

expeditious manner. 25

SECTION 3.(b) Membership. – The workgroup shall consist of the 26

following members: 27

(1) A representative from the workgroup established under 28

G.S. 136-189.11(h). 29

(2) A representative from the North Carolina Association of Municipal 30

Planning Organizations. 31

(3) A representative from the North Carolina Association of Rural 32

Planning Organizations. 33

(4) A representative from the North Carolina League of Municipalities. 34

(5) A representative from the North Carolina Association of County 35

Commissioners. 36

(6) A representative from the North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors 37

Coalition. 38

(7) A representative from the North Carolina Council of Regional 39

Governments. 40

SECTION 3.(c) Selection of Members; Co-Chairs. – The Department of 41

Transportation shall select the members listed in subsection (b) of this section. The 42

co-chairs of the workgroup shall be the members listed in subdivisions (2) and (3) of 43

subsection (b) of this section. 44

SECTION 3.(d) Meetings. – The Department of Transportation shall 45

establish and convene the workgroup required under this section within 30 days of the 46

Page 17

effective date of this section. Within the three-month period from the date the 1

workgroup is convened, the workgroup shall hold at least three meetings. One meeting 2

shall set forth the goals and objectives of the workgroup, a second meeting shall discuss 3

the progress made in meeting its goals and objectives, and a third meeting shall present 4

the outcomes achieved from the workgroup process, including a presentation on the 5

selection criteria established by the workgroup. Additional meetings shall be on the call 6

of the co-chairs. Each member may be represented by a designee, who shall have the 7

same voting powers as the member. The workgroup shall meet in offices provided by 8

the Department of Transportation. In addition, the Department of Transportation shall 9

provide the necessary secretarial and clerical staff and supplies to help the workgroup 10

accomplish its goals and objectives. 11

SECTION 3.(e) Quorum. – A quorum of the workgroup shall consist of a 12

majority of the workgroup's total membership. 13

SECTION 3.(f) Reports. – No later than 45 days from the date the 14

workgroup is convened, the workgroup shall provide a report to the Joint Legislative 15

Transportation Oversight Committee on its progress creating selection criteria. Prior to 16

the end of the three-month period from the date the workgroup is convened, the 17

workgroup shall provide a report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight 18

Committee on the selection criteria created by the workgroup. 19

SECTION 4. Effective Date. – Sections 3 and 4 of this act are effective 20

when it becomes law. The remainder of this act becomes effective July 1, 2017. 21

22

Page 18

1

Page 19


SESSION 2017

H D

BILL DRAFT 2017-MLz-20 [v.6] (12/13)


12/19/2016 09:30:00 AM

Short Title: State Infrastructure Bank Revisions. (Public)


Referred to:


AN ACT TO EXPAND THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH FUNDS FROM THE STATE 2

INFRASTRUCTURE BANK MAY BE USED AND TO CREATE AN 3

OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR THE STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, AS 4

RECOMMENDED BY THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON STRATEGIC 5

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND LONG TERM FUNDING SOLUTIONS. 6


SECTION 1. Chapter 136 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a 8

new article to read: 9

"Article 21. 10

"State Infrastructure Bank. 11

"§ 136-277. Creation of the State Infrastructure Bank. 12

(a) Creation. – The Department of Transportation shall have such powers as are 13

necessary to establish, administer, and receive federal funds for a transportation 14

infrastructure banking program authorized by the Intermodal Surface Transportation 15

Efficiency Act of 1991, Pub. L. 102-240, as amended, the National Highway System 16

Designation Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-59, as amended, and any other federal law 17

authorizing and governing the use of federal funds for a transportation infrastructure 18

banking program. 19

(b) Federal Financial Assistance. – The Department is authorized to apply for, 20

receive, administer, and comply with all conditions and requirements related to federal 21

financial assistance necessary to fund the infrastructure banking program. 22

(c) Use of Funds; Conditions and Repayment. – Except as otherwise prohibited 23

under federal law, the infrastructure banking program established under subsection (a) 24

of this section may utilize available federal and State funds for the purpose of providing 25

loans or other financial assistance to governmental units, including toll authorities, to 26

finance the costs of transportation projects. Loans or other financial assistance provided 27

under this subsection shall be subject to repayment and conditioned upon the 28

establishment of any security, and the payment of any fees and interest rates, required 29

by this subsection, deemed necessary by the Department, or required by this subsection 30

and deemed necessary by the Department. Governmental units may apply for loans and 31

execute debt instruments payable to the State in order to obtain loans or other financial 32

Page 20

assistance provided for in this subsection. The Department shall require that applicants 1

pledge as security for the obligations revenues derived from operation of the benefited 2

facilities or systems, other sources of revenue, or their faith and credit, or any 3

combination thereof. The faith and credit of the governmental units shall not be pledged 4

or be deemed to have been pledged unless the requirements of Article 4 of Chapter 159 5

of the General Statutes have been met. The Department is authorized to apply a 6

municipality's share of funds allocated under G.S. 136-41.1 or G.S. 136-44.20 as 7

necessary to ensure repayment of funds advanced under this subsection. 8

(d) Account; Nonreversion of Funds. – The Department shall establish jointly, 9

with the State Treasurer, a separate infrastructure banking account with necessary fiscal 10

controls and accounting procedures. Funds credited to this account shall not revert, and 11

interest and other investment income shall accrue to the account and may be used to 12

provide loans and other financial assistance as provided under this section. 13

(e) Rules. – The Department may establish such rules and policies as are 14

necessary to establish and administer the infrastructure banking program. 15

(f) Effect on Transportation Investment Strategy Formula. – The infrastructure 16

banking program authorized under this subdivision shall not modify the formula for the 17

distribution of funds established by G.S. 136-189.11. 18

(g) Debt Instruments. – The State Treasurer, with the assistance of the Local 19

Government Commission, shall develop and adopt appropriate debt instruments for use 20

under this section. The Local Government Commission shall develop and adopt 21

appropriate procedures for the delivery of debt instruments to the State without any 22

public bidding therefor. 23

(h) Review and Approval of Loans. – The State Infrastructure Bank Oversight 24

Board established in G.S. 136-278 shall review and approve all proposed loans and 25

other financial assistance to applicants under this section. In addition, the Local 26

Government Commission shall review and approve proposed loans to applicants under 27

this section pursuant to the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 of Chapter 159 of the General 28

Statutes, as if the issuance of bonds was proposed, so far as those provisions are 29

applicable. 30

(i) Outstanding Debt. – Loans authorized by this subdivision shall be 31

outstanding debt for the purpose of Article 10 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes. 32

"§ 136-278. Establishment of State Infrastructure Bank Oversight Board. 33

(a) Establishment. – The State Infrastructure Bank Oversight Board (Board) is 34

established and shall be responsible for reviewing and approving loans or other financial 35

assistance provided under G.S. 136-277. 36

(b) Members. – The Board shall consist of the following voting members: 37

(1) The Secretary of the Department of Transportation. 38

(2) The Secretary of the Department of Commerce. 39

(3) The State Treasurer. 40

(4) The State Auditor. 41

(5) The State Budget Officer. 42

(c) Terms. – The members set forth in subsection (b) of this section shall serve 43

terms coinciding with their respective offices. 44

(d) Officers. – The Board shall elect from its members a Chair and Vice-Chair of 45

the Board. 46

Page 21

(e) Meetings. – The Board shall meet on the call of the Chair or any two 1

members, but shall meet at least once every six months. Each member may be 2

represented by a designee, who shall have the same voting powers as the member. The 3

Board shall meet in offices provided by the Department of Transportation. In addition, 4

the Department of Transportation shall provide the necessary secretarial and clerical 5

staff and supplies to help the Board accomplish its objectives. 6

(f) Guidelines. – The Board shall develop guidelines, consistent with the 7

requirements of G.S. 136-277, for reviewing and approving loans or other financial 8

assistance provided under G.S. 136-277. The Board shall publish the guidelines 9

established under this subsection on the Board's website, or, if the Board does not have 10

its own website, on the Department of Transportation's website. 11

(g) Quorum. – A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of the Board's 12

total membership." 13

(h) Reports. – The Board shall report on its activities quarterly to the Joint 14

Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Joint Legislative 15

Transportation Oversight Committee. 16

(i) Compensation. – Members shall serve without compensation, but may 17

receive travel and subsistence in accordance with G.S. 138-6." 18

SECTION 2. G.S. 136-18(12a) is repealed. 19

SECTION 3. Section 1 of this act becomes effective July 1, 2017, and 20

applies to loans and other financial assistance applied for on or after that date. The 21

remainder of this act becomes effective July 1, 2017. 22

23

Page 22

1

Page 23


SESSION 2017

H D

BILL DRAFT 2017-MLz-19 [v.5] (12/12)


12/14/2016 01:04:10 PM

Short Title: STI/Regional & Division Weighting . (Public)


Referred to:


AN ACT TO ADJUST THE WEIGHTING ATTRIBUTED UNDER THE 2

TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT STRATEGY FORMULA TO THE 3

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S DIVISION ENGINEERS, THE 4

METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE RURAL 5

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS, WHEN SELECTING 6

REGIONAL IMPACT AND DIVISION NEED PROJECTS, AS RECOMMENDED 7




SECTION 1. G.S. 136-189.11(d)(2)a. reads as rewritten: 11

"(2) Regional Impact Projects. – Thirty percent (30%) of the funds subject 12

to this section shall be used for Regional Impact Projects and allocated 13

by population of Distribution Regions based on the most recent 14

estimates certified by the Office of State Budget and Management: 15

a. Criteria. – A combination of transportation-related quantitative 16

criteria, qualitative criteria, and local input shall be used to rank 17

Regional Impact Projects involving highways that address 18

cost-effective needs from a region-wide perspective and 19

promote economic growth. Local input is defined as the 20

rankings identified by the Department's Transportation Division 21

Engineers, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and Rural 22

Transportation Planning Organizations. Transportation Division 23

Engineer local input scoring shall take into account public 24

comments. The Department shall ensure that the public has a 25

full opportunity to submit public comments, by widely available 26

notice to the public, an adequate time period for input, and 27

public hearings. Board of Transportation input shall be in 28

accordance with G.S. 136-189.11(g)(1) and G.S. 143B-350(g). 29

The criteria utilized for selection of Regional Impact Projects 30

shall be based thirty percent (30%) on local inputten percent 31

(10%) on the rankings identified by the Division Engineers, 32

Page 24

twenty percent (20%) on the rankings identified by the 1

Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the Rural 2

Transportation Planning Organizations, and seventy percent 3

(70%) on consideration of a numeric scale of 100 points based 4

on the following quantitative criteria: 5

...." 6

SECTION 2. G.S. 136-189.11(d)(3)a. reads as rewritten: 7

"(3) Division Need Projects. – Thirty percent (30%) of the funds subject to 8

this section shall be allocated in equal share to each of the Department 9

divisions, as defined in G.S. 136-14.1, and used for Division Need 10

Projects. 11

a. Criteria. – A combination of transportation-related quantitative 12

criteria, qualitative criteria, and local input shall be used to rank 13

Division Need Projects involving highways that address 14

cost-effective needs from a Division-wide perspective, provide 15

access, and address safety-related needs of local communities. 16

Local input is defined as the rankings identified by the 17

Department's Transportation Division Engineers, Metropolitan 18

Planning Organizations, and Rural Transportation Planning 19

Organizations. Transportation Division Engineer local input 20

scoring shall take into account public comments. The 21

Department shall ensure that the public has a full opportunity to 22

submit public comments, by widely available notice to the 23

public, an adequate time period for input, and public hearings. 24

Board of Transportation input shall be in accordance with 25

G.S. 136-189.11(g)(1) and G.S. 143B-350(g). The criteria 26

utilized for selection of Division Need Projects shall be based 27

fifty percent (50%) on local inputfifteen percent (15%) on the 28

rankings identified by the Department's Division Engineers, 29

thirty-five percent (35%) on the rankings identified by the 30

Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the Rural 31

Transportation Planning Organizations, and fifty percent (50%) 32

on consideration of a numeric scale of 100 points based on the 33

following quantitative criteria, except as provided in 34

sub-subdivision b. of this subdivision: 35

...." 36

SECTION 3. G.S. 136-189.11(d)(4)b. reads as rewritten: 37

"(4) Criteria for nonhighway projects. – Nonhighway projects subject to 38

this subsection shall be evaluated through a separate prioritization 39

process established by the Department that complies with all of the 40

following: 41

... 42

b. Local input shall include rankings of projects identified by the 43

Department's Transportation Division Engineers, Metropolitan 44

Planning Organizations, and Rural Transportation Planning 45

Organizations. Transportation Division Engineer local input 46

Page 25

scoring shall take into account public comments. The 1

Department shall ensure that the public has a full opportunity to 2

submit public comments, by widely available notice to the 3

public, an adequate time period for input, and public hearings. 4

Board of Transportation input shall be in accordance with 5

G.S. 136-189.11(g)(1) and G.S. 143B-350(g). 6

...." 7

SECTION 4. This act is effective when it becomes law. 8

9

Page 26

1

Page 27


SESSION 2017

H D

BILL DRAFT 2017-MLz-23 [v.4*] (12/16)


01/03/2017 03:48:54 PM

Short Title: Blue Ribbon Committee/Transportation Funding. (Public)


Referred to:


AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE ON 2

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING, AS RECOMMENDED 3




SECTION 1. Establishment. – There is established a Blue Ribbon 7

Committee on Transportation Infrastructure Funding. 8

SECTION 2. Membership. – The Committee shall be composed of 20 9

members as follows: 10

(1) 10 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of 11

Representatives, as follows: 12

a. Six members of the House of Representatives. 13

b. Two members representing the public. 14

c. One member representing small business in the State. 15

d. One member representing large business in the State. 16

(2) 10 members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, as 17

follows: 18

a. Six members of the Senate. 19

b. Two members representing the public. 20

c. One member representing small business in the State. 21

d. One member representing large business in the State. 22

SECTION 3. Finding and Purpose. – The General Assembly finds that the 23

State has significant transportation infrastructure needs and insufficient revenue to meet 24

those needs. Therefore, the Committee shall study all options available, including debt 25

instruments, revenue changes, local government participation, and tolling, to increase 26

funding for the transportation infrastructure needs of the State, and any other matters the 27

Committee deems relevant. 28

SECTION 4. Officers; Vacancies. – The Speaker of the House of 29

Representatives shall designate one Representative as cochair, and the President Pro 30

Page 28

Tempore of the Senate shall designate one Senator as cochair. Any vacancy on the 1

Committee shall be filled by the appointing authority. 2

SECTION 5. Compensation; Powers; Meeting. – Members of the 3

Committee shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances in accordance 4

with G.S. 120-3.1, G.S. 138-5, or G.S. 138-6, as appropriate. The Committee, while in 5

the discharge of its official duties, may exercise all powers provided for under G.S. 120-6

19 and G.S. 120-19.4. The Committee shall meet upon the call of the cochairs. A 7

quorum of the Committee shall be 10 members. The Committee may meet in the 8

Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building. With approval of the 9

Legislative Services Commission, the Legislative Services Officer shall assign 10

professional staff to assist the Committee in its work. The House of Representatives' 11

and the Senate's Directors of Legislative Assistants shall assign clerical staff to the 12

Committee, and the expenses relating to the clerical employees shall be borne by the 13

Committee. 14

SECTION 6. Report; Termination. – The Committee may make an interim 15

report of its findings and recommendations to the 2018 Regular Session of the 2017 16

General Assembly and shall make a final report of its findings and recommendations to 17

the 2019 General Assembly prior to its convening. The Commission shall terminate on 18

the convening of the 2019 General Assembly, or upon the filing of its final report, 19

whichever occurs first. 20

SECTION 7. Effective Date. – This act is effective when it becomes law. 21

22

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Appendix A

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

[Back to Top]

2015-2016

Speaker of the House of Representatives

Appointments:

Representative John A. Torbett, Chair

Representative Frank Iler, Vice Chairman

Representative Charles Jeter, Vice Chairman

Representative Phil Shepard, Vice Chairman

Representative Jamie Boles

Representative John R. Bradford, III

Representative William Brisson

Representative Becky Carney

Representative Debra Conrad

Representative Nelson Dollar

Representative Jeffrey Elmore

Representative John Faircloth

Representative John Fraley

Representative Ken Goodman

Representative George Graham

Representative Howard Hunter III

Representative Pat Hurley

Representative Linda Johnson

Representative Susan Martin

Representative Chuck McGrady

Representative Allen McNeill

Representative Michele Presnell

Representative Paul Tine

Representative Rena Turner

Staff: Amna Cameron, Bryce Ball, Susan Tyler,

Luke Gillenwater, Wendy Graf Ray, Giles S. Perry

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Appendix B

COMMITTEE CHARGE/LEGISLATIVE

AUTHORITY

By letter dated December 8, 2015, the Speaker of the House of Representatives

established the House Select Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning and Long

Term Funding Solutions, and authorized it to report to the 2016 Session of the 2015

General Assembly. See page 33 of this report.

The Committee was authorized to study any of the following:

(1) The I-77 Managed Lanes Project

(2) Improvements to the I-95 Corridor

(3) Port Modernization

A. Development of Radio Island

B. New freight rail access to the Ports of Morehead and Wilmington

C. Dredging

D. Economic development opportunities

(4) Technological advancement in infrastructure development and construction

(5) Autonomous vehicles

By letter dated March 8, 2016, the Speaker of the House of Representatives extended

the House Select Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning and Long Term

Funding Solutions, with the same charge as set out above. The letter authorizes the

Committee to report on or before the convening of the General Assembly in January

2017. See page 37 of this report.

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RESOLUTION BY MID-EAST RURUAL PLANNING ORGANIZATION REQUESTING LEGISLATION CHANGING THE STRATEGIC

TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS FUNDING FORMULA TO INCLUDE A FUNDING AND PRIORITIZATION PROCESS EXCLUSIVE TO GEOGRAPHIC

AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA

WHEREAS, the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization is committed to regional and statewide cooperation in transportation planning, while continuing to provide rural areas within Beaufort, Martin, and Pitt Counties the opportunity to work in partnership toward the development of a sound transportation infrastructure network; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Advisory Committee is the duly recognized transportation decision-making body of the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization; and, WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013 adopted House Bill 817, creating the Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) legislation, changing transportation funding to a formula that places more emphasis on congestion and population and less on intrastate road improvements, harming rural Highway Divisions; and WHEREAS, the goal of STI was to better connect all North Carolinians to jobs, health care, education, and recreation experiences through better leveraging of existing funds to enhance the state’s infrastructure and support economic growth, but focuses too heavily on congestion, essentially excluding rural areas across the state; and WHEREAS, metropolitan highway divisions already receive more money than rural divisions through additional resources including Urban Loop Funds, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Compliance funds; and WHEREAS, STI allows Statewide Mobility projects, driven by congestion, to cascade down to the Regional and Division tiers, leaving little funding for projects in rural areas, while also allowing congestion mitigation projects to be exempt from the process; and WHEREAS, rural areas have valid transportation needs, but those needs are minimized under STI for not having the congestion issues that the urban areas have, creating a continuing downward funding spiral for these areas; and WHEREAS, rural areas like Eastern North Carolina, which lag behind in transportation resources and will never be able to compete against urban areas, are willing to have projects compete for funding based on criteria so long as there is a level playing field of competition based on the needs of a region; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-East RPO requests that the Strategic Transportation Investments Funding Legislation be changed to include funding distribution exclusive to the geographic regions of North Carolina;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each geographic region uses the current Prioritization system to allow MPO’s and RPO’s to compete for their geographic region’s funding.

ADOPTED this the 24th day of June, 2016

____________________________ Dempsey Bond, Chair Transportation Advisory Committee Mid-East Rural Planning Organization

____________________________ Justin Oakes, Secretary Mid-East Rural Planning Organization

1000 North1st Street, Suite 17 Albemarle, NC 28001 980.581.6589 www.rockyriverrpo.org “Serving Anson, Stanly and a portion of Union Counties & Municipalities.”

Resolution Regarding STI Lack of Funding

for Rural North Carolina

WHEREAS, the Rocky River Rural Planning Organization (RRRPO) is the Transportation planning organization for Anson, Stanly and rural Union Counties, pursuant to G.S. 136‐18; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013 adopted House Bill 817, creating the Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) legislation, changing transportation funding to a formula; and WHEREAS, the goal of STI was to better connect all North Carolinians to jobs, health care, education, and recreation experiences through better leveraging of existing funds to enhance the state's infrastructure and support economic growth; and WHEREAS, STI divides its funding into three Tiers (Statewide, Regional and Division) which projects can cascade down to lower Tiers; and WHEREAS, in two rounds of funding, rural communities have received very little money in the Statewide Tier, despite the important statewide projects within rural communities, like Interstate 95 and specifically Statewide projects in the RRRPO like Hwy 74, Hwy 52 and Hwy 49; and WHEREAS, once the projects cascade down to the Regional Tier, there is not the money nor the base score via the P4 Workgroup’s methodology to allow the projects to move forward for funding; and WHEREAS, rural areas, which lag behind in transportation resources and have valid transportation needs, should have an equal voice on the P5 Workgroup to level the transportation infrastructure playing‐field; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the RRRPO Technical Advisory Committee requests that there be an equal rural voice on the P5 Workgroup and mindful methodology to fund a statewide transportation vision including rural counties throughout North Carolina. July 21, 2016 ____________________________ _______________________________ Bobby Usrey, Chairman RRRPO Dana Stoogenke, Secretary RRRPO


Agenda Item No. 8


Item Title: 2017 ARPO legislative agenda

Item Summary: In 2016, the ARPO drafted their first legislative agenda and presented it to our elected officials, in the state legislature. Specific action requested: Discussion/approval of the 2017 ARPO legislative agenda

Last March, the ARPO partnered with the Albemarle Commission to host a forum to present our legislative agendas to our elected officials in the state Legislature. Due to the fact, the Legislature started their session in early January this year, we will partner with the Albemarle Commission and host a legislative recap at the end of the long session. However, our legislative agenda will still be presented to them via email and regular mail. Attached is our 2016 legislative agenda for the RTCC and RTAC to review.

2016 legislative priorities

The ARPO supports these key regional transportation initiatives:

Ensure funding for future interstate along US 64 and US 17 from Raleigh, NC to the Hampton Roads region in Virginia

Continue to seek additional permanent sources of funding for new and replacement ferry vessels and support vessels.

Seek methods to increase the current level of NCDOT Division 1 maintenance funds.

Ensure funding for widening of highways, and needed bridge replacements, along hurricane evacuation routes.

Seek the rotation of key RPO and NCDOT Division staff, throughout the state, on the SPOT workgroup to ensure all RPO’s and NCDOT Divisions are represented equitably.

Mission The mission of the Albemarle Rural Planning Organization (ARPO) is to serve as an intergovernmental organization of local and State officials for the purpose of developing long-range local and regional multi-modal transportation plans and securing needed transportation improvements for the Albemarle region.

Position A core service of government, and vital to the economic

development of the ARPO’s region, is to ensure adequate funding for the construction and maintenance of bridges, highways, public transportation, airports, bicycle and pedestrian networks and the ferry system.

Proposed solutions Continued exploration of funding approaches to generate revenue equitably from all users of North Carolina’s transportation network.