AGENDA ITEM #5: MINUTES. SUBJECT: Minutes of previous HRTPO Board meeting. BACKGROUND: Minutes of the HRTPO Board meeting held on November 17, 2010.

Transcription

1 AGENDA ITEM #5: MINUTES SUBJECT: Minutes of previous HRTPO Board meeting. BACKGROUND: Minutes of the HRTPO Board meeting held on November 17, RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the minutes. Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Meeting December 15, 2010

2 Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Board Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2010 The Hampton Roads TPO Board Meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. in the Regional Boardroom, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia, with the following in attendance: HRTPO Voting Members: William D. Sessoms, Chairman (VB) Molly Joseph Ward, Vice-Chair (HA) Alan P. Krasnoff (CH) Clifton Hayes (Alternate, CH) Stan D. Clark (IW) Bruce C. Goodson (JC) McKinley Price (NN) Paul D. Fraim (NO) Kenneth I. Wright (PO) Gordon C. Helsel (PQ) HRTPO Voting Members Absent: Christian D. Rilee (GL) Clyde Haulman (WM) Corey W. Hill (DRPT) HRTPO Nonvoting Members: William E. Harrell (CH) Brenda Garton (GL) Mary Bunting (HA) W. Douglas Caskey (IW) Robert C. Middaugh (JC) Stanley Stein (NO) Kenneth L. Chandler (PO) J. Randall Wheeler (PQ) HRTPO Nonvoting Members Absent: Neil A. Morgan (NN) James K. Spore (VB) William Harrison (CTAC) Jeffrey Breeden (FAA) Irene Rico (FHWA) Tony Cho (FTA) Linda T. Johnson (SU) Thomas G. Shepperd, Jr. (YK) Amy Inman (Alternate, DRPT) Delegate John Cosgrove (GA)* Delegate Glenn Oder (GA)* Senator John Miller (GA) Philip Shucet (HRT) Dennis Heuer (VDOT) Jerry Bridges (VPA) Leon Sisco (Alternate, WATA) Senator Yvonne B. Miller (GA) Mark Rickards (WATA) Selena Cuffee-Glenn (SU) Jackson C. Tuttle, II (WM) James O. McReynolds (YK) Ivan Rucker (FHWA)* William Bell (FTAC) George Bonner (Alternate, USCG) Capt. Mary Jackson (USN)* Letitia A. Thompson (FTA) Wayne Shank (NAA) Ken Spirito (PAC) Colonel Glenn Grothe (U.S. Army) Capt. Mark Ogle (USCG) Randall P. Burdette (VDOA) *Late arrival or early departure HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 1

3 Others Recorded Attending: Terri Boothe, John Bray, John Gergely, Chris Malendoski, Frank Roberts, Henry Ryto (Citizens); Earl Sorey (CH); Keith Cannady, Diane Randall Foster (HA); Michael King, Sharon Scott, Tom Slaughter, Jerri Wilson (NN); Bryan Pennington, Jeff Raliski, Rod Woolard (NO); Eric Nielsen (SU); Robert Gey, Louis Jones, Bob Matthias, Mark Schnaufer (VB); Tyrone Franklin, John Seward (SY); Rose Pruden (Legislative Aide to Senator Yvonne Miller); Tony Gibson, Eric Stringfield, Chris Voigt (VDOT); Jayne Whitney (HRT); Hollis D. Ellis, Aubrey Layne (CTB); Ray Taylor (FHR); Meredith Judy (Rhodeside & Harwell, Inc.); Jeri Eley (Titanium Productions, Inc.); Jeff Florin (VPA); David White (VA Maritime Association); Rich Clifton (RK&K); Ellis James, Eileen Levandoski (Sierra Club Observer); Debbie Messina (The Virginian Pilot); Kimball Payne (Daily Press); Peter Huber (Willcox and Savage); Tracy Baynard (McGuire Woods); Scott Lovell (PB); Dana Dickens (HRP); Jay Openshaw (CTAC); Germaine Fleet (Biggs & Fleet); HRPDC and HRTPO Staff: Dwight Farmer, Jessica Banks, Sam Belfield, John Carlock, Rick Case, Rob Case, Nancy Collins, Kathlene Grauberger, Greg Grootendorst, Julia Hillegass, Frances Hughey, Jim Hummer, Rob Jacobs, Whitney Katchmark, Michael Kimbrel, Mike Long, Kendall Miller, Jimontanae McBride, Joe Paulus, Kelli Peterson, Andy Pickard, Camelia Ravanbakht, Stephanie Shealey, Tiffany Smith, Dale Stith, Joe Turner, and Chris Vaigneur. Public Comment Period Six people requested to address the HRTPO Board. Chairman Sessoms asked them to limit their comments to three minutes. Mr. Henry Ryto Good morning, my name is Henry Ryto. This morning Phase Two of the Transit Vision Plan is item 12 on your agenda. Yesterday morning a story on the plan was in the newspaper. Although the draft was much improved over phase one, I had a What the moment when I noticed Portsmouth was left off the regional light rail network. Granted, that draft has a streetcar from Downtown Portsmouth to the Harbor Park Multimodal station and a BRT line out to Suffolk. Given that we have spent the past few years talking about light rail through an expanded Midtown Tunnel, the omission was stunning. About a decade ago talk began of a future new regional airport out on the Suffolk/Isle of Wight line. Extending Norfolk s starter line from its western terminus to the proposed airport via Portsmouth would allow for a one seat train ride from the airport to Downtown Norfolk, Virginia Beach s Town Center, and the Oceanfront. Connecting Portsmouth into a then maturing regional light rail system at that later date would be a practical way of helping the most fiscally stressed city in the Commonwealth. The bill and ridership traveling to and from the airport would boost Portsmouth s light rail viability. For our region to flourish, all of our cities must prosper. Thank you. Ms. Eileen Levandoski Good morning, Eileen Levandoski and I live in Virginia Beach and I work for the Sierra Club. I m the Virginia Conversation Program Manager. The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club is ready to mobilize our grassroots throughout Hampton Roads to support a sustainable Vision for our area s transportation future. Communities across the United States have long understood the benefits born of linking land use with transportation planning. Providing HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 2

4 greater transportation options simultaneously sustains economic development and the environment which is critical to Hampton Roads future. Computer modeling has proven what transportation officials have long known - our major choke points exist at our bridge crossings which connect Hampton Roads at its population core. Between the two projects - expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the expansion of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, the latter otherwise known as the Third Crossing, offers the greatest bang for the buck. The proposed Third Crossing could carry both vehicles and rail thereby relieving traffic congestion and minimizing Hampton Roads soon to be non-attainment air quality. Rail, via the Third Crossing, would connect to existent rail corridors in Newport News that run to Richmond, D.C., and beyond. The Third Crossing also allows freight rail access to Hampton Roads ports which reduces the demand for heavy trucks clogging up our highways. Nowhere in the computer modeling does Route U.S. 460 surface. That's because it is a highway in search of traffic. Expanding U.S. 460 will open up mostly rural landscapes to developers and costly sprawl making our traffic even worse. It would be the poorest investment decision possible. For the Sierra Club to lend its support to a highway project, as it does with the Third Crossing with Rail, is highly unusual. It is an indication of how strongly we support this transportation vision for Hampton Roads. Thank you. Mr. John Gergely I am John Gergely from Newport News. Surprise! Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel was the prime interstate project on your study. Coming over today was tied up all the way back to the Coliseum because of one, one accident on Willoughby Spit somewhere, one lane was tied up. But whose fault is it it wasn't the driver's, wasn t the accident, it was this organization s fault because ten years ago this organization conned the General Assembly into a system of highways that was unaffordable that did not support traffic congestion, it only supported special interest. That system was strongly voted down by your constituents, the public. Now ten years later, this year Professor Kidd of Old Dominion, sponsored by this group, held public forums all over the area. I was kind of skeptical of them. I was graciously invited to sit in on them. They were fantastic. The study was done very well. What was the conclusion? Places like the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel need to be improved. Now your professionals have done this study, this study, the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Overwhelmingly, I don't understand the reservations of a place like Virginia Beach where your tourist economy is directly impacted by that bridge tunnel. Norfolk - the shopping, the restaurants. You are being hurt every day because you won't allow anyone to fix that. Back when tolls were a dollar and a quarter and it was a quarter to get to Virginia Beach and most people made under ten thousand dollars, it was common to go to Virginia Beach or Norfolk for lunch, for dinner, to shop. No one does any more. Matter of fact, over 30 years ago I met my wife, a Hampton girl. I met her in Norfolk because it was common to go over there when you could go over there. You can't communicate back and forth across the water any more. Think about your constituency. Forget about all these special interests that are sitting all over here talking your ear. Listen to the people that vote for you. The small business people. You are ruining the economic efficiency of this area, the plumbers that don't show on time, the people that don't show up for work. You are hurting this area by insisting on not fixing the bridge tunnel. How to pay for it - this time just be honest to the people of what they are going to get. Don't tell them it is for their good when you are building stuff for the truck traffic. Build the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. The people of this State, this area will be willing to pay for it. Thank you very much. (Delegate Oder arrivers) HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 3

5 Mr. Jack Bray Good morning. I thank you. I want to thank the Deputy Executive Director Camelia Ravanbakht for allowing me to come here and speak and you-all for what you do. My name is Jack Bray. I m a resident of Portsmouth and I m a senior citizen and I m a businessman. I came to you today to ask the question of your organization and VDOT. This is the question: Has an impact study been done to determine the economic, social, recreational, educational, political, and administrative costs of placing tolls on the Downtown Tunnel, Midtown Tunnel, and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel, and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the James River Bridge to the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Virginian-Pilot s editorial dated entitled, Transportation Fees Would Take a Big Toll raises a lot of concerns on what tolls, the impact of tolls on the Hampton Roads area. Therefore, I have 11 questions I want to ask you and I am going to leave a copy here for you as far as the impact to consider and also an alternative to this problem of raising money for the tunnel. First of all: what about the impact for the young and the old designed to attend institutions of higher learning from other cities other than where their colleges and universities are located? Number two, what about those individuals and nonprofit organizations - how are they affected and those people who volunteer their time in cities other than where they live? Personally myself, in 2010, I averaged approximately 60 hours monthly for supporting a nonprofit organization in Norfolk and I am a Portsmouth resident. How about families, especially seniors and the doctors, who have doctors, they see regularly in cities other than where they live? My wife and I see doctors in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Norfolk. How about the commercial businesses that do business in other cities other than where their offices are? How about families that have relatives living in other cities in Hampton Roads than the city than they live in? For instance we have relatives in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and the same thing about people who have friends that they visit throughout the cities. What's the impact of these tolls? How about the recreational and cultural venues such as Harbor Park, Scope, Chrysler Hall, Virginia Amphitheater, Hampton Coliseum, Ted Constant Center, high school and college events? What impact will these tolls have on these people going to these events and supporting it? What about our employees, including students and seniors who work for an hourly wage less than $10 an hour? What about our nursing homes, hospitals, doctors, and those institutions that provide medical service to patients that require frequent visits by patients and their families who both visit them and drive them to doctor visits; for instance, for cancer treatments, diabetes, whatever the illness may be. How is this going to be impacted? Government and elected officials who travel to other cities other than where they live or work as they conduct business of being a public servant? What about our businesses existing right now in the Hampton Roads area and those considering locating here in Hampton Roads that will make a decision to leave Hampton Roads and not relocate because of tolls? (Chairman Sessoms: Mr. Bray, I am going to have to cut you off. You have run out of time.) I have two more things. I beg you. (Chairman Sessoms: I will give you thirty seconds.) You ve got it. Thank you sir. Economic and administrative costs of collecting and maintaining and operating the tolls when compared to other methods or raising funds such as the gas tax. And here is an alternative suggestion I have. Develop areas by zip code around Hampton Roads that are charged a different tax rate depending on how far they are from Hampton Roads. For example, those located within 40 miles be charged 10x, whatever that fee might be. From 40 to 80 miles, maybe it is.5x, 80 to 200 miles,.25x. In other words, someone located in Roanoke, Virginia would pay a fraction of a gas tax than someone located in Hampton Roads would pay. Thank you for the opportunity to bring my concerns to you today and thank you for the extra 30 seconds. HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 4

6 Mr. Aubrey Layne Mr. Chairman, I promise I will be brief and also I won't make this a habit. I did want to report back to you about this group s presentation at the last Commonwealth Transportation Board back in October. It was not only powerful and very well done but it was very effective - from the very opening when Mayor Sessoms gave an overview to Mr. Farmer s detailed Google Earth presentation. It was very well received by the Commonwealth Transportation Board as evidenced not only by the calls that I have received getting additional information but certainly by the comments that the Secretary himself made during the meeting. The two that really were I thought very prudent for us as a region were his comments in regards to the military and particularly the port where he pointed out that one in eight jobs in this state is supported by the port activities. And then also his comments regarding the prioritization process that this group is undertaking and how he felt as if regional priorities were going to be the way that we could save more here in the state with the unfortunately, the restricted amounts of monies that we have for transportation. And it was also timely in that there were six new members on the Commonwealth Transportation Board - many of which did not understand the dynamics of our region. So to wrap up, I thank you for doing that, coming up there. I would encourage you to continue doing that. I know one of the things this Board is looking at is possibly moving the meeting date that would make it available for CTB Members to come here but also for you guys to continue coming to the CTB meetings in Richmond because as we go through the next year s six-year improvement plan and also the additional monies that VDOT has come through with this audit, the more input that we can get up through this process I think the better this region will be and thank you for your time today. (Mr. Rucker arrives) Mr. Chris Malendoski Good morning. A light rail tunnel from NOB to Downtown Newport News would be a mistake. Light rail should go from NOB to NASA across the bridge. Here's some reasons as to why the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel needs to be replaced with a sleek multi-model super bridge. Tunnels are terrorist targets. Easy targets. I will let your imagination run wild on that one. If this area is ever going to stand a chance to evacuate its citizens and military intelligence in a timely fashion, then the tunnel bottlenecks are going to have to go. Here's a salient statistic for you third crossing proponents. Most of our population, upwards of nearly a million people, is concentrated east or along the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, and not west. The road should serve the people and where they are concentrated and not vice versa. This is a matter of life and death. Furthermore, as of now our economic development in the region is being crushed by the lack of interconnectiveness that we all know. This multi-modal bridge will solve that. We currently have an interstate that terminates in a swamp, a city of nearly half million people, Virginia Beach, that only has one good evacuation route, and the busiest twolane highway in the Eastern North America. All are inexcusable for the 21st century and if light rail can handle the grade of the bridge then it can be incorporated or retrofitted in one of the old HRBT road spans. Most excitedly, for the first time in this area's history, there can be pedestrian bike access across the water. Someone who lived in Ocean View, but worked at NASA, could bike to work. Interestingly, though we are only roughly quarter of the population of Virginia, we account for half of the art spending in the same. We have led by example on that one. Where am I going with this? Well, it is fitting we should finally rise to the occasion and build our infrastructure i.e. bridges, to reflect such appreciation of art in architecture as opposed to what has been our blah history of settling for the least common utilitarian denominator. The outgoing helicopter flight issues of NOB can be addressed by simply altering the patterns to accommodate for the new bridge. Remember, this multi-modal bridge will HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 5

7 benefit all, sailor and citizen alike, private community as well as military. Building a bridge is cheaper than a tunnel. It is also simpler with less moving parts. I prepare for the worst of meteorological, oceanographic, and climatic conditions possible and it puts us in the league for a potential true North/South interstate and high-speed rail corridor and so on. I will be attempting to meet with many of you to discuss my updated PowerPoint presentation of a bridge route and design. I would like my presentation to become an active part of discussing the HRBT conundrum. Basically what I am asking you to do here today is to think outside the tunnel. Thank you. Consent Agenda Chairman Sessoms outlined the Consent Agenda as follows: Minutes Procurement Manual 2009 Socioeconomic Data by Transportation Analysis Zone: Final Report Mayor Krasnoff Moved to accept the Consent Agenda; seconded by Delegate Oder. The Motion Carried. FY2011 Budget Amendments Mr. Farmer explained the budget amendments for November consist of two minor changes to the HRTPO budget. There is a slight decrease of $1,565 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Funding and an increase of $30,783 in the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation s (DRPT) pass-through revenues. Mayor Johnson Moved to approve the budget amendments; seconded by Mayor Fraim. The Motion Carried. HRTPO Board Bylaws: Amendment Mayor Krasnoff thanked Mayor Price, Mayor Ward, and Mr. Clark for their time and input on the committee. He explained the committee was assigned to discuss options regarding a new date and time for the HRTPO Board meeting in order to allow Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) members the opportunity to attend the HRTPO meetings, and at the same time, give the HRTPO an opportunity to present information regarding regional decisions to the CTB in a timely manner. He noted that CTB members Hollis Ellis and Aubrey Lane were in attendance at today s board meeting even though the CTB meeting would convene in a few hours in Richmond. Mayor Krasnoff stated the committee voted to move the HRPDC and HRTPO meetings to the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively. Mr. Farmer indicated the HRPDC must take action at a quarterly full commission meeting and it then had a 90-day period to ratify the change. HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 6

8 Mayor Krasnoff Moved to move the HRTPO monthly board meeting to 10:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month; seconded by Mayor Fraim. Mr. Goodson expressed his appreciation to the committee for realizing the hardship of consecutive meeting days for the representatives on the Peninsula. The Motion Carried. Virginia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations: Membership Mr. Farmer stated that on October 12, 2010, a group of Virginia MPOs from across the Commonwealth voted unanimously to form the Virginia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (VAMPO) and approved its bylaws. VAMPO s formation is in response to House Joint Resolution 756 which calls for the MPOs of Virginia to form a Statewide Association, define a mission for that Association, and recommend to the General Assembly what statutory changes, if any, are needed to improve transportation planning and programming in Virginia. Mr. Farmer acknowledged Delegate Cosgrove as a patron of this legislation. Mr. Farmer explained HRTPO staff is asking the HRTPO Board for three actions on this item: Approve HRTPO Resolution supporting the formation of VAMPO Approve Vice-Chair Ward as the local elected official to serve as a member on the VAMPO Board of Directors Approve the HRTPO Executive Director to serve as the alternate member on the VAMPO Board of Directors Mayor Krasnoff Moved to approve HRTPO Resolution , Vice-Chair Ward as the appointed member, and Dwight Farmer as the alternate member of the VAMPO Board of Directors; seconded by Mayor Price. The Motion Carried Long-Range Transportation Plan Amendment U.S. Route 460: VDOT Mr. Farmer stated VDOT has indicated it has three Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) proposals in hand for U.S. Route 460 and Commissioner Gregory Whirley has requested to amend the Hampton Roads 2030 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) to include construction improvements to this corridor. The Route 460 project is currently included in the 2030 LRTP as a Preliminary Engineering (PE) Only project. Mr. Farmer introduced Mr. Heuer to comment on the subject. Mr. Heuer indicated that U.S. Route 460 is a priority of Governor McDonnell and Secretary Connaughton and Commissioner Whirley asked to move forward with the project and request that the HRTPO include it in the LRTP. It would allow VDOT to effectively negotiate and review detailed proposals that will be submitted. He noted the HRTPO was in receipt of a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) letter stating the PPTA process is an acceptable method to categorize Route 460 as a constrained project. Mr. Heuer Moved to amend the 2030 LRTP to include U.S. Route 460 construction improvements; seconded by Senator John Miller. HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 7

9 Mayor Fraim expressed his intent to vote affirmatively for the motion; however, he stated the proposal to expand the Midtown Tunnel was delivered to VDOT in June 2008 and there has been no new information with regards to it. Delegate Cosgrove noted that since the Midtown Tunnel proposal was delivered, there has been a change in the administration in Richmond. Secretary Connaughton is receptive to utilizing PPTAs and he should have the opportunity to respond. With regards to the Motion on the floor, the Motion Carried Long-Range Transportation Plan: Project Selection and Prioritization Mr. Farmer stated the project selection and prioritization process had been completed and the large printout on the wall contained a small portion of input data and results from the tool. He noted Mayor Krasnoff had asked HRTPO staff to present the results in December; however, staff has completed the task a month ahead of schedule. He introduced Ms. Ravanbakht to detail the results of the prioritization tool. Ms. Ravanbakht explained a single score was requested from the prioritization tool based on three components: Project Utility ability to solve a transportation issue Economic Vitality ability to support economic growth Project Viability readiness of project to be constructed She noted 150 projects were evaluated which required extensive traffic, funding, project readiness, and accessibility data. Ms. Ravanbakht stated it was reported in the media that a black box computer model was being utilized for the prioritization tool. She indicated that a computer was used; however, it was not a black box. Staff had full control of all data for each project, and if necessary, could isolate the criteria for each project and examine its impact on resulting scores. She noted the projects had to be further classified by sub-categories in order to better align the process of funding allocation that would be completed at a later point in the process. Bridge and Tunnel Projects The Bridge and Tunnel Projects, the first category analyzed by the prioritization tool were sub-divided into Interstate, Primary, and Urban projects. She presented a slide depicting the three component scores and total project score for each of the eighteen projects submitted. The projects yielding the highest two scores in each sub-category were: Interstate: HRBT/I-64 (8-lane) Third Crossing (complete implementation) HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 8

10 Primary: Urban: Midtown Tunnel/MLK Freeway Extension Dominion Boulevard Fort Eustis Boulevard Bridge Replacements over Lee Hall Reservoir Lesner Bridge Ms. Ravanbakht explained the tool assists in allowing HRTPO staff to visualize the utility, viability, and economic vitality of each project, and through this process, several projects not discussed in the past have shown a high utility and economic vitality for the region. The HRBT/I-64 (8-lane) project has an outstanding economic vitality score and good utility and viability scores for a total of 207 out of 300 points. The project viability score was quite low until VDOT received a PPTA proposal and is now currently accepting other proposals for the next 120 days. This project is not included in the LRTP; therefore, some points were lost, and VDOT has just initiated the environmental process which will take about three years to complete. The Third Crossing (complete implementation) has a total score of 196. She noted one of the advantages to the Third Crossing is that it can be phased into several segments. The three phases of the Third Crossing that were evaluated individually are the East-West Bridge Tunnel Connector, the Craney Island Connector and Eastern East-West Tunnel, and the Third Crossing I-664 Widening. It is an excellent project for the ports to aid in the movement of freight and goods, and also provides for better expansion of capacity for evacuation. The Midtown Tunnel and Martin Luther King Freeway expansion had a high total score of 242 points. There is currently a PPTA proposal for the project and VDOT is in the process of finalizing that process and signing the contract. The environmental documents have been completed and there is a record of decision issued by the FHWA. The completion of this project will bring relief in terms of reducing congestion and there will be both internal benefits as well as external benefits outside of the region. Dominion Boulevard scored well with a total of 220 points. This project, as Mayor Krasnoff has mentioned, is shovel ready. Environmental documentation has been completed and the FHWA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on this project. Highway Projects Over 100 highway projects were evaluated and divided into interstate, primary, urban, and secondary sub-categories. HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 9

11 The top scoring projects per sub-category are listed below. Interstate: Primary: Urban: I-64 Peninsula Widening (Jefferson Avenue to Route 199) Route 17 (G.W. Memorial Highway) Southeastern Parkway Lynnhaven Parkway Holland Road (Route 58) Secondary: South Church Street The I-64 Peninsula Widening project has good utility and modest vitality. The project viability scored somewhat low and there is no PPTA or other funding commitment on this project. Ms. Ravanbakht noted that although the Southeastern Parkway project was one of the top scoring primary projects, a recent notice in the Federal Register announced that the FHWA had terminated the environmental review process on the project. It was decided to separate the highway interchange projects from the other highway projects and out of the twelve that were evaluated; the I-64 Norview Avenue Interchange scored the highest due to its project viability score. The design is 50-60% complete, fully funded and ready to be constructed. Chesapeake Expressway at Mt. Pleasant Road was the only primary interchange project, and the Northampton Boulevard/Shore Drive Interchange was evaluated in the Urban Interchange projects. (Delegate Cosgrove departs) Intermodal Projects Ms. Ravanbakht stated one of the intermodal projects, the Third Crossing: Intermodal Connector and Air Terminal Interchange was classified as an interstate project and scored the highest of all the intermodal projects. The Air Terminal Interchange project is technically not a component of the Third Crossing; however, the Navy asked for its evaluation. The project viability is high because the intermodal section of the project is fully funded and is currently under design. There are three more intermodal projects in the urban category with the Craney Island Access Road scoring the most total points. Transit Projects Ms. Ravanbakht explained there were four transit projects that were studied with the Virginia Beach Fixed Guideway project receiving top scores. Staff also evaluated a fast ferry HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 10

12 service maritime transit project between Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton. She noted that Passenger Rail was not scored, as there are no multiple heavy rail projects under consideration and the HRTPO Board has supported the high-speed and enhanced intercity passenger rail concept for the region. Ms. Ravanbakht presented summary and map slides of each of the top scoring projects to illustrate their impact on the region. She noted that all project results were included as an enclosure in the agenda packet. (Captain Jackson departs) In conclusion, Ms. Ravanbakht stated staff planned to double check its data, present the information to the Citizen Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), the Freight Transportation Advisory Committee (FTAC), and the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) and return to the HRTPO Board in December with the final document for review and approval. Mr. Heuer stated that the Third Crossing Intermodal Connector and Air Terminal Interchange is listed as one project, yet they should be analyzed separately. He commented that the Intermodal Connector was scoped, funded, and under design, whereas the Air Terminal Interchange was unscoped, unfunded, and there was no interstate justification request approved by the FHWA. Mayor Fraim asked why the East-West Bridge Tunnel Connector of the Third Crossing was not evaluated with the Craney Island Connector. Ms. Ravanbakht replied the projects analyzed for the Third Crossing were submitted by the Port; however, staff will examine the two as he requested. Mayor Fraim asked if the vitality component of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (8-lane) rose in score last month due to the PPTA proposal. Ms. Ravanbakht replied affirmatively. Mayor Fraim inquired how staff reached the conclusion that 60% of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (8-lane) project would be built with tolls. Ms. Ravanbakht replied the LRTP Committee reached a consensus that 60% of tolled projects would be derived from funding commitments. Mayor Fraim asked if staff had access to information unavailable to the public. Ms. Ravanbakht replied the public has the same information utilized by staff. Mayor Fraim continued and asked if an analysis was conducted to determine if the tolls on the tunnel would depress traffic. Ms. Ravanbakht stated the forecasted traffic was adjusted for the usage of tolls. Mayor Fraim asked staff to provide the specific information regarding the traffic adjustments. Mr. Farmer indicated he had met with the HRBT consortium and had posed the same question regarding traffic adjustments. The consortium planned to transmit traffic and revenue information, and unless the data was proprietary, Mr. Farmer planned to share it with the HRTPO Board. Mayor Fraim asked if the information was included in the current HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 11

13 model. Mr. Farmer stated staff would provide the data if the consortium did not provide the information to him. Mayor Fraim asked if staff assumed there would be no tolls for a project if it did not have a PPTA proposal. Ms. Ravanbakht replied affirmatively. Mayor Price asked why the viability score for the I-64 Peninsula Widening project was so low. Ms. Ravanbakht explained the viability number was based on two major components: funding commitment and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. She noted that the I-64 Peninsula Widening project was unfunded and the NEPA process had just been initiated. Delegate Oder stated the new administration that took office in Richmond began soliciting Request for Proposals (RFPs) from engineering firms for I-664 widening from Newport News to Richmond; however, the environmental process will take up to three years to complete. He noted the Third Crossing scored well because of its inclusion in the LRTP and the NEPA process was complete. He asked how many points would have been awarded to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel if it was included in the LRTP and if environmental documents had been completed. Ms. Ravanbakht explained ten points are awarded for inclusion in the LRTP. There are four components involved with the NEPA process and up to forty points can be awarded. Delegate Oder commented that the prioritization information is valuable in facilitating HRTPO discussions regarding the realization of each project. He noted it will be at least a three year process to achieve the correct environmental documentation for the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel; therefore, monies should be utilized to build other projects that are shovel ready. He believed that as the prioritization document becomes more developed, it will be the cornerstone of the HRTPO effort. He encouraged the Board to work together and find a way to build regional projects. Mayor Fraim asked if points were awarded to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel project simply because the NEPA process had been initiated. Ms. Ravanbakht replied that partial credit was given. Mayor Fraim agreed with Delegate Oder that the prioritization document is a valuable tool; however, he suggested the Board use its best judgment when determining which project to build, rather than rely solely on the computer results. Delegate Oder stated there is human input in the prioritization tool and the HRTPO Board needs to work together to build projects for the benefit of the region. Mr. Heuer indicated FTAC had prepared a position statement with regards to the prioritization tool which conveyed the need to focus on the creation of a transportation system, rather than individual projects. HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 12

14 Ms. Inman asked if the intermodal connector project for the Third Crossing was for freight rail. Mr. Heuer replied the project is a highway project for vehicle traffic. Ms. Inman also asked if there were any freight rail or transit recommendations in this project or the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Mr. Farmer replied there were no such proposals. Chairman Sessoms expressed his appreciation to HRTPO staff for its efforts with the prioritization tool. Transit Vision Plan: Status Report Ms. Inman presented a slide illustrating the proposed overall vision plan completed by an appointed steering committee, and stated that recommendations from the HRTPO s Phase I Transit Vision Plan were utilized to determine the system consisting of light rail, bus rapid transit routes, street cars, and commuter rail. She noted the region s enthusiasm for pursuing high-speed rail and indicated there was some corridor overlap with the transit vision plan. Along with the existing corridors from Phase I, three new corridors emerged through this evaluation process: a light rail connection between Hampton and Downtown Newport News a TIDE connector from Military Highway to Greenbrier a TIDE connector from Military Highway to Battlefield Boulevard The corridors from Phase I were evaluated by: Land Use Planning to support Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Capital Cost Estimation Ranges Comparison of other US Transit investments by mode Capital costs over $70 million were given low ratings Ridership Estimation Ranges Utilized the FTA Aggregate Rail Resource Ridership Forecasting Model Contribution to the Regional Transit Network and Multi-Modal Connectivity Supporting infrastructure for Bicycles and Pedestrians User Friendly Ms. Inman outlined the corridor draft recommendations by short term (2025), long term (2035), and extended term implementation (beyond 2035). Currently, high-speed ferries are being researched for the short-term in an attempt to have that regional connection that the region needs in the transit arena. Also considered for short-term completion is the unveiling of the TIDE and a light rail corridor from downtown Norfolk to the Naval Station. She noted there is room for refinement; however, as the Board heard in the previous presentation, there is not much connectivity for rapid transit or for that kind of movement to occur across the water. This may be an opportunity in the extended term to consider HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 13

15 how the area can have a true regional rapid transit system which could aid in the relief of roadway congestion. Future land use strategies to support transit oriented development include: Developing a multi-jurisdictional vision for transit, transit oriented development (TOD), and funding/implementation mechanisms Revising local zoning codes to allow and encourage TOD growth patterns Establishing financial and non-financial incentives to promote TOD Ms. Inman presented a slide outlining the express and enhanced bus corridors that are planned for the region to service areas with lower population densities or limited TOD potential, links between LRT, BRT streetcar, and commuter rail corridors, and interim transit connections prior to fixed guideway construction. Ms. Inman concluded by stating she planned to present the report to both the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and the Williamsburg Transit Authority (WATA) Boards this week with public information sessions to be held November 30th and December 1st on the Peninsula and Southside respectively. The draft report has been presented to the TTAC with a final report to be given to the HRTPO Board in January Mr. Goodson noted a correction to the plan regarding Corridor A Extended-Term Recommendations and stated James City County has redesignated land along the rail corridor in Toano and the plan should show a corridor section between Lightfoot and Toano. Ms. Inman thanked Mr. Goodson and indicated DRPT would make the correction. Correspondence of Interest Chairman Sessoms highlighted the items in the Correspondence of Interest section of the Agenda packet. Public Comments Chairman Sessoms indicated there were public comments in the Agenda packet. For Your Information Chairman Sessoms noted the items in the For Your Information section of the Agenda packet. Old/New Business Mayor Fraim stated if the region planned to stake its future on PPTAs, he suggested the necessity to work together to manage the tolls. He commented that each individual project should not have to carry its own weight through tolls; rather, a tolling authority be established to manage the tolls to control the flow of traffic. He asked if the CTB had the HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 14

16 ability to create such a tolling authority. Mr. Farmer replied HRTPO counsel had reviewed that request and legally, the responsibility lies with the General Assembly. It does appear that the CTB could set individual tolls; however, that would counterpoint the creation of a tolling system. Chairman Sessoms indicated it would require more than tolls to fund the projects. Mr. Harrell noted that a PPTA is often viewed as a funding source; however, it is only a method to initiate a project. When a proposal is evaluated, there must be a financial plan that is both sound and affordable. Mayor Fraim indicated it is troubling and worrisome to stake the region s future on PPTAs; however, he did acknowledge that tolls will be utilized as a funding mechanism in the future. Mr. Farmer explained he had expressed his concern to the HRBT consortium with regards to solely relying on a PPTA to build a project in that it is financially feasible to generate the revenues necessary to service the debt; however, it will have a demand suppression that will not enable new capacity, only debt service. Mayor Fraim believed it was more than debt service being created, but also a rate of return for the private sector. Mr. Shucet stated the topic bears more discussion; yet he believed the private sector has the capability to determine an effective toll rate that maximizes throughput without significantly suppressing demand. Mayor Fraim commented the private companies who make the proposals expect a rate of return, including the Midtown Tunnel proposal. Delegate Oder stated as the General Assembly readies itself for another session, he offered to speak to the localities regarding funding mechanisms. He also stated he is once again putting forth a port funding bill, a statewide bill in terms of utilizing various growing economies around the state and capturing a portion of that income for funding transportation projects. He noted that port projections could go as high as five million containers a year and he hoped to have around 30% of that income tagged for transportation projects. Adjournment With no further business to come before the Hampton Roads TPO, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. William D. Sessoms, Jr. Chairman Dwight L. Farmer Executive Director/Secretary HRTPO Board Minutes November 17, Page 15