STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 - 2021...The plan not only outlines the basic elements of the system, but also...

STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 - 2021

CameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthorityStrategicPlan

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TABLEOFCONTENTSMESSAGEFROMTHECHAIRMAN.....................................................................................................................................................................3EXECUTIVESUMMARY........................................................................................................................................................................................4OURVISION.............................................................................................................................................................................................................6OURMISSION..........................................................................................................................................................................................................6OURPURPOSE........................................................................................................................................................................................................6BOARDOFDIRECTORS........................................................................................................................................................................................6ORGANIZATIONALCHART.................................................................................................................................................................................7GOALSTRATEGIES................................................................................................................................................................................................8THEIMPORTANCEOFTRANSPORTATIONPARTNERSHIPS.................................................................................................................17THEIMPORTANCEOFJOBCREATION..........................................................................................................................................................17ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.....................................................................................................................................................................................18APPENDIX..............................................................................................................................................................................................................19LISTOFTABLES..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19Table1:CCRMAProjectDevelopmentList................................................................................................................................................................................................19Table2:FundingSourcesforCCRMAProjects........................................................................................................................................................................................20Table3:CountywideTRZEligibleProjects...............................................................................................................................................................................................21Table4:FrequentlyUsedAcronyms.............................................................................................................................................................................................................22

MAPS.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23Map1:SystemMap..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23Map2:1-69E/U.S.77..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24Map3:SPI2ndAccessProjectLocation.....................................................................................................................................................................................................24Map4:OuterParkwayProjectLocation....................................................................................................................................................................................................25Map5:SH32EastLoopProjectLocation.................................................................................................................................................................................................25


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Map6:SH550GapIProjectLocation........................................................................................................................................................................................................26Map7:FM803Project.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26Map8:GeneralBrantRoad.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................27Map9:FM509Extension..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27Map10:FM1925Project..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28Map11:Spur54ProjectLocation................................................................................................................................................................................................................28


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MESSAGEFROMTHECHAIRMANOn behalf of theBoard ofDirectors of the CameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthority(CCRMA), Iampleased topresent toyou the3RDEditionofourStrategicPlan.Sinceourcreationin2004,theinitialStrategicPlan(2007-2011)andthe2ndEditionoftheStrategicPlan (2012-2016) has guided ourwork to find new and innovative tools to reduce theproblems of congestion and connectivity while encouraging quality economicdevelopmentwithinCameronCounty.WehavemadesignificantprogressunderthefirsttwoStrategicPlans;muchofityouwillseeinthisdocument,aswellasinthecompletedimprovements. These improvements include State Highway (SH) 550, a stretch alreadysignedasI-169andisthefirstTollRoadopenedintheRioGrandeValleyandSouthTexas,aswell as theWestRailroadRelocationProject, the first InternationalRailroadcrossingintoMexico in over 100 years. The CCRMA’s success is especially evident through ourparticipationoninterstatelevelupgradestoU.S.77.TheCCRMA’seffortswillreassuretheclassificationofU.S.77beupgradedtoaninterstatecorridorwithinthenextfewyears.South Texas continues to be an attractive business and tourist destination and continues to see tremendous growth in population and surge ofeconomicdevelopment.ThepopulationoftheBrownsville-MatamorosandMcAllen-Reynosaareascombinedisestimatedtodoublebetween2010and2040from3.5millionto7millionresidents.ThepopulationfortheStateofTexasisprojectedtobe43millionin2040.Asourpopulationcontinuestogrowrapidly,asmorejobsarecreated,andmorebusinesseslocateinthisarea,wewillcontinuetofacethegrowingtransportationchallengeofhowtogetpeople,goodsandservicestotheirdestinationssafely,reliablyandtimelyinanenvironmentallysensitivemanner.The3rdEditionofourStrategicPlanrepresentsthenextphaseofmeetingourtransportationchallenges. Wefacethesechallengesby implementingstrategies that focuson strategic corridordevelopmentwhichhelp achievequality growthwithinour county and region.Thisplanwill continue toprovide the foundation for the direction and continued success of the CCRMA.We have learned from experience and history that TransportationSystemsmustbesustainable. TheCCRMAsystemiscapableofpaying forsystemconstruction,maintenanceandoperationsover thenext50years.PleasejointheCCRMAsupportteamtoensureweimplementsolutionsthatremainsustainabletothefuturewithvisionforSouthTexas.Sincerely,FrankParker,Jr.CCRMAChairman


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EXECUTIVESUMMARYThepassingofHouseBill(HB)3588bytheTexasLegislaturein2003broughtaboutmajorinnovativereforminhowessentialtransportationprojectscanbefunded.Thetraditionalmethodsoffinancingtodeveloplocaltransportationsystems,particularlythegastaxandlocaltaxbasecan no longer be relied upon to keep pacewith rising transportation costs. The Texas Legislature approved the establishment of RegionalMobilityAuthorities(RMAs)asaninnovativetransportationtooltoaccelerateprojectsandcreatenewrevenuestreamsforlocaltransportationsystem projects. The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approved the creation of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority(CCRMA)onSeptember30,2004topromoteandimproveregionalmobilitywithinCameronCounty,SouthTexasandinternationallywiththenorthernTamaulipasregionofMexico. In2013and2015theTexasLegislatureagaincarriedmajorreformwithnewtransportation fundinglatertobeknownasProposition1,andProposition7,respectively.Thisnewfundingwasnotaresultofincreaseintaxes,ratheraredistributionof oil andgas revenues, sales tax, and rental andvehicle sales tax. Votersoverwhelmingly approvedbothpropositions againmaking aboldstatementoftheimportanceandneedfortransportationimprovementsintheState.CameronCountyandneighboringHidalgoCountyare twoof the fastestgrowingMetropolitanStatisticalArea(MSA) in thenation,ataround40%increasesper10-yearcycle.Acrosstheborder,themetroareasofMexicoareincreasingby80%per10-yearcycle.CameronCountydoesn’tjusthavemorepeopleincars;there’sacontinuedincreaseinthetravelofgoods.CriticalcommerceaccessisprovidedthroughtheCountybymeansoftheGulfIntracoastalCanal(GICC)connectingthedeep-waterportinBrownsville,andtheportsinHarlingenandPortIsabel.Accessalsoisprovidedtodeep-waterportsnorthandsouthoftheRioGrandeValley,includingCorpusChristiandTampico,Mexico,respectively.MajorfreightrailaccesstoMexicofortheUnionPacificRailroadisthroughCameronCounty,andcanbeexpandedthroughvariouspartsoftheRioGrandeValleyforadditionalrailcargoaccess.Astheneedforinfrastructureincreases,theCCRMAhasaresponsibilitytorespondwitheffectiveandsustainablesolutions.The CCRMA has embarked on an exciting and ambitious program, focusing on a number of capacity projects and highway networkimprovements.Theadoptionofalong-rangeStrategicPlanintheearlystagesofformulationoftheCCRMA’sproposedsystemwascriticaltothesuccessofitsprogram.Theplannotonlyoutlinesthebasicelementsofthesystem,butalsoservestofocustheeffortsofpublicinformationandinvolvement and serves to guide the sequencing, development and implementationof all of the anticipatedprojectswithin the region in thefuture. The new strategic plan for 2017-2021 is compiled in eightmajor goals. These goals are intended to be broad and flexible with theunderstandingthattransportationplanningisalwaysconfrontedwithnewandunforeseenchallenges.TheCCRMAispoisedforthesechangesand is ready to work with the new Federal Highway Administration as well as any changes resulting from the next two Texas LegislativeSessions.


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The2017-2021StrategicPlanpresentseight (8)major goalsof theCCRMA,whichwillprovidethecritical foundationforaddressingthefutureoftransportationneedsinCameronCounty,SouthTexasandthenorthernTamaulipasregions.

Goal1:• Continueaccomplishmentsoftheshort-termorganizationalplansandimplementlong-termorganizationalplans,by-lawsandpoliciesand

proceduresthatpromotetheCCRMAobjectives.Goal2:

• Continuethesuccessofthecurrentsystemprojectsanddevelopschedulesandbudgetsthatensuresustainable,timelyandcosteffectiveprojectdelivery,withavisionto2050.

Goal3:• Initiatenewsystemprojectsthatsupporteconomicdevelopmentandpromotequalityoflifeforcitizensoftheregionwellintothefuture

forournextgeneration.Goal4:

• Utilizefinancingoptionsandplansthatleveragefundingsourcesandpromotetimelyprojectcompletion.Goal5:

• Maintain and enhance working relationships with TxDOT, United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal HighwayAdministration(FHWA),HidalgoCountyRegionalMobilityAuthority(HCRMA),MetropolitanPlanningOrganizations(MPOs)aswellasourneighborsinMexico.

Goal6:• Workcloselywithalltransportationcommittees(I-69Committees)andorganizations,localbusinessesandstakeholdersthroughouteach

projecttoensureopen,two-waycommunicationandtopromoteeconomicdevelopmentandcreatejobs.Goal7:

• UtilizetechnologyandinnovationtodevelopandimplementtolloperationalrolesandacomprehensiveInformationTechnology(IT)PlanaswellasaBackOfficeSystem.

Goal8:• Avoid or minimize potential impacts to the environment, to the extent possible, through sensitive and proactive consideration of the

humanandnaturalenvironment.The ultimate goal of the CCRMA is tomake significant contributions to a high quality of life by providing our residents andvisitorswith effective,acceleratedmobilitytoencourageeconomicgrowthinSouthTexasfromborderstobeaches,ataminimalcosttothetaxpayers.Eachofthesegoalswillrequireanongoingcollaborativeeffortwithallareatransportationagenciesthatwillemphasizetheimportanceofaneffectivepublicoutreachcampaign,fiscalresponsibilityandtransparency.ThisStrategicPlan,coveringafive(5)yearperiod,willbeupdatedbiannuallywithinputfromallareatransportationagenciesaswellasfromFederalTransportationagenciesintheU.S.andMexico.


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OURVISIONTheCameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthoritywillcontinuetoberecognizedastheRMAleaderinTexasimplementingtransportationprojectsthatachieveasustainable,world-classregionaltransportationnetworkinSouthTexas.

OURMISSIONTheCameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthoritywillprovidetransportationthatpromotessafeandeffectivemobility,improvesthequalityoflifeforarearesidents,createsqualityeconomicdevelopment,jobsandgeneratesrevenuestosustainaregionaltransportationnetwork,internationally.

OURPURPOSEThe Cameron County RegionalMobility Authoritywill give Cameron County control tomakemobility decisionswith the community, to accelerateneeded transportation projects, and to enhance economic vitality and the quality of life for the residents of Cameron County and South Texas in asustainablefashion.

BOARDOFDIRECTORSTheChairmanoftheCameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthorityisFrankParker,Jr.,whohasastrongbackgroundinbusinessandfinance.Mr.Parkeralso has served on the SouthTexasManufacturesAssociation, theBrownsville EconomicDevelopment Council, theBrownsville, Pharr andMcAllenChambersofCommerceandtheNationalAssociationofCustomsBrokerForwardersFreightForwardingCommittee.InadditiontotheChairman,theAuthority’sBoardofDirectorsincludessix(6)othermembersappointedbytheCameronCountyCommissioner’sCourt.TheCCRMABoard ofDirectors appointedMr. RubenGallegos, Jr., asVice Chairman. Mr. Gallegos oversees an organization that seeks to empowerchildrenand families. Otherappointees include;Mr.MarkEsparzawho isa localattorney,a realestatebrokerandbusinessowner;Mr.DavidNoeGarzawhoistheownerofGulfAviationCompany,asupplierofaviationservicesandistheappointedRMASecretary;Mr.MichaelF.ScaiefwhoisthePresidentofTexasRegionalBankandtheappointedRMATreasurer;Mr.NatLopez,retiredPresident/CEOfromtheHarlingenHispanicChamberofCommerceandservedfrom1991to1997asaCityCommissionerfortheCityofHarlingen;andMr.HoracioBarrera,whoisalocalattorney.


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ORGANIZATIONALCHART


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GOALSTRATEGIESGOAL 1: Continue accomplishments of the short-term organizational plans and implement long-term organizational plans, by-laws andpoliciesandproceduresthatpromotetheCCRMAobjectives.ContinuewithOrganizationalPlan:TheultimategoaloftheCCRMAistotransitiontoastaff-basedmanagementoperation.TheCCRMAhasidentifiedkeymanagementpositionsnecessarytodevelopacorestaff team. Thesepositions includea full-timeExecutiveDirector,aChiefFinancialOfficer,aDirectorofTollOperations,aBusinessDevelopmentOfficer,andExecutiveAdministrativeSupportServices. Thecorestaff teamshallbesituated inconvenientlylocatedautonomousofficespace.TheExecutiveDirector,whoisappointedbytheBoard,willmanagetheoperationsservingastheChiefExecutiveOfficeroftheCCRMA.TheBoardwillmeetasoutlinedintheby-laws,onthesecondThursdayofthemonth,todiscussanddeterminepoliciesaffectingtheoperationandmaintenanceoftheCCRMA. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board. The Executive Director will have overall responsibility for the operation andmaintenanceofCCRMA facilities, aswell as servingas theprimarypointof contact forCCRMA inalldealingswith thepublic and the liaison for allinteragencycommunicationandcoordination.ThestaffoftheCCRMAwillbeorganizedintofunctionaldepartments,themanagersofwhichwillreporttotheExecutiveDirector.Certainfunctionsnecessary for the operationof theAuthority’s facilities, includingmaintenance and lawenforcement, initiallywill be contracted out by theCCRMA.Thesecontractedactivities,however,willbemanagedandcloselymonitoredbyCCRMAstaffortheirconsultants.LocallawenforcementagenciesandStatePolicewillprovidelawenforcementonthefacilitiesthroughinteragencyagreements.GOAL 2: Continue the success of the current systemprojects and develop schedules and budgets that ensure sustainable, timely and costeffectiveprojectdelivery,withavisionto2050.INTERSTATE69E/U.S.77(Seepg.24)

• WorkwithTxDOTDistrictOfficestoidentifyfundsneededtocompleteimprovements($300million).• WorkwithTxDOT&FHWAonthenecessaryDesignWaiversalongtheKingRanch.• UpgradeU.S.77ImplementationPlanfortheremainingprojects.• WorkwithTxDOTtodevelopoptionsforRiviera,DriscollandRicardo.


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SOUTHPADREISLANDSECONDACCESS(Seepg.24)• EnsuretheCompletionandApprovaloftheFinalEnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS).IssuanceofRecordofDecision.• CompleteaFinancialPlanandCoordinateFundingwithTxDOT.• ImplementValueEngineeringrecommendations.• CompleteMitigationPlan.• BeginDesign/EngineeringPhase.• BeginRight-of-WayAcquisition/UtilityRelocation.• Developconstructionbiddocumentsandschedule.• BeginConstruction.

OUTERPARKWAY(Seepg.25)

• CompleteCorridorStudy.• CompleteAlignmentProcess.• CoordinateEnvironmentalProcesswithTxDOT.• CompleteEnvironmentalPermittingProcess.• Beginprocessofenvironmentalpermitting,mitigationdevelopmentandcoordinationwithstateandfederalresourceagencies.• BeginProcessforFinancing/CDA.ProcurementProcess/Right-of-WayAcquisition.• BeginConstruction.

EASTLOOP(SH32)(Seepg.25)

• CompleteEnvironmentalAssessment(EA)Process&ReceiveFindingofNoSignificantImpact(FONSI).• CoordinateleveerelocationwiththeInternationalBoundaryandWaterCommission(IBWC).• Coordinatefenceremoval&relocationwithDepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS).• CompleteHistorical&BiologicalStudies.• CoordinatewiththeUnitedStatesFishandWildlifeService(USFWS)andotherstateandfederalagencies.• BeginProcessofRight-of-WayAcquisition.• WorkonPlanofFinance.• BeginProcessofDesignandEngineering.• BeginConstruction.

STATEHIGHWAY550Gaps1&2(Seepg.26)

• Completeconstructionoftwogaps.FM803PROJECT(Seepg.26)

• CompletetheconstructionoftherealignmentofFM803.


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GENERALBRANTROAD(Seepg.27)• CompleteconstructionofGeneralBrantRoad.

PORTISABELPORTACCESSROAD

• CompleteEnvironmentalDocument.• CompleteEngineeringDesign.• DetermineFunding/ApplyforTxDOTGrant.• BeginConstruction.

FM509EXTENSION(Seepg.27)

• CompleteEnvironmentalDocument.• CompleteEngineeringDesign.• CompleteRight-of-WayAcquisition/UtilityRelocation.• BeginConstruction.

FM1925PROJECT(Seepg.28)

• CoordinateEnvironmentalProcesswithTxDOT.• CoordinateEnvironmentalPermittingProcess.• Beginprocessofenvironmentalpermitting,mitigationdevelopmentandcoordinationwithstateandfederalresourceagencies.• CoordinateFundingwithTxDOTandHCRMA.• BeginDesignandEngineering.• BeginRight-of-WayAcquisition.• BeginConstruction.

COMMERCESTREETUPRRRAILRE-ALIGNMENT

• CompleteEnvironmentalDocument.• CompleteEngineeringDesign.• ApplyforFASTLANEandFRAGrants.• BeginConstruction.

SPUR54PROJECT(Seepg.28)

• CompleteEnvironmentalDocument.• CompleteEngineeringDesign.• BeginConstruction.


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GOAL3:Initiatenewsystemprojectsthatsupporteconomicdevelopmentandpromotequalityoflifeforcitizensoftheregionwellintothefutureforournextgeneration.U.S.281CONNECTORPROJECT

• BeginandCompleteEnvironmentalProcess.• DevelopaFinancialPlan.• BeginEngineeringDesign.• BeginRight-of-WayAcquisition.

COUNTYWIDETRZPROJECTS(SeeTable3)

• PrioritizeandClassifyProjects.• DetermineLevelofCoordinationrequiredwithTxDOT.• BeginDevelopingProjectsAccordingly.

BORDERMASTERPLAN

• ContinuecoordinationwithMexico,CameronCounty,CityofBrownsville(COB),BrownsvilleNavigationDistrict(BND),CityofMatamoros,StateofTamaulipas,SecretaríadeComunicacionesyTransportes(SCT),SecretaríadeRelacionesExteriores(SRE),DOSandTxDOT.

• CompleteUpdatedMasterPlanwithMexico.INTERNATIONALBORDERCROSSINGS

• BeginSiteAssessmentandpermittingofprioritizedfutureInternationalCrossings.• CollaboratewithPortofBrownsvilleofficialsasnecessarytofacilitateneedsofthePortontheFuturePortBridgeProject.

NORTHRAILRELOCATIONPROJECT

• CompleteEnvironmentalProcessforthepreferredalignment.PROJECTSTOHIDALGOCOUNTY

• Identifyprojectsthatwouldpromoteahealthyregionaltransportationnetworkforthefuture(SouthandNorth).ELECTRONICTOLLCOLLECTION(ETC)ATINTERNATIONALBRIDGES

• IdentifyneededsystemimprovementstoincorporateETC.• PreparationforInternationalBridgeETCinteroperabilityrequirementswithstatetollingentities.• InstallandoperateidentifiedETCsystem.


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LEGISLATIVEAGENDA–FEDERAL/STATE• DevelopagendaforLegislativeSessions.• Visitdelegationandprovidereports.

FLORDEMAYOBRIDGE

• ExecuteagreementwithCameronCountytomanageanddevelopproject.• CompleteFeasibilityStudy.• WorkonGeneralServiceAdministration(GSA)Funding.• WorkwithMexicooncoordinationofproject.• CoordinatewiththeU.S.DepartmentofStatethePresidentialPermitApplicationProcess.

COMMUNICATIONSANDOPERATIONS

• Implementstrongoperationstopromoteefficienttollcollections.• CreateBusinessDevelopmentPlanstoeffectivelypromoteSH550andfuturetollroadswithtargetaudience.• DevelopstrongMediaandCommunityRelationsinvolvementonaroutinebasis.• DevelopEffectiveCommunicationPlatformstokeepallstakeholdersandpublicinformedwithCCRMAOperationsandProjectDevelopments.

ELIMINATIONOFRAILLINEBETWEENOLMITOANDHARLINGEN

• WorkwithUnionPacificonProjectApproval.• UpdateExistingStudy.• IdentifyFundingOptions.

GOAL4:Utilizefinancingoptionsandplansthatleveragefundingsourcesandpromotetimelyprojectcompletion.

• ExpeditecurrentprojectstocompletetheCDAprocess,whichareapprovedundercurrentlegislation.TheseprojectsincludetheSouthPadreIsland2ndAccessandtheOuterParkway.

• Continuetoreassure/encouragelegislativeagendatoallowexpandeduseofCDAsandotherfinancingoptions.• CoordinatewithTxDOTandidentifystatefundingsources.• IdentifyfederalfundsforCCRMAprojects.

PossibleFundingSources:AviationFunding–TxDOTbudgetedsourceofapproximately$60millioninfundingforplanning,constructingandmaintainingcommunityairports.Allowedforinfrastructureprojects,whichimproveaccessto/fromairports.


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BondProceeds–Themoneypaidtotheissuerbythepurchaserforanewissueofbonds,usedtofinanceaprojectorpurposeforwhichthebondswereissuedandtopaycertaincostsofissuance.Thisisequaltotheparamountofbonds,plusaccruedinterest,lessoriginalissuediscountpluspremium.

ComprehensiveDevelopmentAgreement (CDA)–Anagreementwithaprivateentityproviding for thedesignand constructionof a transportationprojectwhichmayalsoprovideforthefinancing,acquisition,maintenanceoroperationofatransportationproject.

CoordinatedBorderInfrastructureFunds(CBI)–USDOTprogramthatprovidesfundingforplanning,projectdevelopment,constructionandoperationofprojectsthatserveborderregionsnearMexicoandCanadaandhighprioritycorridorsthroughouttheUnitedStates.

FederalFunds(General/FRA)–NumerouspotentialFederalGovernmentfundingprogramsincludingUSDOTandtheFederalRailroadAdministration(FRA),adivisionoftheUSDOT.

GeneralServicesAdministration(GSA)–TheGSAisanindependentagencyoftheUnitedStatesgovernment,establishedin1949tohelpmanageandsupportthebasicfunctioningoffederalagencies.TheGSAsuppliesproductsandcommunicationsforU.S.governmentoffices,providestransportationandofficespacetofederalemployees,anddevelopsgovernment-widecost-minimizingpolicies,andothermanagementtasks.

LocalFunds–TheCCRMAhasthelegislativeauthoritytoenterintocooperativeagreementswithcitiesandcountiesgivingthepartneringagenciestheopportunitytoteamuponfundingtransportationprojectsbybringingtogethertheirmutualfundingmechanisms.

NationalInfrastructureBank–FederalBankcreatedbylegislatureintendedtocomplementexistingfederalprogramstofundinfrastructure,suchastheHighwayTrustFundorStateRevolvingFunds.Itinvestsprimarilyinsurfacetransportinfrastructure.

OverweightCorridorPermitFees–Establishedinthelate1990stoaccommodateMexicantrucksheavierthantheweightlimitsimposedbytheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation.Thecorridorallowscargotrucksroughly1.5timesheavierthantheU.S.limittooperatebetweenthePortandMexico.OnDecemberof2011,theTexasTransportationCommissiongavethePortofBrownsvilleexpandeduseofthefeestructureandtheroadwaysinwhichitisenforced.

Pass Through Funding – Projects financed and constructed by the CCRMA receive funding from TxDOT to recuperate a portion of the projectconstructioncosts.

FASTLANEFunding–TheFASTLANEProgramisanewprogramintheFixingAmerica’sSurfaceTransportation(FAST)Acttofundcriticalfreightandhighwayprojectsacrossthecountry.TheFASTActauthorizes$800millioninfundingfortheFASTLANEProgramforfiscalyear2016,with25percentreservedforruralprojects,and10percentforsmallerprojects.

TheFASTLANEGrantProgram–Provides funding forprojectsofnationalor regional significance.FASTLANEGrantsprovidededicated funding forprojects that addressmajor issues facing our nation’s highways and bridges. For the first time in theU.S. Department of Transportation’s 50-yearhistory,theprogramestablishesbroad,multiyeareligibilitiesforfreightinfrastructure,includingintermodalprojects.


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Proposition1Funding–OnNovember4,2014,TexasvotersapprovedtheballotmeasureknownasProp1,authorizingaconstitutionalamendmentfortransportationfunding.Undertheamendment,halfofthemoneythatwouldnormallygotothestateEconomicStabilizationFund(akatheRainyDayFund)will be redirected to the StateHighway Fund. Without creating any new taxes or fees, the amendment simply changedwhere a portion ofexistingoilandgastaxrevenueswillbedeposited.TheconstitutionalamendmentproposedbySJR(SenateJointResolution)1(ThirdCalledSession,83rdLegislature),whichlegislatorsapprovedonAugust5,2013.Prop1passedwiththeapprovalofnearly80%ofTexasvoters.

Proposition 7 Funding – The amendment authorized $1.7 billion to be deposited into the State Highway Fund in the first year for much-neededtransportationprojects.AccordingtoTxDOT,Texas’estimatedunmetannualtransportationneedsare$5billion:$1billionforrecurringmaintenance,$3billion formobility, and $1billion for repairs related to increased energy sector activity. The amendmentmarks a significant first step towardprovidingtheunmetfundingneedsfortransportationprojectsinTexas.

Proposition14Funding–ThisTexasTransportationCommissionapprovedfundingsource,establishedin2008,allowedTxDOTtoissuerevenuebondsbacked by the State Highway Fund. The funds are intended to advance the construction of projects previously delayed due to cash flow/fundinglimitations,projectsorofstatewidesignificance,suchashurricaneevacuationroutesorprojectsthataddresscongestionproblemsinregionsofthestatethathavelaggedbehindotherregionsinpreviousfundingcycles.SH550TollRevenues–RevenuesgeneratedfromtollsbyusersutilizingtheTollsystem.

State Infrastructure Bank Loan (SIB Loan) - Revolving Infrastructure Investment Funds for Surface Transportation that are established andadministered by states. The SIB can offer a range of loans and credit assistance enhancement products to public and private sponsors of Title 23HighwayConstructionProjectsorTitle49TransitCapitalProjects.TollEquityFunds–TxDOTloancontributiontoprojectcostsonTollRoads.TransportationInfrastructureFinanceandInnovationAct(TIFIA)–Providesfederalcreditassistanceintheformofdirectloans,loanguarantees,andstandbylinesofcredittofinancesurfacetransportationprojectsofnationalandregionalsignificance.TransportationInvestmentGeneratingEconomicRecoveryFunding(TIGER)–USDOTGrantProgramwasestablishedin2009toassisttransportationprojects that have a significant national or regional impact. Projects are chosen for their ability to contribute to the long-term economiccompetitiveness of the nation, improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, increase energy efficiency and reducinggreenhouse gas emissions, improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities and enhance the quality of living and working environments ofcommunitiesthroughincreasedtransportationchoicesandconnections.TheDepartmentalsogivesprioritytoprojectsthatareexpectedtocreateandpreservejobsquicklyandstimulateincreasesineconomicactivity.


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CountywideTransportationReinvestmentZone(TRZ)–CitiesandcountieshavethelegislativeauthorityofdesignatingareasasTRZstofundroadwayprojects.Asproperty taxes increase from thebaseproperty value, a portionof the increased taxdollars canbepledged to construct roadprojectswithintheTRZ.CameronCountyandtheCCRMApassedhistoriclegislationlocallyin2015withthecreationofCameronCountywideTRZ#6.IncludedinTRZ#6isover50eligibleprojectsthroughoutCameronCountythatcanreceivefundingforfuturedevelopment.TxDOTBackstop–CCRMAentersintoabondsaleandTxDOTpledgesfutureTxDOTrevenuestosupport(backstop)bondsandensurepaymentshouldtollsfailtosupportdebtservice.

TxDOTDiscretionary – Involves various funding categories,which have not been appropriated under previous legislation or Texas TransportationCommissionapproval.DiscretionaryfundingcanoftenbeobtainedthroughCommissionapprovalforaspecificproject.

VehicleRegistrationFees(VRF)–HB3437,whichwassignedintolawduringthe80thStateLegislativeSession,authorizescertaincountiestoimposeVehicleRegistrationFeesupto$10toaddresscountymobilityneeds.Additionalfundingandprocurementprocedures:

• 43 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Section 15 – A Preliminary Financial Plan for each project will be developed with the FinancialConsultant,indicatingsourcesoffunding,necessaryconstructioncosts,schedulingandtrafficinformationoftheviablealternativesforeachoftheproposedprojects.

• ProcurementProjectDeliveryOptions–TheCCRMAwillevaluatevariousprojectdeliveryalternativesanddeterminethemostappropriatemethodofprojectimplementation,whetherbyconventionaldesignandconstruction,aprivatizedexclusivedevelopmentagreementorotherprojectdeliverysystem.Alternativesforsplittingoftheprojectsintomultipleconstructionprojectswillbeconsideredtodevelopthesysteminphases,ifdeterminedappropriate. Thebasisfortheconstructionphasingwillbetocreateefficientprojectstobuildastollfacilitiesthatarefinanciallyviableandminimizeimpactsonexistingtraffic. Fundingconsiderationwillbegiventolocalandregionalnon-tolledprojectsthatgenerateadvantagestoSystemTollprojects.

• Project Phasing – The CCRMA will determine the most advantageous means of packaging projects in a manner that accelerates projectcompletionandfacilitatesfinancingalternatives.

GOAL5:MaintainandenhanceworkingrelationshipswithTxDOT,USDOT,FHWA,HCRMAandMexicoPartners.

• ContinuepartnershipwithTxDOTtoensuretheconversionofU.S.77toInterstateStandards.• EnsurethatLegislativeAgendaisapprovedbyLegislature.• ContinuepartnershipwiththeHidalgoCountyRegionalMobilityAuthoritythatpromotesthedevelopmentofregionaltransportationsystems.• ContinuewithLegislativeAgendatoidentifyadditionalfundingsources.


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GOAL6:Workcloselywithalltransportationcommittees(I-69committees)andorganizations,localbusinessesandstakeholdersthroughouteachprojecttoensureopen,two-waycommunicationandtopromoteeconomicdevelopmentandcreatejobs.

• ParticipateinthemonthlyTechnicalandPolicyAdvisoryCommitteemeetingsoftheBrownsvilleMPOandtheHarlingenSanBenitoMPO.• EstablishBoardrepresentativesasliaisonstoLocalGovernmentAgencies.• MonitorCameronCountyjobgrowthannually.

GOAL7:Utilizetechnologyandinnovationtodevelopandimplementtolloperationalrolesandacomprehensiveinformationtechnology(IT)planaswellasabackofficesystem.

• CCRMAwillemployinnovationandhighqualitytechnologicalsolutionstodevelopandimplementtolloperationalroles.• CCRMAwilldevelopacomprehensiveInformationTechnology(IT)Plan,whichwillenableCCRMAtoprovidereliableandinnovativesolutions

tomobility,issuesthroughouttheregion.• CCRMAwillfacilitatetraveloftolltaguserswhileincreasingusermarketbymakingtheTollRoadelectronictollsysteminteroperablewiththe

electronictollsystemonallCountyandareaInternationalbridges.GOAL8:Avoidorminimizepotentialimpactstotheenvironment,totheextentpossible,throughsensitiveandproactiveconsiderationofthehumanandnaturalenvironment.

• EstablishProactiveEnvironmentalPolicy:CCRMAin2011adoptedpoliciestoensuretheenvironmentaleffectsofitsactionsareconsideredatalllevelsoftheorganizationandduringallaspectsofprojectdevelopment,delivery,andimplementation.

• DevelopOptimalSolutions:CCRMAwillworktodevelopoptimalsolutionsthatwillbefunctional,efficientandeffectiveforyearstocome–balancing the protection of our natural resources and regulatory requirements with innovative, reliable and cost-effective solutions thatfacilitatecommunityandindustrialgrowth.

• Utilize Innovation and Technology: CCRMA will take a comprehensive approach to utilization of innovation and technology to achieveenvironmentalexcellence.

• CoordinatewithCommunityStakeholders:CCRMAwillidentifyandcoordinatewithkeycommunitystakeholderstoobtaininvaluableinputand direction on the preservation of environmental, scenic, cultural, aesthetic, and historic resources while achieving safety andmobility.RecentlyCameronCountybeganaGreenInfrastructureVisionPlantopromoteenvironmentallyresponsibleandsustainabledevelopment.TheCCRMAisanactiveparticipantinthisplanthatwillbefinalizedinthefirstquarterof2017.

• EnsureEnvironmental Compliance:CCRMAwillplan,design,construct,operate,andmaintainCCRMAprojectsstrictly inaccordancewithlocal,stateandfederalenvironmentalpolicies.


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THEIMPORTANCEOFTRANSPORTATIONPARTNERSHIPSThe ultimate success of the CCRMA system requires strong partnerships. These partnerships include all local governmental agencies in CameronCountyalongwithotherSouthTexascommunitiesandagenciesandFederalofficials in theU.S.andMexico. Additionally,pertinentcommunicationwithvariousMexicangovernmentrepresentatives,suchastheSecretaryofCommunicationsandTransportationofMexico,theStateofTamaulipasandthe City of Matamoros will be necessary to ensure effective coordination of CCRMA projects and existing and proposed Mexico TransportationInfrastructure.Asthesystemmovesfromconcepttoreality,eachagencymustbepreparedtoacceptvariousrolesandresponsibilities.Understanding the importance of regional partnerships, TxDOT provided funding for startup projects and continues to work with the CCRMA onnumerousprojectsontheSystemMap.TherespectiveMPOsareincludingtheproposedsystemintheregion’slongrangetransportationplanssothatstateandfederalfundingwillbeavailable.Asthetolledlanesystembecomesoperationalandarevenuestreamisestablished,theCCRMAwillbecomealocallycontrolled,self-sustainingorganizationwithitsownprojectdevelopment,construction,operationsandmaintenancecapabilities.

THEIMPORTANCEOFJOBCREATIONTheCCRMAhascommittedtoaggressivelypromotingtheeconomyofCameronCountybybuildingthenecessaryinfrastructurethatwillsupporttheregion’s growth and economic development. Critical to today’s economy is the ability to positively influence job creation and support existingemploymentinCameronCounty.TheFHWAestimatesthatapproximately30,000direct,indirectandinducedjobsaresupportedforevery$1billionthatisinvestedinTransportationInfrastructure.Construction-orientedjobsaredirectlyandindirectlysupportedbytheopportunityofferedtolocalconstructionfirmsworkingonCCRMAprojectsandthosefirmsprovidingsuppliesandsupporttothoseconstructionfirms.Additionally, creationandsupportof these jobspromoteeconomicbenefit to jobsdependentofconsumerexpenditures fromthewagesofworkers.Usingtheseassumptions,theCCRMAprogramof$2billionisexpectedtosupportover50,000direct,indirectandinducedjobs.AddingtothebenefitsofCCRMA’s investment inour transportation infrastructureare improvements toqualitydevelopment to the regionand to thequalityof lifeofourlaborforce.


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSTheBoard’svisionistoprovideandlaytheproperinfrastructureforthenext30years.In2040,oursuccesswillbemeasuredbyournextgenerationonhowwehavepreparedanddevelopedourtransportationinfrastructure.Wemustmakeharddecisionsnowtomeetthedemandsofouraggressivegrowthandeconomicvitality.Makingtherightdecisionsnowensurestherightprogressforyearstocome.The2017–2021CameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthority(CCRMA)StrategicPlanispreparedunderdirectionoftheCCRMABoardofDirectorsandCCRMAStaff;andithasbeenadoptedbytheCCRMABoardofDirectors.The following Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority Board Members and Staff representatives assisted in the development of the CCRMAStrategicPlan:

• FrankParker,Jr.–CCRMAChairman• RubenGallegos,Jr.–CCRMAViceChairman• DavidN.Garza–CCRMASecretary• MichaelF.Scaief–CCRMATreasurer• MarkEsparza–CCRMABoardMember• NatLopez–CCRMABoardMember• HoracioBarrera–CCRMABoardMember• PeteSepulveda,Jr.–CCRMAExecutiveDirector• JesusAdrianRincones–CCRMAChiefFinancialOfficer


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APPENDIX

LISTOFTABLES

Table1:CCRMAProjectDevelopmentList


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Table2:FundingSourcesforCCRMAProjects

FUNDINGSOURCES

TollEquityFunding(SPI2ndAccessandOuterParkway) $21.6Million

SH550Project $48.7Million

SH550DirectConnectors $33.3Million

SH550Gap1 $6.0Million

SH550Gap2 $14.0Million

VeteransInternationalBridgeExpansion $6.0Million

WestRailRelocationProject $48.0Million

OlmitoSwitchyard $22.0Million

EastLoopCorridor $40.0Million

U.S.77Project $40.0Million

FM509Project $1.5Million

FM803Project $10.5Million

GeneralBrantRoad $15.0Million

VeteransInternationalBridgeExpansion(IncludingMexico) $65.5Million

WestRailRelocationProject(IncludingMexico) $120.0Million

TOTAL: $492.1Million

TRZExpectedNetPresentValue(NPV) $350.0Million


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Table3:CountywideTRZEligibleProjects


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Table4:FrequentlyUsedAcronymsBND BrownsvilleNavigationDistrict NPV NetPresentValueCBI CoordinatedBorderInfrastructure RFQ RequestForQualificationsCCRMA CameronCountyRegionalMobilityAuthority RIP Repair-In-PlaceCDA ComprehensiveDevelopmentAgreement RMA RegionalMobilityAuthorityCE CategoricalExclusion–EnvironmentalProcess SCT SecretaríadeComunicacionesYTransportesCOB CityofBrownsville SH StateHighwayDesignationDHS DepartmentofHomelandSecurity SIB StateInfrastructureBankDOS U.S.DepartmentofState SRE SecretaríadeRelacionesExterioresEA EnvironmentalAssessmentProcess TAC TexasAdministrativeCodeEIS EnvironmentalImpactStatement TIFIA TransportationInfrastructureFinanceandInnovationActETC ElectronicTollCollection TIGER TransportationInvestmentGeneratingEconomicRecoveryFundFHWA FederalHighwayAdministration TRZ TransportationReinvestmentZoneFM FarmtoMarketRoadDesignation TTA TexasTurnpikeAuthorityFONSI FindingofNoSignificantImpact TTC TexasTransportationCommissionFRA FederalRailroadAdministration TxDOT TexasDepartmentofTransportationGSA GovernmentServicesAdministration U.S. Federal(U.S.)HighwayDesignationHB HouseBill UPRR UnionPacificRailroadHCRMA HidalgoCountyRegionalMobilityAuthority USACE UnitedStatesArmyCorpsofEngineersIBWC InternationalBoundaryandWaterCommission USDOT UnitedStatesDepartmentofTransportationIT InformationTechnology USFWS UnitedStatesFishandWildlifeServicesMPO MetropolitanPlanningOrganization VRF VehicleRegistrationFees


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MAPS

Map1:SystemMap


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Map2:1-69E/U.S.77

Map3:SPI2ndAccessProjectLocation


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Map4:OuterParkwayProjectLocation

Map5:SH32(EastLoop)ProjectLocation


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Map6:SH550GapIProjectLocation

Map7:FM803ProjectLocation


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Map8:GeneralBrantRoad

Map9:FM509Extension


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Map10:FM1925ProjectLocation

Map11:Spur54ProjectLocation

STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 - 2021...The plan not only outlines the basic elements of the system, but also...

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