Navigating MAP-21 Workshop: Hidalgo County Profile

Navigating MAP-21 Workshop:Hidalgo County ProfilePresented by Andrew A. Canon, Transportation DirectorHidalgo County MPO510 S Pleasantview Dr., Weslaco, TX 78596 | 956-969-5578 | www.hcmpo.org

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)Transportation Enhancements (TE), Safe Routes to School (SRTS), and Recreation Trails programs consolidated

TAP Call for Projects FY 2015 $3.6 Million available (includes FY13 &FY14 carry-over)Program Criteria is currently being establishedEstimated $1 Million per year after (within next 10 year (UTP years))TAP: Previous ProjectsCity of Hidalgo Beautification of Pedestrian & Bicycle Access (2006 State Program Call)

City of McAllen Beautification of Hike & Bike Trail Extension on Bicentennial (2006 State Program Call)

Edinburg Safe Routes to School

TAP: Currently Funded ProjectsFY2014 Edinburg Train Depot Renovation ($108,146)

FY2014 Mercedes Landscape Entryway ($304,672)

FY2014 Edinburg Hike & Bike Trail ($1,608,025)

FY2016 McAllen-Bentsen Rd Hike & Bike Trail ($1,275,332, State Awarded)

FY2016 Pharr Bicycle Accessible Improvement Project ($805,173, State Awarded)Striping of 22 miles of bicycle lanes

Surface Transportation Funds (STP)Category 7-Metropolitan Mobility/Rehabilitation:Approximately $12.5 million per year for next 10 yearsCategory 9-Transportation Alternatives:$3.6 million in FY2015 & ~$1 million per year (10 years)Category 12 (Cat. 7 Reconciliation):Estimated $400,000 per year until FY2021

Projects are approved by Policy Board based on project readiness and regional significance

Surface Transportation Funds (STP)There is a required 80/20 Match for projects receiving STP funds

MAP-21 requires all projects receiving federal funding to:consider bicycle & pedestrian facilities in their project designif not, provide reasoning for the exclusion of these facilities

Owassa Rd, Pharr: Proposed Shared-Use LanesBicycle / Pedestrian Task Force (Bike/Ped)Informal, open citizen advisory meetings consisting of advocates of local cycling/running organizations & other interested citizens, UTPA, & MPO Staff

Included in planning process for Bike-Ped related projects within MPOCreation of Bicycle Plan, and other bicycle-related projectsBicycle Friendly Business ProgramPedestrian PlanTransit Plan

Bicycle PlanCreated in 1996 and updated in August 2012Currently undergoing another update

Identified 33 miles of existing bicycle facilities, including bicycle lanes, paved shoulders, and shared use paths.Estimated to increase

Listed 82 miles of public-proposed facilities based on frequented routes

Maps identified overlap of recommended improvements with future roadway improvements on MTP Relation to transitFood deserts

Bicycle Friendly Business ProgramStructured after the League of American Cyclistss BFB Program

Run by MPO Staff to recognize business that provide amenities to cyclists

Businesses contact were based on a Cyclist Demand Survey in 2012 requested through Bike/Ped, including:

GymsCoffee ShopsBike ShopsRestuarants Grocery Stores

Amenities: Free water, Bike Racks/Parking, Access to changing facilities/bathrooms, discounts, proximity to bicycle lanes or transit, employee incentives such as relaxed dress code

Promotes local economy, bicycle safety awareness, healthy alternative transportation

Bicycle Friendly Business MapRecognized BFBs will get a decal on their business

Displayed on a free waterproof, foldable map, along with other points of interest

Map shows existing bicycle facilities, along with street speeds along roadways with shoulders

For personal use in planning routes and stops

Public Outreach Use of Public Involvement Funds to spread awareness

Annual Walk N Rolla event held every Spring/Summer

Promotes healthy alternative transportation20k, 40k cycling events5k walk/run

Bike RodeoHealth FairRun, Ride ShareSafety Campaign started by City of McAllen

Result of 3 deaths in first few months of 2014 in Hidalgo County

MPO Partnership to create regional campaign

Plans for Statewide adoption

Public Outreach: PSA Safe Passing

Public Outreach: Share the Road

9 Cities in Hidalgo County Passed Safe Passing Ordinance:Alamo, Alton, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Palmhurst, Pharr, San Juan, Weslaco

Promoting Safe Passing Ordinances through Bumper Stickers

PSA Clips at Movie Theaters

Outreach at Back to School FairsQuestions?Hidalgo County MPO510 S Pleasantview Dr.,Weslaco, TX 78596

956-969-5778www.hcmpo.orginfo@hcmpo.org

Andrew A CanonTransportation DirectorKarina MaldonadoTransportation PlannerBike/Ped CoordinatorChanel BorregoTransportation PlannerWalk N Rolla CoordinatorSearch HCMPOLinda de la FuenteAssistant DirectorFederal Funding Programs