Good morning everybody. This is Eduardo Calo, executive director of the El Paso MO. for those that are are joining us um out there remotely. Uh we are one you keep one person short of of quorum but uh we've got some other activities that we would like to to begin and and I'm going to ask are we ready to for for that part? Okay. So, um hopefully we'll get a quorum, but there is one uh special activity that we that we're having today. And uh we have uh Senator Blanco who is uh joining us remotely. He obviously will not be able to chair the the the official meeting, but uh Senator Blanco, if you want to take it over this uh good morning. Can everyone hear me? Yes, we can. Morning. Good morning. Uh good to see everyone virtually. As you all know, we're uh at the capital uh for session. So uh I was unable to attend and chair the uh TPB this morning, but uh we'll see you next next TPB meeting. But as you all know, we have someone who has devoted public been a public servant with us uh who has served on on the MO who's getting ready to retire. and Alderman Walter Miller. Uh, this one's for you. Well, thank you for that. Thank you very much. For the past 30 years, uh, Walter has, uh, generously given his time, his talent, uh, to serve the residents of Horizon City. Starting as a member of the of the town board of adjustment. Uh, then he worked his way up to the city council. He served as mayor and then uh continue to serve as place one alderman. And as you all know uh Walt has also contributed to the broader El Paso community serving on a variety of boards. He served on the hospital of Providence uh east campus. He served on the uh Rio Grande Council of Governments. He served on the El Paso appraisal district. Of course uh we get to see him in action uh at the MO. And he's done so much more than than that. Um there's just a whole list of of things that he's done throughout his career. But Walter, through your dedication, through uh your expertise and your leadership, you know, you've really made a lasting impact on Horizon City and in El Paso County and and you've shown us what it means to be a true public servant. Uh you've been steadfast, uh very thoughtful. uh I always go to you for advice uh and counsel on different things that uh that come before us whether it's on the no or uh in municipal government. Uh but you've got this tireless commitment and we really appreciate it and as you step into the this next chapter of your life, you know, I want you to know that your legacy is going to continue to shape this community for years and years to come. So, I'm sorry I can't be there in person. Uh, but on behalf of the Texas Senate and really a grateful community, um, I know Miss Mela from my office is there, but I'm proud to present a resolution and a gavvel. Um, and this is a Texasiz gavvel as you all can see. Um, yeah, everything's big in Texas. And uh this is a small token of our appreciation for your remarkable career. You've done such an excellent job. Uh we really appreciate all you do and uh on behalf of uh the Texas Senate, thank you for your service. Uh this is not goodbye. It's more like we'll see you later. But thank you so much uh Alderman Miller for your dedication to our community. So, Walter, do you want to come over here and uh Senator, is is it okay with you if we go ahead and read the uh the resolution? Yes, please do. And I I know you're pressed for time, but uh you you let us know when when you need to leave, but um Okay. Thank you. Can we have Mrs. Miller as well? Mrs. Miller's here in the audience. Well, yeah. Also, well, thank you for the reminder. We we want to recognize Ann Miller. Um, they share the the same uh last name, not by coincidence, right? But, uh, thank you, Anne. You know, this is Walter's day, but but I, you know, you've been a part of a of Walter's life, and I know that that uh that um, you know, thanks to you, Walter has been able to do a lot of really good things. So, wanted to recognize you. Thank you. All right. So, okay. So, this is a resolution that as Senator Blanco said was uh passed by the Senate of the state of Texas. The Senate Senate resolution number 415. Whereas, Walter Miller is retiring as a place one alderman for the town of Horizon City in May 2025. And whereas a devoted public servant, Mr. Miller has given generously of his time to benefit the residents of Horizon City since 1998. He served as a member of the town's board of adjustment and he began his distinguished tenure on the Horizon City Council in 2000, elected mayor in 2007, he remained in that office for eight years before becoming the placement alderman. And whereas Mr. Miller has further contributed to the broader El Paso community by serving as a board member for the East Campus of the Hospitals of Providence, the Rio Grand Council of Governments, and the El Paso Central Appraisal District Organization, I'm sorry, Appraisal District. Moreover, he chaired the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, and he worked to strengthen partnerships between local government and businesses when he led the governmental relations executive committee of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. And whereas Mr. Miller earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University in 1977. He has worked for more than three decades as an environmental consultant, most recently as a manager of client development services and environmental services for Teraccon Consultants, Inc. And whereas through his his dedication, expertise, and leadership, Walter Miller has greatly benefited the citizens of Horizon City. and he may indeed reflect with pride on a job well done as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life now. Therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby congratulate Walter Miller on his retirement from the Horizon City Council and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness and be it further resolved that an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Miller as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. And it's signed by the president of the Senate, Dan [Music] Patrick. And here's the gabble. So I don't know if the gabble should go to an but yeah. So in in addition to that um on behalf of the MO, we wanted also to present uh a plaque recognizing uh Walter Miller for 20 years of dedicated service to the transportation policy board of the El Paso NO. EPB members and NO staff sincerely appreciate your dedication and commitment to improve transportation in the El Paso Border Plex. Thank you very much. Uh this is a little unexpected so I don't have much prepared. Uh I certainly appre appreciate the senator's kind words. It's this has been a labor of love. It would not be possible with the rel without the relationships that I have formed on this board and throughout the county. It I didn't do this because I didn't enjoy it. it it it was just something I like to do. Um I have so many people to thank in this and so many people that have that I've met over the years that have come to be really really good friends and so it's been a lot of fun. Uh I have to say that my wife Ann and my daughter Sheiley have had to put put up with me for many many years. There's a lot of meetings I went to. There was a lot of different things and they were always extremely supportive. Uh other than that, I certainly am going to miss this group. This is the best board to serve on because this is where things really happen. And uh I would encourage you to continue your good work, understanding that there is always middle ground that you can find. There's ways to get where you want to to keep going forward. And that's the the key to things is to try to put your egos aside and try to figure out the pathable for everyone. So I won't preach too much, but again, thank you for these awards. Uh I hope I' I've brought something to this and again I'm going to miss you all. Thank you very much. And if I could add um on behalf of Mo staff and and me personally, um I admire Walter. I mean, he represented Horizon City with with a lot of effort and all that, but he embodies the regional element that that is all about the Enfield. It's all about the region. So, I know you defend Horizon City and you you push hard for it, but this is such an important board that that really covers the entire region and you embody that that balance between supporting Horizon City, which you did tremendously well, but also focusing on on what is the best for the region. And so, I'm going to personally miss that a lot. Thank you. my moment with that but open it to comments. Any comments for Walter? Before we get started, I I I do want to say that I I've uh I've been on the board for 12 years and you know, Walter has been one of the individuals that I actually look at for for advice and guidance and he brings some some some balance to everything that we have to do. So I'm I'm very proud to have been able to work with Roger these past years uh in the executive committee and in leadership position as well. Uh so it has been a pleasure uh working with you this time and actually I'm going to be the most senior member at this point. So I'm going to start losing my hair and but it's been a pleasure. Thank you so much for what you've done. Thank you. Um let's let's get out of that. Let's go. Um uh for uh Okay. Well, welcome everyone to the El Paso MO. Uh this is uh well today's Friday, April 25th, 2025. It is 9:17 a.m. This session is now in order. Will you please rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And if we do, we'll go on to roll, please. All right. I'm not that far away. Starting with uh Senator Sasablano, Mayor Pere, Mayor Rudy Cruz, Representative Chris Canales, Mayor Ramono, Mayor Miguel Chakon, Representative Alejandra Chavez, Senator Joseph Cvantes, Erin Chavaria, Anthony Daiser, Representative Art Fiero, uh Commissioner Gloria present. Uh, Representative Mary Gonzalez, I Nandez here. Commissioner Elan Gin, Mayor Renard Johnson, um Jose Landeros, uh city manager Dion Mack, um Representative Walter Miller, Representative Joe Mury, Representative Eddie Morales, Mayor Dana Muro, uh Tony Narees, Representative Claudia, Representative Vince Perez, Uh, Mayor Rachel Kintana here. Uh, Judge Samano. Yes. Here. Um, Representative uh Sarah Silva and Mayor Anthony Turner. So, we do have [Music] quems two and three. All [Music] right. Item number one is discussion and action to consider approval of the minutes of the March 21st, 2025 TPV meeting. Second motion was made. Motion has been seconded. Discussion on this item hearing none. All those in favor say I. All post say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item number one has been approved. Item number two. Item two is consider approval of amendments to the regional mobility strategy RMS 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan MTP amended RMS 2050 MTP and the RMS 20252028 transportation improvement program for the following Texas highway projects. A to program the downtown 10 executive center to the SL478 Copia PE and Rideawway project CSJ2102166 and PID1 I063X-CAP into the RMS 202528 TIP using $88 million of statewide PE funds and $95 million of statewide rightway funds for a total funded amount of $183 million in fiscal year 2025 and to amend the project in the RMS 2050 MTP and the amended RMS 2050 MTP to change the fiscal year from 2029 to 2025 the project title the MO ID and project description. Um Mr. Chair suggested we take all three together A, B, and C. So let me read them into the uh into the record. So, it's item B to program the downtown 10 phase 1 from a state um SS1 1966 to.5 miles east of Campbell Street project CSJ 2121 02186 MOD I 063X-CAP-1 using $166,585,000 and 62 of category 2 uh quarter project funds 76,685 5,870 of category 4 of statewide urban connectivity quarter project funds 3,900,000 of category 7 STP funds 2,829,68 of category 11 district discretionary funds and 250 million of category 12 strategic priority project funds for a total funded amount of 500 million in fiscal year 2028. And uh item C to amend appendix D of the RMS 20252028 tip to remove the downtown 10 executive center to station 478 Copia project CSJ 212102166 and to add the downtown 10 phase 2 executive center boulevard to uh state 1966 project CSJ2102184 4 and PID063X cap 2 and downtown 10 phase 3.5 miles east of Campbell Street to state loop 478 Corpia Street project CSJ 2121 02 185 MP063X cap 3. Again, these three are part of the downtown and the third is to to uh program the other two phases. And it should also be noted that items two and three are companion items that pertain um both this uh this this phased project. Um item two covers those uh portions of the amendments impacting documents covering the tip years 25 through 28. And item three covers those items that are that are in documents that that address uh the longer range portion of this. So this would be for the the two phases that will be constructed in 2029. So maybe if if it's okay with the with the board, we can take items two and three together. So if it's okay, let me read item three to the record. Then consider approval of amendments to the regional mobility strategy 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the amended RMS 2050 MTP for the following Texas Highway projects. uh a program the downtown 10 phase 2 executive center to states 1966 project CSJ2102184 and POI063X cap 2 using 296 uh500,000 of discretionary funds in fiscal year 2029 and B program the downtown 10 phase 3.5 miles east of Camel Street to state loop 478 copia street project CSJ A 212102185 MO ID I 063X cap 3 using 447 million400,000 of discretionary funds in fiscal year 2029. Um these two items items two and three were uh presented to TAC and they were recommended by TEC as well. So um we know we have public comment for for these. So let me get a motion on the floor at this point. Entertain a motion to approve items two and three. I have a motion on the floor. Is there a second? Motion has been seconded. We'll have discussion. We have comments. Question. Go ahead. Mr. God, so can you give us a high level overview of what this item what these two items are doing? What I understand is that you are breaking up the single project into different phases. Some are in the tip, some are outside of the tip. Mhm. Uh I'm just hoping that you could just give us a high level summary of what the actions if approved by the board will do. Okay. So, so definitely as you know and and I'm I may need help here from the text folks to provide more details, but in in sort of like the overview is as you know the downtown 10 project that goes from executive center to Copia that's the the the entire project, right? That's what's being cleared environmentally and so on. that uh is about $12 billion, right? The the latest estimate. So, it was it was agreed that strategically um it was a good idea to split it into phases. So, phase one is what is funded for construction. Phase one is what is funded uh right now uh 500 million which is one of the the elements that that I have read into into the record. phases two and three are are being moved outside of the tip years, right? Because there's not u you know clear identified funding for those. We have um uh you know the the um discretionary funds in our plan that could be used for that, but we still need to to uh figure out how those discretionary funds could be brought into the into the tip. That's the reason why these two uh projects are being programmed into year 2029. Um and again the the other items uh the PE well the engineering funds and the rideaway funds are to be programmed so that text can go ahead and and finish the the design and move on to the uh rightway acquisition phase of the project as soon as a NEPA document is is approved. And there's a map uh in the presentation uh it's maybe the the fourth slide or thereabouts that shows the uh the limits of the project and it shows in um it shows which segments uh correspond to which [Music] right so the what is it red or the middle part that's a phase one which covers the the downtown area and that's the one that is funded. Um and you know as far as we know Raul it's letting in fiscal year 28 28 could be calendar year late calendar year 27 but fiscal year 28. So that is in within the tip years. So that is why we are programming the the funds in the tip for for that phase one. Can we perhaps see the full presentation? Sure. Ann, you want to go ahead and Sure. Absolutely. [Music] All right. So, for the record, Ann Gayante, El Paso MO. Um, we're going to start where we always start, explaining, uh, what we're asking of you today for this item. Uh, a little bit of background about the documents that we're asking you to amend. Anytime we make amendments to uh to to projects that are in our short-range and long range plans, we need to amend the corresponding documents to match the updated details. So, generally speaking, this is going to always mean um an amendment to our long range plan, our MTP for projects that are occurring in the four first four years or the the the current four years. uh in this case we're in a time period that covers 2025 to 2028 for a short range plan where we actually have all of our programs constrained. So and and in certain cases we need to amend a third document as well uh for those projects that will be going through their environmental review during the time period covered by our short range plan but are in fact cover uh going to be constructed past that time period. So in this particular case, we have uh a right and uh and design phase as well as one construction phase that are occurring within the tip years, the short range plan years. And we have two additional construction phases happening just past those years, but with their environmental clearance occurring during those years. So we need to amend our short-range plan which is our tip, our long range plan which is our MTP and one appendix within our tip that covers uh details of those projects that are undergoing environmental clearance. So the specific ask of you and so this pro this project one phase is already in the MTP but the what's changing today doesn't pertain to its limits and it doesn't it doesn't make a dramatic change in in when it will be constructed. Um it's still projected to be open to the public uh around the same time. But what we're doing today is we're taking this one project and we're dividing it into one design phase and three construction phases as well as adjusting the timing when these things are occurring. So the specific ask of you today is to make the necessary document amendments that must happen in order to take this singlephase project and turn it into a project that's phased with design and then three different construction phases. Next slide. So this is the map. This shows you the full extent of the project which is not proposed to change and the different colors correspond with the different segments of this project that are that are being proposed. Uh the middle one will be constructed first uh in the later portion of our tip years. Uh then the two outer segments will be constructed in 2029. Next slide please. This is a little bit more specifics. This is talking about uh what exactly is happening for each of the project segments and what what needs to be you know what what's going on with with the documents what specifically are we changing. So this is talking about how we're going to begin with our rightway and PE phase for that's going to design entire project and and acquire what needs to be acquired for the entire project. And then it's talking about phase one and when it's happening and what we're amending. Same with phase two and same with phase three. And it's also giving a little bit of information about what appendix D is, which is within our short range plan. It's a it's a brief appendix that describes those projects that are under environmental review or may be under environmental review during the time period covered by the tip. This is generally going to be the larger projects where the environmental clearance would would be proposed to take longer. Um, and so since we're amending details on that are on a project that's currently within that document, we have to amend that. Next slide, please. [Music] And then this is essentially the item language that's covered in item two. So item two is to amend uh the tip and appendix for those changes the PE and the rideway phase and the first construction phase that occur within the tip document as well as amending its appendix for the uh the later the project. And then the next slide is going to be the same information but for item three. Next slide please. And this is talking about just the amendments that will be made to the longer term plan for those two construction phases that occur in 2029. Next slide please. So this is staff's recommendation for item two. Um is next please. [Music] for item three and we are also recommending approval of item three and then the next slide's going to be TAC's recommendation which was to approve the proposed amendment and this concludes my presentation. We're very happy to answer uh any questions you might have. Any other questions by the board? Um, there's currently no uh resolution on a draft EIS. Do we have an updated timeline as to when we can expect to see a record of decision or a a draft EIS on this project? Yeah, I'm going to call on Raul Raul Ortega from um from Texas District TPND director. Good morning, Raul Ortega with Text El Paso District. Uh thank you for your question. So right now what our schedule shows is that we should be scheduling a public hearing this summer and so at that point we should be at the draft EIS stage of the project. Um, also our timeline suggests that we should be at record of decision early calendar year 2026. Okay. So, draft EIS this summer, record of decision early 26. Yes, sir. Do you have an idea more or less when that public hearing might happen or is it is it dependent on We still have ongoing activities to get to that point uh review process of the draft EIS. So, right now summer of of this summer is probably our best. Okay. Um, yeah, I know there hasn't been a uh public meeting related relating to this project since late 2022. Is there any uh plan to have some sort of informative meeting before the the uh well meeting you're required to have for the draft EIS to explain this change and you know a lot has changed in this project since late 2022. Yeah, not at this point. Um other than potential newsletters and updates to the website. Okay. Um the uh the program I mean the the project as I understand was currently programmed uh in the in the tip and the MTP not the phased version but the the you know project altogether as as one phase uh for FY25 and this is pushing out to 28 and 29. What's the reason for pushing out three to four years on the on the various phases? Yeah, so in the 25 UTP 10-year plan for Texot, uh it was the project was phased, the six miles was phased for construction the to uh you know take advantage of what was funded in the UTP which was phase one. And so being able to look at project development activities such as clearing the environmental and also the detailed design activities plus potential rideway and potential utility uh relocations. Uh that's what the timeline shows for that. And then the PE in the PE rightway phase, I know there's it's currently proposed to uh acquire some properties north of the project area. Is that effort already underway? It is not. We have to get to the uh cure the environmental process first. So, there's been no contact with the property owners north of the freeway as far as coordination of the viable alternatives. That's that's all that's been done in terms of previous public engagements. Okay. Um I I've heard otherwise from some of the property owners that they've already been contacted about potential acquisition of their properties. I just want to I mean that that that is what I have heard directly from them. So I I wanted to put that so the rideway acquisition process has not started for them. Um what's the that's not to say that they haven't reached out to us uh for you know what but what some of the potential impacts could be. I see. But you have not discussed with them anything related to acquisition or no because the preferred alternative. Okay. Um and then uh the process of arriving at a at a final uh EIS and a record of decision uh can identify some challenges, right? There are things that might come up uh in an environmental impact statement that have to be addressed. How does that reflect what uh is in the tip and what what's the process for addressing those things? uh if if the project's already programmed in the tip. Yeah. So what's programmed is is the funding construction funds uh for phase one in in the later year. So that will be utilized on what's decided in the environmental process the preferred alternative. So we have to get to that process first. Right. But if something is reflects something shows up in the is that has to be mitigated uh that can add cost to the project. uh you're satisfied that what's programmed in in the tip that will be programmed in the tip if if uh this is approved will cover any you know contingency that you have to uh address you know that comes up in the yeah based on the estimates that we have that's we feel that we can deliver phase one with what's funded for construction what's approved for construction for phase one thank you chair board comments questions public comment for items two and Mr. Scott White. Go ahead. [Music] Good morning everyone. My name is Scott White. I'm policy director for VEL Paso. And I'm hoping we are going to push that timeline back just a little bit because one of the issues I've noticed and as Miss Gayante talked about there's devil in the details and one of these details I just I was reading the backup materials and in the old uh original uh information that was put into the system it talks about safety but it's safety in terms of reducing crashes. is not in terms of what we're actually working here with the MO as the Borderlex safety plan to uh both prevent serious crashes and fatalities. And that's a big difference between the two. Reducing crashes, these may be fender benders and while they suck, it doesn't actually kill people. And the goal I believe this plan will come out with, and we've already talked about it at several of the public meetings, is to reduce the total number of serious and fatal crashes. We don't want people to die. I think this is an opportunity to go back and rethink our approach to safety and how we model that and what that might look to change the project a little bit. It may lead to some better tweaks so that in the future people don't die because one of the things we haven't really talked about in all these discussions about this is just uh west of downtown is a very is where a lot of people cross illegally. They're trying to get into the US. They get onto the interstate and there's nowhere for them to go. So, we either have to prevent them from getting onto the interstate or we've got to figure out a way for them to get around. It might cause other issues. But the big thing there is we don't want anybody to die on the interstate because when it die, when people die on that interstate in that section, we pretty much have to close it down. We've seen that. We know what the backups look like. We don't want that. We want the freeway to work. We want the interstate to work for all of us. So, it's things like that, those details that are in there that we need to look at and we need to try and fix so that everyone who has access to that interstate uses it safely and gets to where they're going safely. Thank you for your consideration. Uh, if you have any questions, I'm here to answer. Any additional public comment? Okay, back to the board. Any public comments, questions? Any hearing? None. No. All those in favor say I. All oppose say nay. That finishes. Motion carries. Item has been approved. Okay. Item four is consider approval of an amendment to the regional mobility strategy RMS 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan MTP. amended RMS 2050 MTP and the RMS 2025 2028 transportation improvement program tip to deprogram a Gaia Morokco sidewalk improvements construction project CN E1000460 MOD E608X using 13,249 of New Mexico TAP L funds in fiscal year 2025. We have a brief presentation on this if you would like to to hear it. I have a motion to approve. Move to approve. I have a motion on the floor. Is there a second? Motion has been seconded. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. All post say nay. Abstensions. Motion carries unanimously. Item number four has been approved. Item number five. Item five is consider authorizing the executive director to execute task order number six with the El Paso no general planning consultant for the development of a new GIS system and associated activities for an amount not to exceed $286,76. So, for for this item, um the we're excited to to do this. This will modernize the all of our our databases and our ability to do uh to improve on on the on the way that we present the data to the public. Um so, uh what we're doing here is is moving forward and building on what the MO has done for many years with the work especially that UTEP did for us. But but at this point it is it is important. There are a lot of other uh things that the MO hasn't been doing and and we feel that it's a time to really modernize our the way that we manage all of our data. The way that that and by data project data it uh I mean uh setting up a a better way of managing our tip our long range plan but at the same time uh be able to to use all of the GIS capabilities that are out there. So with with this task order, we're getting the our consultant to help us migrate all of the information that we have in in the the databases with UTIP and migrated into this new platform, which by the way is an is an open platform. Um you know the it's these products are off the shelf. We anybody can can access them. uh one of the things that uh that was always a little bit challenging with the work that UTIP was doing was that as they were developing our systems um they were creating code for that. So you know it's something that that's not very easy for no staff or anybody else to to do. Um so again this we're very excited that this is going to be a a major change and it's going to be so much better not only for us as as NO staff but our ability to communicate information to the public as well. And in your backup, you have the task order itself and uh and the business case memo that uh that we have the consultants prepare to help us, you know, communicate the uh the the ideas here, the the end goal. So with that, happy to answer any questions. Motion to approve item number five. So moved. Motion on the floor. Is there a second? Second. Motion has been seconded. discussion by the board. Uh Mr. C, do we have a uh specialist or an expert on GIS on staff at the MO? We have several people that are trained, but but part of the the u the what we're doing here is as we migrate, uh the city of El Paso's IT department is really going to help us with the migration. So, that's also a really good combination of of uh in cooperation of services. But yeah, as we move forward with this, some some of the staff that are already trained in GIS will will be able to use more of their capabilities to do that. Okay. Again, I you know, I I bring this up often. I I just want to point out I I absolutely believe in paying people appropriately for the work that they do. We're, if you look in the backup, we're being we'll be build 92 hours at $353.89 an hour. 127 hours at $245 an hour. Uh it continues on down the, you know, the lowest amount build hourly uh is $157 an hour on this work. There's, you know, $8,000 of of uh travel expenses. Uh I I share my concern that I do always that I I do think that there's potential, but we could do this more efficiently in house. uh it's quite a large task order to our consultant uh for work that you know uh I think uh a small a smaller number of people trained in GIS uh you know and it's a significant amount of time it would have to be someone who's whose sole focus is on GIS but uh if you compare this task order amount to a few salaries uh we could do this potentially in house at at less cost I know that there's emergency We need we need to update the system now. Um, but this is something that I've brought up over the past couple of years that I've served on the board. I see opportunity to potentially grow the staff size, but empower them to do some of this work. Right. If I can respond to that, this task order is not for the for the GPC to do the work forever. This is not replacing staff. This work is to help us transition and build and custom the some of the reports once we have the database and all of the and all of the documents. What we want is is have somebody that's an expert and that's why we we're paying the uh the consultants um to you know create the first tip for example right so that because right now we're using a database that's not no longer even uh service by Microsoft right it works and you know we can continue using it for forever right but it's not it's not really what we need to to do and the same for the for the database that we use for the long range plan so what they're helping us is migrate, make sure that it works working with the city of El Paso and then from then on staff will will be managing the the information just like we do, you know, we create our tips, our long range plans and all the other documents. This is a transition to the EZRI ARGIS online. Correct. I mean, again, that's like by far the most used GIS software. Um, I have certifications in that software. I think many many people do, right? Um, again, I see opportunity where we could potentially bring folks on staff who could help us with this kind of data migration as well. Um, again, I understand the difficulty there. But when you compare against the total amount of a task order like this, like I I think the funds can overcome some of the difficulty like you if if we're instead looking to add some capacity on staff. Just my opinion. Thank you. More comments. Um chair, I think one of the things that I've asked before as well is that some of our training really be specialized into the money that is going towards this consultant. So it would be really great to understand like you're telling us at a logistical level, right? We need to do we need to have the coding. We need to get a better system. I think it'd be helpful for us as a body to understand everything that goes into the tip planning, everything that goes into the modeling that's done. And I think it really helps us on the administrative decisions that we need to make if we could get trained in those types of um data and behind the scenes that you guys are working on. So just to remind the chair that's what they asked for. Comments. See hearing? None. All those in favor say I. I. Say nay. Extensions. Motion carries unanimously. Item five has been approved. Item number six. All right. Item six is consider authorizing the executive director to sign a letter of support for Texas A&M Transportation Institutees fiscal year 2026 community project funding request for the unmanned aerial vehicle UAV detection and mitigation for border security and trade efficiency project and it's a letter of support that is going to Congressman uh Gonzalez's um coffer projects. So, you know, staff obviously supports this and recommends approval. This time I would enter in a motion to approve item number six. I have a motion on the floor. Is there a second? Motion has been seconded. Discussion by the board. Seeing hearing none. All those in favor say I. Those say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item six has been approved. Item seven. Item seven is consider authorizing the executive director to sign a letter of support for the city of San Lisario's fiscal year 2026 community project funding request for the San Lisario community multi-purpose center project. Uh similar to to the last item, uh the staff certainly supports the and and requests the approval to send a letter of support. I have a motion on the floor. Is there a second? Motion has been seconded. Question by the board. Just a quick one and I mean absolutely no disrespect to the community of San Lisario. What is the transportation nexus of this of this project? Well, that's a good question. Um, mayor, do you want to help me out on this one? Yeah. Well, it might not have a direct impact, but uh there's adjent roads there. uh we think where we're planning to build this community center. So at the same time we are requesting funds to um rehab rehab the roads that are adjacent to where we're trying to develop. So this just um it's just a a community support letter that we are requesting. So Congressman Gonzalez can can see that we have a movement here in the community. That's pretty much all. Okay. So part of the application includes the funding for the surrounding roadway. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Just a comment to Mr. Cosmo. I think these items like these last three items in my mind are some of the items that I think would be well suited for a consent agenda as you continue to work through that. So just wanted to highlight that for for your consideration. Um any other discussion by the board seeing hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. Say nay. Vengeance. Motion carries unanimous. Item seven has been approved reports. Item eight. So item eight is text 2025 transportation alternatives call for projects update. Do we have a Jose vocra? There we [Applause] go. Morning everyone. My name is Jose Bokan. I am the transportation alternatives coordinator with textile with the El Paso district. Today we're going to be giving you a progress briefing for the transportation alternatives 2005 call for projects. Next slide. Next announced statewide call for projects back in uh January of this year. The TA program provides funding to plan for and construct projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and mitigate congestion by providing safe alternatives to motorized to motorized vehicle transportation through to Texas 2005 TA call for projects. The department will select projects for recommendation through the Texas Transportation Commission for fiscal year 2027 2029 totaling $250 million. Projects located in all areas of the state regardless of population size may have submitted under this call. The call for project features a two-step application process. The preliminary application step one provides highle proposed project information to determine eligibility and funding opportunities. Following su successful completion of step one, a detailed application step two provides more comprehensive project information. This two-step approach is intended to enhance the quality of project application and foster communication between prospective project sponsors and text district staff. Both steps must be completed to project for the project to be considered for funding under this project call. Next slide. So 326 preliminary applications were submitted throughout the entire state. Uh this number will change as Austin gives us our detailed application eligibility number. Uh this is a total of 1.3 million worth of projects within the state of Texas. The district itself submitted 13 applications from 10 different sponsors totaling $91.7 million worth of projects or 7% of that $1.3 billion. There in that graphic you also see all the different uh districts within the state of Texas and their number of projects they submitted. Next slide. I am also pleased to announce that all 13 applications did make it to the detailed application phase which I think speaks really highly of our region and the level of projects that are submitted in this area. Right here is our 2025 call for project timeline. As mentioned, the January 3rd was when the project call opened. Uh preliminary applications were due by February 21st. And between April 16th through the 18th, Austin division made the uh eligibility check for detailed applications. Again, all applications made it through to that phase. So between now and June 20th is when we will begin developing those detailed applications. Uh June 20th is the deadline for the submission of those. between June 20 through October 2025. That is when uh division will utilize their subject matter experts risk analysis to determine which projects are submitted for uh funding. And then in October 2025, that's when the Texas Commission board awards that funding. Our office will also be reaching out to the NO and other uh local governments to get uh foster levels uh letters of support to attach those applications as well. But with that, that concludes my uh progress briefing. I don't know if you all have any questions for me. Any questions? Do you have a a listing of the local projects that were submitted? I can give you the local sponsors that submitted. So, it was the city of El Paso, the county of El Paso, uh the town of Anthony, the village of Vinton, the town of Horizon City, UT, the Basel Norte Foundation, Brewster County, and uh city of Sanio. And there were various pedestrian or bicycle projects. need to transfer. Any other questions? All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Item number nine. All right. Item number nine is executive director's report. Um so the first item is uh just a brief update on the Border Plex safe mobility plan. Um if you're on the call and can you just give us a brief update on the latest activities, the popups and and so on? Absolutely. I'd be happy to. Um, we recently held a series of popups. Some of you were able to attend them. Um, we had them all across the region and, uh, they were pretty fun. We were able to partner with uh, with some folks. Uh, we had EPBD at one, we had, uh, we had a sheriff's office at another one. Um there were activities there uh for kids that were uh kind of transportation focused. We had our uh high injury interactive or I'm sorry our high injury map interactive uh product up um uh opportunities to complete our survey um which went out in late February and just closed this past Monday. I need to get a current estimate of many responses we got. But before recent social media push um we had over 300 responses uh submitted electronically. next steps for that. We have uh a a pretty we're pretty close on the high risk map and analysis of that which is a companion to the high injury uh network and high injury network shows where occurred and the high risk map goes into a little bit more detail on on on why. looking at the different variables present um in the crashes that were recorded like time of day, whether there was impairment involved, um you know, what were the weather condition, what were the weather conditions at the time. um different things that can help us really um focus on those interventions that make the most sense to address the problems that we're observing. And we anticipate having uh something to show uh spring, early summer just on on the work that's being completed now before we move into the specific uh counter measures and uh policy recommendations uh we will be including in this plan to address the existing conditions that we've noted. Um, and so we're very excited about the progress. Anticipate having more things to show you on that end uh soon, which we'll be excited to share. All right. Thank you, man. Um, so again though, the plan is moving uh pretty well and we'll keep you up to date as as we move forward with the uh the following activities. Uh, let me move on to be the RMS 2052 MTP scenario planning workshops. So we held a series of workshops the last couple of weeks uh that we're focusing on on the on the phase of the plan where we're trying to figure out where the future growth both population and employment is going to be happening within our no region. That obviously is an important input to to the development of the plan. Once we know where people are going to be living and where the employment centers are and all that then that goes into our travel demand model and and you know we do all the all the activities. But what is really really cool about the the process that we're doing now is that this is the first time that we incorporate the land use model urban sim and you know we're we're learning it's it's it hasn't been a perfectly clean process but at least the um these these future demographic projections for both population and employment are going to have a a more of a basis more of a of a quantitative basis that considers land use availability uh cost and at the same time, you know, current policies for land use, which of course, you know, figuring out what those policies are going to be out in in the year 2022 is obviously very difficult, but at least it's it's a better way of doing it compared to the way that we were doing it before where we just got a group of people together using the the deli process and uh and agree on where you know where the growth was going to happen. So we feel very very good about uh doing this this process even it's going to be in my opinion uh better than what we did before but of course it's it's not perfect. It's not a crystal ball. So and and again thanks for all of you that those of you that participated in these workshops um and you know we'll continue updating you as as we develop the the following stages of our long range plan. Um, so item C, the Texas Transportation Commission meetings. I attended the one in March, but uh want to focus on on the one that happened yesterday. So I was there at the commission meeting along with uh El Paso uh County Commissioner Sakio Coronado as well as Ricardo Mora as the CEO of the El Paso Chamber and Liz O'Hara in her capacity as of chair of the board of the El Paso uh Chamber. uh we had the opportunity not only to to provide comments and and make a specific request for funding to help us with phase three of the borderland expressway project. So as you know phase one is is built and open to traffic. Phase two is letting next month yes and and so obviously it's funded but but we clearly need phase three to complete the loop. Yes. phases one and two getting them done is is is is a great thing. You know, one bite at a time, right? But we're not going to get the benefit of the bypass until we build the whole thing. And that becomes more important as we rebuild and modernize I 10 for the next 20 years, right? So, it's not just, you know, the the downtown 10 project that we discussed earlier, but but the the whole uh I 10 within the metropolitan area will be modernized. So, so that's why we we feel very good about making that request and we'll see, you know, let's see what the commission says if they help us with uh to get that that funded. Um and then well the just briefly the following the text that fiscical year 26 UTP development um right now where text is it's at the point where they're they have the draft numbers internally with all the districts. they they they did like a like their own project call. They're analyzing all the projects and of course that's why it's important for for us to be to show up right now because the uh this is when the sausage is made and by that is you know the selection of projects for category 12 the discretionary uh category and uh so we hope that uh that you know they hear from the community the the good message the positive message about our priorities about consensus although I know it's not perfect I'm looking at you Chris um but but again overall there's consens consensus is that's so important to for them to hear that that we have priorities that there's consensus and that and that we need help. But it's also a partnership. We're not just going out there asking for for money. They it's important for them to see that we are putting, you know, prioritizing and rep prioritizing our projects here and our funding to make sure that that if we say that a project is a priority, well, we put our our money where our mouth is. So, uh, that that was a I think a really good, uh, presentation yesterday that that that we did. And then finally, the status of the RMS 2050 MTP regional transportation conformity. Last week, we finally got the approval of the conformity for the amendments, right? So, um, so now the the new version or the current version of the plan is the amended RMS 2050. So we won't have to repeat the and anytime we make an amendment the amend the current plus the amended RMS. So now uh that was a big step but it also shows how difficult the and and complicated um you know the the the coordination with the federal agencies is going to be and it's something that that we need to be very aware of as you know with all the things that are happening right now. you know, there's been a reduction in in staffing with the Federal Highway Administration. Uh probably the same thing with FTA, but so we have to be very very aware of that. It may take, you know, the approvals or anything that we need from the federal government may take a little bit longer. So we have to be aware of that, build that into our timelines, but at the same time make sure that that we when we present documentation that it's perfect, right? So to avoid reviews and back and forth and and so on. So uh but it's good news that we finally got the the conformity. So with that that's all I have and happy to answer any questions on any of these topics. Any questions? Representative comment to clarify. Uh Borderland Expressway phase three absolutely a priority. I think that's uh we're all in agreement there. Thank you. [Music] Um question on the RMS. How will TPB provide feedback on the projects? I know you said you're bringing in land development and other items. Um but what is the process um engaging TPB? Right. Thanks for asking that. So, so we are beginning one of the activities is like the the call for projects, right? Um, so that that's going to be a a a longer uh process than I think initially we said that there was going to be a call for project that was going to you know the duration was going to be pretty short but that that was a little bit of miscommunication and we apologize for that but yeah so we're having an initial call where we're asking all of the agencies to you know send us your projects right and um and you know those that list we're going to compile pilot and work individually, one-on-one with all the agencies to make sure that that the project the or the project request forms that they're complete, that we understand exactly what the scope is um and make sure that that it's a complete submitt. And once we have that, then we're going to start the um doing the evaluation and prioritization of projects. That's something that we're going to do internally. I know that uh there's been questions about the criteria itself and we'll provide that that information uh next month as well. But as we start evaluating the the projects, we're going to start you know sort of like a uh giving that project list uh shape and we will bring it not only to TPV but to tack as well and have that that discussion as we build that project list. uh you know we also very importantly need to look at at financial constraint right so we need to to see how much money is is available you know within reason and start matching it right and then matching also the you know when when those projects could be ready right if if it's a good project but you have you know nothing specific yet as far as you know preliminary engineering or environmental documentation and all that well that project doesn't shouldn't be in the next in the first four years, right? Maybe it fits better in the uh you know the 6 to 10 or beyond. So those things, you know, take a while for us to start putting putting it together and and uh but yeah, but it's a it's a collaboration. So we're we're going to be uh coming back and and giving you updates and working, you know, one-on-one with with with all of the different agencies. Generally speaking, not to hold you to any amounts for category 7, how much do we generally have each year? So the our allocation is in the ballpark about 23 $24 million per year more or less. It you know goes up and down um depending on but uh but that's sort of like the the ballpark. Um I have to say that we are right now questioning because in the UTP our category 5 CC was reduced uh compared to last year. So yeah we understand that at the federal level there was a reduction so you know the the cake got a reduction of 17%. But on top of that, our share of the cake went down a little bit. And that's what we're discussing and and um and you know, working with text with TPMP, their division. Um the the rationale is that the air quality for the other nonattainment areas like NCT Cogwell, Dallas, Fort Worth is getting worse, right? So they they get worse because of of whatever you know growth and and whatever but uh so now they their nonattainment status gets worse right so they went I think some of the counties went from uh from serious to severe so they get rewarded now with more CC money I mean that's something that we have a little bit of an issue with with that but um so we're working with them the way that they're that that they're calculating uh the formulas and all that. We have some questions, but we may see a little a small reduction in in Cac after all, but we'll we'll let you know as soon as we have a uh a final resolution. So, the 20-ish million though is just category 7. Yes. Any other questions? Yeah. I just have one final announcement. Um, SE Estrada has been our our legal counsel. As you know, we have the uh our agreement uh our contract with the Kemp Smith, but Si you've been there well here from the very beginning, right? Yes, sir. So, it's been six years. Six and a half. Six and a Yep. So, Sio uh told us earlier this month that uh he is moving back to the city of El Paso. Yes, sir. I'm going back to the city attorney's office as a deputy attorney there. So this will be my last meeting with with the no. It's been a pleasure. It's been a lot of fun. So I want to thank you said because you know you've done a really really good job even though we've had some pretty interesting discussions right and absolutely sir. But uh thank you thank you very much for for the work. You're welcome. And of course, you know, the uh Kemp Smith, the contract is still on and and uh we're doing working on the transitions to make sure that uh whoever replaces Edu as uh as you know, the the main point of contact that transition is smooth. I'll just add, you know, I've learned a lot of things uh working at the MO. One of them is don't have your last day announced on the same day that Mr. Walter, I was told there'd be a special ceremony at the opening of the meeting. I was like, wow. Okay. Uh, no, no. Uh, uh, they thank you all. It's it's been a pleasure working with you all and I will continue to work with with most of you as well. Um, just in a different capacity, but thanks. You're just as special as this is. Thanks. That's all I have. Thank you again for your service. I appreciate it. Well, being that all the business of this meeting has been concluded, I do have 10:14 a.m. This meeting is now I Yes.