[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6603111,"mediaKeyId","3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed","parentId",3000931,"title","TxDOT and Abilene city staff update board on projects; MPO boundary expansion and planning agreement remain pending","audioSeconds",112,"startMs",1667000,"endMs",1779000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed&start=1667&end=1779","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed/thumbnail_1667000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6603111/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/TxDOT-and-Abilene-city-staff-update-board-on-projects-MPO-boundary-expansion-and-planning-agreement-remain-pending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603111-d7ab3f5405cff96e61521f20b6dab94f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181375&Signature=iOpgpriulUj4e-93XcXWCrtnfnSwQIz-hWjmMqULkBRcPCaduLdVdKO-o1e13x~zpQqF2uxkGJu4GAzssPqUD7-OCz7w0i8KATXLujSjehDKkq4CD9AmMaAqh2j7Ff0c3mGgIcDWU1y0~zjY2IKNvjwgtWe5qfFaPWOVHrrXU0PhpSU2MJN1Y8oFP0CPxbQp64jxS1oLp1sVrTQMEwawCPyEMV3cTeMuGlSvbd34v6RkTSqEOJJ8vcVcNAW4cp0TlUIM-1CZzVhVPwwTfjCf6vwDlYQJdrBtcuRViKPyS1TJam7hoeo7QBV9qADaM8c1N~adNue-kMTgfa-6jcMmjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abilene","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","TxDOT and City of Abilene staff provided a broad update on ongoing and upcoming projects during the Abilene MPO Transportation Policy Board meeting on April 24, covering current construction, planned lettings and city-led design activity.

Bryce, a TxDOT district representative, reviewed current construction: a multi-location overlay project is complete except for corrective work on FM 2833; another project has started with drill shafts and will install dynamic message signs and cameras; a barrier project from Lydell Creek to the Waldrop Interchange on Loop 322 is in final cleanup; work on FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Road) awaits favorable weather for sod and final striping; and the rail corridor project is nearing completion at one TMP crossing. Bryce noted a recent pedestrian fatality on the rail corridor shortly before the meeting, underscoring the importance of pedestrian improvements included in that project.

Bryce also outlined upcoming closures and schedules: a Great Street crossing closure was planned to begin April 28, and work at the Leggett intersection will continue with final paving and signal coordination pending. Major projects letting or recently let include the FM 3034 (Landfill Road) project and other corridor projects programmed through the year.

City of Abilene staff (Richard and others) summarized city construction and design work: Maple (Carriage Hills to Loop 322) is in final stages pending a TDLR inspection; South Fourteenth walkability project is complete and will be closed out; several signal and reconstruction projects (including Polaris and Great Lakes/Kinsolving reconstructions) are moving through design and bid stages with anticipated city council consideration in early May for two DCOA projects. City staff said one design project (S Ten B) waits on utility coordination; another (Old Anson walkability) is at 30% design and requires six easements (five obtained so far).

CityLink transit updates: Alisa reported that employee restroom repairs are nearly complete (two of three restrooms finished) and that the micro-transit strategic study is underway, with CityLink receiving the first of five technical memos.

Finance and operations: MPO staff reviewed fiscal-year 2025 billings and said a work order received in April brought the MPO up to its full allocation for the year but that an outstanding carryover of $31,438.649 remains pending; staff said TxDOT is finalizing carryover calculations across MPOs, which delays receipt. Staff also summarized operations work including outreach, mapping and assistance to transit providers seeking competitive federal grants.

Director’s items: staff reported the MPO planning-area boundary expansion remains in the governor’s office for legal review and approval; Callahan County was included in the draft boundary. An updated TxDOT–MPO planning agreement circulated March 7 is under legal review and must be signed via DocuSign by Aug. 15 to meet the new five-year effective period. Staff said some MPOs have raised concerns about language in the revised agreement and reviews are ongoing.

No formal votes were required on the project updates or the director’s report. Board members offered procedural comments, thanked departing staff and welcomed the incoming TxDOT district director.

Provenance: project updates and director’s report are recorded in meeting transcript entries and the MPO packet.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Abilene - Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - Apr 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","TxDOT and City staff briefed the Abilene MPO on ongoing construction and planned lettings, and MPO staff reported that a planning-area boundary expansion is pending governor’s legal review and that an updated TxDOT–MPO planning agreement is under legal review.","taxTitle","Abilene, Taylor County, Texas","taxId",2817,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6603116,"Abilene MPO accepts FY2024 annual performance and expenditure report after federal review",258,1399000,1657000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed&start=1399&end=1657","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed/thumbnail_1399000.jpg","/articles/6603116/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-MPO-accepts-FY2024-annual-performance-and-expenditure-report-after-federal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603116-00c7a37eef94e4ac92b238bb10ccb16c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181375&Signature=niPvcnmNzyAhoxwdmUxufagZ9jpiXdWqWj1-CXrLLFTTw-HPexNZkHySTSz5xiLzk3PciNE4~Nrmg2oxmBuA-PBeYKV03-8OT-~d1yFc0saeauH5JB6yH0kQVPqB4EGnsIv-eftGiU8ueNVo3ZfXQ4EiwkrcJBLZADKoiVs8biC2ML2HC0lrGXIOHOVdK-R0WlrIqJE45281-xyWfjMgqTwkNOXNF~1l8Gdc35JrZ-llowHN-gGYHs4VLSIUYmpbrXnhbzxjXHl4bnThLJplnEC1ar7zMQFDK6FfgfgrWbM~vJpB1n5e52GNIBWKwnTdD~WF5k4VL50fQgwWBLUtUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene MPO Transportation Policy Board accepted the fiscal year 2024 Annual Performance and Expenditure Report at its April 24 meeting after staff reported that Federal Highways and the Federal Transit Administration reviewed the report and provided acknowledgement.

Staff said the report was due Dec. 15, 2024; it was submitted to federal partners and that Federal Highways had posed a few questions that staff answered. The Federal Transit Administration issued no comments and described the report as detailed and noted good use of FTA planning funds. Because of federal regulations cited by staff (a federal regulation referenced as a 2017 Code of Federal Regulations citation in the packet), staff said the report could not be publicly published until federal approvals were received; that timeline explained why the board saw the report after the federal acknowledgments.

Staff highlighted outreach and accomplishments tied to the UPWP tasks, including a workshop, newsletters and social media outreach, a ride-to-work event that included local safety partners, participation in TxDOT work-zone safety events, and assistance securing transportation alternatives funding for local projects. Staff also noted that staffing shortages in 2024 affected task expenditures and that any UPWP tasks with more than 25% variance from budget will include explanations in the report.

Board action: the board accepted the FY2024 Annual Performance and Expenditure Report by voice vote. No public comments were received at the public hearing on the report.

Provenance: staff presentation and the public hearing and vote are recorded in the meeting packet and transcript.","The board accepted the MPO’s FY2024 Annual Performance and Expenditure Report; Federal Highways and the Federal Transit Administration reviewed and acknowledged the report, and staff said the agency responses limited publicizing the report until approvals were received.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6603121,"Abilene MPO amends FY2024–25 UPWP and approves draft FY2026–27 UPWP format and funding plan",140,792000,932000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed&start=792&end=932","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed/thumbnail_792000.jpg","/articles/6603121/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-MPO-amends-FY202425-UPWP-and-approves-draft-FY202627-UPWP-format-and-funding-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603121-eb83345cbaef554fedbf0cbdf049a352/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181375&Signature=WFLryLx81NbvGEEa3SBUh5cVBaOqZ3zTHwIDkWRVtY2Wn5B-VN54HgTw0jlynDDHEiwFJVJcqOKSPeoAoODrzKb-y7D0kMl8qAy1FfKE68x-nmQkPi09BufdJ~6sP7qLbJsebHKgkGPICNFFiIe4pqz1WfjOZhzObr0PTHAsK6WRPRsktLZC2RPrEsvc76F1gxlWkBN~AJU5-5hpIwtnG06Ao5FOS70gI1p8kVODHZD8XeA0MvQGp6pANMtcxeWsr6meJTWD~tMynU7QiSwg-5nTnxCKlcLMidiJXxc~V2Vcahh9S4k5JZet2CXHMuNDBASXwnOLSJyxn~h99TJJAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene MPO on April 24 approved an amendment to the FY2024–25 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) that shifts and adds planning funds and approved the draft FY2026–2027 UPWP for submission in TxDOT’s revised format.

MPO staff explained the FY2024–25 amendment updates the UPWP cover page, table of contents and several subtask budgets. Notable changes included adding $1,500 to short-term transit planning (subtask 3.3), increasing the metropolitan transportation plan (subtask 4.1) by $40,000, adding $15,000 to complete-streets work under subtask 4.3, and increasing the safety action plan funding by $20,500 (from $29,500 to $50,000). Staff also added a new subtask (5.6) with $200,000 budgeted for “increasing safe and accessible transportation options” to meet federal requirements stemming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

MPO staff said the 2.5% IIJA planning set-aside for increasing safe and accessible transportation options had not been expended in prior years for the MPO and that the new $200,000 programming aims to address that backlog. The TAC recommended approval of the amendment at its March 18 meeting; staff noted the TAC review of some items was constrained by tight state deadlines.

Separately, the board reviewed the draft FY2026–27 UPWP, noting TxDOT required a new format for approval. Staff included an expanded boundary map (reflecting 2020 census updates and a pending boundary expansion) and moved some tasks to match TxDOT’s checklist (for example, Title VI/ADA/Jurisdictions items to subtask 2.3). Staff proposed a combined two-year allocation of $750,000 (about $375,000 per year) in planning funds for the new program period and estimated carryover from the current UPWP at $9,386.49.

Board action: the board approved the FY2024–25 UPWP amendment and approved the draft FY2026–27 UPWP for submittal under TxDOT’s new format. Motion and second for the amendment were recorded (motion by the mayor; second by Jeremy). The TAC had recommended approval of the amendment and recommended the FY2026–27 draft contingent on public comment.

Provenance: the UPWP amendment presentation and the draft UPWP discussion appear in the MPO packet and in staff remarks during the meeting recording.","The board approved amendments to the FY2024–25 Unified Planning Work Program to add new tasks and funding—most notably a $200,000 subtask for safe and accessible transportation options—and approved the draft FY2026–27 UPWP, which adopts TxDOT’s new format and programs planning funds across defined subtasks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6603123,"Abilene MPO approves annual listings of obligated projects for 2023 and 2024",166,482000,648000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed&start=482&end=648","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed/thumbnail_482000.jpg","/articles/6603123/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-MPO-approves-annual-listings-of-obligated-projects-for-2023-and-2024","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603123-c40e5b5e8695f8fbeee04cc70cb539b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181375&Signature=J7hoBsheOpIgUSVI6bEid4shdT90Zzq4bAsrjfDMSURgoYbMZU-425dd1ZgGvEeFEGaEONkzYwzlIU6sN~PaZopLWMkne9Gn49PyX~gsSEltRPNzeYyFf6k3tuD3GKj39FdoH9RV~XDJafmAbB9H0uE1PcnWxDTKc6HjRkCTDLxH28EZMuk25Va3wf5aLmlfMd8~gzF7J95ShR3~LVmv74vKkbbKw2Z3qf50sZ61NLRnEzim9xaglVGNa1clvbt6NYT9HzCA8Mz~7p-eNq2CvP5ilk0a3V8bWoKQ5VMPSQ3bkYvfvQzPAm95UMw-9l~FIyxTIpw1TOrmBhFBN8cXWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board approved the annual listings of obligated projects for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 during its April 24 meeting after holding public hearings that produced no speakers.

MPO staff presented the FY2023 listing and said obligations included one highway project (FM 1082), several transit group projects and a bicycle/walkability project on South Fourteenth funded through a transportation alternatives grant secured with MPO assistance. Staff noted the FY2023 federal-obligated-project summary was prepared from data received in early 2025 and that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) did not provide a recommendation because timing prevented TAC review.

For FY2024, staff said obligated projects included one highway project (FM 3034, an overpass near US 83), three group projects and multiple transit projects. Staff said the listing was submitted to TxDOT under the required deadlines and that the FY2024 listing also was released for public review; no comments were received by the April 14 deadline.

Why it matters: the annual listing of obligated projects documents the federal funds that were obligated in a fiscal year and shows how planning and grants translated into contracted work. The listings help ensure transparency and compliance with federal reporting rules.

Board action: the board approved the FY2023 annual listing by motion from Jeremy with a second from Judge Crowley, and later approved the FY2024 listing by voice vote after a motion and second; no opposing votes were recorded on either action.

Staff cautioned that some numeric details in the meeting transcript are garbled; the MPO packet contains the authoritative dollar amounts and project lists.

Provenance: staff presentation of the FY2023 and FY2024 obligated listings and the subsequent public hearings and votes are recorded in the meeting packet and transcript.","The Abilene MPO approved the annual listings of obligated federally funded projects for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 after public hearings produced no comments. Staff noted project counts and identified several local projects that had federal obligations in each year.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6603127,"Abilene MPO approves amendment to FY2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program",390,91000,481000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed&start=91&end=481","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000931-a0705284a52b574ca59c069a5c2507ed/thumbnail_91000.jpg","/articles/6603127/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-MPO-approves-amendment-to-FY20252028-Transportation-Improvement-Program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603127-02c4fab4deadca3d51965cb8f9ff5e6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181375&Signature=YqcwPLiBbqVU-7n3Ts1Or5FpIIc074zMaBLnU4~gJFvPBN~sa4axQr79IertiB1RKe9j~3F4nN0uH-4LeCPGP6ZvDQs5UV6GkKQaCOBx-RW5j~8OOMpGC54YBHxzkjcKxtA9O8r7Dme90zczLt8On2zSHGQ~7YHn5r9US6ZIGTJY-M9xTpx8EiJFTmeTaiNXz3POYdTwM~GF6EsfmQ0eIk4YgYi7OlPi4yb0Uo0yS6tqqZZQgAL5hdB9XvQPC-~3xKe-4j~MnfHPfNnAMBc0onfhuUIiZyjUBQF9YUo8i7UFME3DeQP-4VwLVLsO3qwWpCnxKsvBkONLrg7saMWqcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abilene Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board on April 24 approved an amendment to the FY2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program to align the MPO’s project listings and schedules with TxDOT Connect and to update several highway and transit project entries.

MPO staff said the amendment revises highway let dates, removes one state highway project from the 2028 program after its let date moved beyond the TIP horizon, and adjusts funding-category allocations. Corey, a MPO staff presenter, said the changes were made “to match the TIP with TxDOT Connect on those different projects.” The packet also shows updates to transit capital pages driven by CityLink’s revised needs.

Why it matters: the TIP is the schedule of federally funded and regionally significant projects for the four-year period the MPO manages. Matching TxDOT’s program and corrected let dates ensures projects remain eligible for the listed funding and preserves consistency across federal, state and local planning documents.

Key changes cited by staff included moving some projects between fiscal years after let-date changes (for example, a Buffalo Gap Road/FM 89 segment had its let date moved into an earlier fiscal year) and removing State Highway 351 to the Callahan County line from the 2028 list after its new let date falls outside the TIP window. Staff identified funding categories 2 and 12 as the categories used for the amended highway entries. On the transit side, several TR (transit) capital entries were removed and new TR capital and maintenance projects were added to reflect CityLink’s requests.

The amendment was released for public review; staff said no comments were received by the posted deadline and the public hearing held at the meeting drew no speakers. The board approved the amendment by voice vote: motion by the mayor, second by Jeremy; no opposing votes were recorded.

MPO staff said the packet and map included color-coded project listings for 2026 (green), 2027 (blue) and 2028 (purple), and that staff would incorporate any comments received at the meeting into the final document.

Votes at the meeting: the board approved the TIP amendment by voice vote; no opposing votes were announced.

Provenance: MPO staff presentation and public hearing for the TIP amendment appear in the meeting packet and the transcript (presentation beginning at the TIP agenda item and the motion/approval later in the meeting).","The Abilene Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board approved an amendment to the FY2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program to align local projects with TxDOT Connect, update let dates and project entries, and add/adjust CityLink transit capital items. A public hearing drew no comments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TxDOT and Abilene city staff update board on projects; MPO boundary expansion and planning agreement remain pending

Abilene MPO accepts FY2024 annual performance and expenditure report after federal review

Abilene MPO amends FY2024–25 UPWP and approves draft FY2026–27 UPWP format and funding plan

Abilene MPO approves annual listings of obligated projects for 2023 and 2024

Abilene MPO approves amendment to FY2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program