Eagle Pass MPO approves FY26 planning budget, adopts public participation plan and opens LEP review

The Eagle Pass Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) policy board on April 9, 2025, unanimously approved the draft fiscal year 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), adopted a public participation plan by resolution (MPO‑2025‑01) and opened a 30‑day public review period for a revised Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan.

The UPWP, the MPO’s annual planning and budget document, totals about $461,000 in transportation planning funds for FY26, including carryover and projected allocations. Board members voted to approve the draft as presented while directing staff to finalize outstanding details and return a final version to the board. “I’ll make a motion to approve the revisions or the changes or additions that have been presented along with the MPO coming back and providing us with finalization of the information,” said Sarah Hidalgo Cook before the vote.

The adopted public participation plan (resolution MPO‑2025‑01) formalizes how the MPO will advertise meetings and solicit public input; staff reported they ran a 45‑day review and used local newspaper, radio and social media but received only three substantive responses. The board also opened a 30‑day public comment period for the LEP plan, a document intended to ensure residents with limited English proficiency can access MPO proceedings and materials.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of FY26 UPWP (motion: approve the draft FY26 Unified Planning Work Program as presented, with staff to finalize outstanding details). Mover: Sarah Hidalgo Cook; seconder: Mr. Elizondo; outcome: approved, unanimous. - Initiate 30‑day public review of revised Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan (motion: open 30‑day public review and comment period). Mover: Judge Cantu; seconder: Sarah Hidalgo Cook; outcome: approved, unanimous. - Adoption of Public Participation Plan (Resolution MPO‑2025‑01) (motion: adopt the proposed Public Participation Plan). Mover: Judge Cantu; seconder: Michelle Lisondo; outcome: approved, unanimous. - Discussion of reimbursement to the City of Eagle Pass for staff services (motion: table discussion). Mover: Commissioner Ramos; seconder: Mr. Elizondo; outcome: tabled, unanimous.

Board members and staff framed the UPWP discussion around staffing, public engagement, data needs and planned studies. MPO staff said the draft budget includes administrative and management costs, a line-item sufficient to support a one- or two‑person MPO office, and modest allocations for professional development ($14,000) and public participation ($2,000). Staff estimated a carryover of approximately $244,000 into FY26 and noted that federal Planning (PL) funds typically total about $375,000 annually for MPOs of this size; a federally required Complete Streets set‑aside (minimum 2.5% of PL funds) was included in the draft.

Staff also summarized planned work products: the metropolitan transportation plan (MTP/long‑range plan), the transportation improvement program (TIP), continued development of an MPO website (domain purchased, site under construction), environmental justice and Title VI materials, travel and professional development for staff, and potential special studies (corridor analyses, sidewalk or micro‑mobility studies) pending final priorities and funding. Staff said a TxDOT grant application for an active transportation plan was submitted and could be fully funded using transportation development credits, which would require no local cash match if awarded.

The board approved the public participation plan after staff reported FHWA provided comments and requested edits; staff said they incorporated FHWA feedback before bringing the resolution to the board.

Background and next steps

Board members asked staff to return with finalized UPWP text and any clarifications on insurance, fiscal agent responsibilities and website upkeep. Staff said technical committee and board schedules will be posted, and reminded members that the UPWP can be amended during the year. The MPO director reported staff will solicit additional input during the LEP comment period and will present a finalized UPWP and related documents at a future meeting.

Ending

The meeting concluded after director reports and a brief update on an employer vanpool program and a pending TxDOT planning grant. The board adjourned at 1:17 p.m.