Eagle Pass MPO considers tri-party MOU to adopt federal performance measures; motion made, outcome unclear in transcript

The Eagle Pass Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board considered adopting federally established performance measures and executing a tri-party memorandum of understanding among the MPO, TxDOT Laredo District and the Southwest Area Regional Transit District to support performance-based planning.

Sid Martinez of Stanley Consultants explained that federal performance measures established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (FHWA/FTA) address safety (PM1), infrastructure condition (PM2), and system performance/reliability (PM3), and that MPOs may adopt state targets or set their own. Martinez recommended the MPO adopt the TxDOT targets to reduce technical burden on the new MPO: "Most of the MPOs in Texas do go ahead and adopt what the state is doing," he said.

Martinez described examples of TxDOT targets — statewide fatality and serious-injury totals, pavement-condition percentages and system-reliability measures — and explained that the MOU would document shared responsibilities and data-sharing among the MPO, TxDOT and the transit provider to support the MTP and the Transportation Improvement Program.

A motion to adopt the MOU and performance measures was made (motion by Commissioner Ramos; second by Mr. Deiseno), but the transcript does not clearly record the vote outcome for that item; staff subsequently opened the floor to public comment and moved on to the MPO director’s report. As a result, this article reports that a motion was made and the MOU was presented for approval but does not state an adopted outcome because the vote is not recorded in the transcript.

If the board approves and executes the MOU, staff will transmit it to TxDOT and FHWA; Martinez noted TxDOT provides much of the data for target-setting and monitoring.