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Federal review certifies Lubbock TMA with condition on MTP; FHWA staffing, STIP approvals and Loop 88 readiness discussed
Summary
The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration's joint certification review found the Lubbock TMA substantially compliant with federal law but included one condition to finalize a compliant Metropolitan Transportation Plan; the policy committee accepted the review April 15.
The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration's joint certification review concluded the Lubbock Transportation Management Area (TMA) is substantially compliant with federal planning requirements but included one condition: develop and maintain a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) that meets federal requirements. The policy committee voted April 15 to accept the joint review.
Mr. Jones presented the review findings and said the certification required every four years confirmed substantial compliance with 23 U.S.C. .
(Transcript: Mr. Jones said the review found the Lubbock TMA "in substantial compliance with the requirements of 23 USC 134 and 49 USC 1607," with one condition to develop a compliant MTP.)
Jones said the review offered commendations — including praise for the MPO's budget alignment with state and federal priorities, a crash‑dashboard built with part‑time student support, clear nondiscrimination notices, and targeted outreach during the MTP update — and listed recommendations such as improving the MPO website and including TxDOT and FHWA contact information on complaint forms and a tagline about language services.
During committee discussion, Mr. Warren said FHWA was refusing to approve State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) amendments that the MPO submits, citing that the MTP is not in compliance. Jones responded that FHWA does not ‘‘approve' the long‑range plan but that the board is the approving authority for the MTP; he also said TxDOT staff have been assisting and that the MPO had in fact approved an updated MTP in October 2024. The transcript captures a disconnect: MPO staff reported in the meeting that FHWA has told them the MTP is not in compliance and is withholding STIP approvals.
Jones urged the committee to press for FHWA action on STIP approvals because the district has advanced projects and right‑of‑way work — notably project 3C (the interchange with the newly designated I‑27) and project 3D (the next two miles west) — that are ready for letting once federal steps are approved. He warned the committee that recent retirements within FHWA's Texas Division have reduced federal staff capacity and could slow approvals.
Council Member Martinez Garcia moved to accept the joint federal certification review and Mr. Warren seconded; the committee voted unanimously to approve the certification acceptance. The transcript shows no separate formal action required on a follow‑up item (agenda item 10) and no recorded individual roll‑call votes.
Next steps noted in the meeting packet and discussion include completing any remaining MTP housekeeping and moving forward with the next call for project revisions; MPO staff and TxDOT will continue to engage FHWA on STIP approvals to advance ready projects.
