Eagle Pass MPO amends UPWP, adopts FHWA grouping list and authorizes negotiations with MPO director candidate
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Summary
The MPO policy board approved FY2026 UPWP amendments to add consultant language and the active transportation grant, adopted FHWA’s grouped CSJ project list for the TIP (one abstention by Mayor Valdez), and authorized staff to negotiate with MPO director finalist George Antuna following executive session.
The Eagle Pass Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board voted on several administrative actions at its Feb. 10 meeting that change planning documents and start personnel negotiations.
Amendment to UPWP: MPO staff proposed and the board approved amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Unified Planning Work Program to (1) add explicit language allowing MPO staff to supplement work with consultant assistance, (2) add the recently awarded active transportation planning grant to the work program, and (3) split an existing task line to allocate a portion of funds for consultant help. Staff told the board this change does not increase the total dollar amount but clarifies budget line items and responsibilities. The motion to approve the UPWP amendment passed unanimously.
Adopt FHWA grouped CSJ project list for TIP/STIP: Staff asked the board to adopt the Federal Highway Administration’s standard grouped Control Section Job (CSJ) project list, which lets routine maintenance and high‑volume small projects be included as grouped entries in the MPO’s TIP and the statewide TIP rather than listed individually. Commissioner Ramos moved to adopt the standard grouping list, the motion was seconded, and the board approved it with unanimous support and one abstention by Mayor Valdez.
Executive session and MPO director negotiations: The board met in executive session under Texas Government Code §551.074 to discuss personnel matters regarding the MPO director position. After returning to open session, the board announced it had reached consensus on a candidate, Mr. George Antuna, and authorized staff to begin negotiations and schedule a special meeting within approximately two weeks to finalize terms. The motion to authorize negotiations was made by Mr. Valderas, seconded by Commissioner Ramos, and approved unanimously.
Other business and deadlines: Staff reminded members that project submittals for the first round of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) COFA projects are due to the MPO by Feb. 20. Staff also opened a 10‑day public comment period (presentation status at this meeting) to amend the interim TIP to include an active transportation plan project the city was awarded (grant amount cited by staff: $345,000); formal TIP amendment language will be returned for action at a future meeting.
The meeting also approved consent minutes from Dec. 10, 2025 and Jan. 14, 2026 and adopted routine administrative items to streamline future TIP project listings.
