Public Invited to Provide Input on Drone Safety Program, Transit Funding Sept. 11
9/5/2023
NCTCOG’s September hybrid public meeting highlights collaborative efforts throughout the region
(Arlington, TEXAS) – The North Central Texas Council of Governments is hosting a hybrid public meeting at noon Monday, Sept. 11 to provide residents the opportunity to learn about drone safety efforts, transit funding opportunities and other planning initiatives.
The meeting will take place at NCTCOG’s Arlington offices, 616 Six Flags Drive. Residents can also participate virtually by watching live at www.publicinput.com/nctcogSept23 or via phone by dialing 855-925-2801, then code 1577. Public participation is a vital part of the transportation planning process, and public comments will be accepted through Oct.10.
The North Texas Unmanned Aircraft Airspace Awareness Pilot Program details how local governments can receive free application software and training. Staff will provide details about the program and how it impacts drone pilots, as well as information on the selected proposals. The goal is to provide a tool that will enable residents and businesses to fly safely and receive live data on potential risks, advisories for local events or emergencies, and other flight planning features.
The Transit Strategic Partnership Program is a competitive grant program that funds innovative transit projects supporting services for seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income populations. The program’s goal is to assist public agencies looking to implement services and connect those seeking partnerships with an existing transit provider. All projects must take place in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington or Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas. Staff members have reviewed submissions from the May 2023 cycle by their ability to address needs of transit-dependent populations, strategic value, sustainability, stakeholder collaboration and recommendations from existing plans and studies.
Additionally, NCTCOG will present proposed transit projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration through the final award of Fiscal Year 2023. Those projects are:
NCTCOG purchases electric vehicle registration data from the Department of Motor Vehicles on behalf of Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition as the host agency. This information is available online for stakeholders at www.dfwcleancities.org/evsintexas. Staff will give an update on the state of EV registration in Texas and North Texas and provide an update on upcoming programs and events related to EVs.
The Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study, which is entering the environmental stage; and proposed modifications to the list of funded projects will be available for public comment. To make a public comment, visit www.publicinput.com/nctcogSept23. Staff will also provide information on the interactive public input tool, Map Your Experience; the Regional Smoking Vehicle Program; vehicle incentive and finding opportunities; and Engine Off North Texas.
For residents who want to take transit to the meeting, $6 roundtrip rides from the Centerport/DFW Airport Station to NCTCOG are available on the Arlington Transportation app, through http://arlingtontx.gov/ondemand. For special accommodations due to disabilities or language interpretation, contact 817-695-9255 or email jcastillo@nctcog.org.
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development.
NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered in the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 229 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 19 school districts and 27 special districts. For more information on the Transportation Department, visit www.nctcog.org/trans.
About the Regional Transportation Council:
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of the North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for regional transportation planning in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1974. The MPO works in cooperation with the region’s transportation providers to address the complex transportation needs of the rapidly growing metropolitan area. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties. The RTC’s 45 members include local elected or appointed officials from the metropolitan area and representatives from each of the area’s transportation providers. More information can be found at www.nctcog.org.
The meeting will take place at NCTCOG’s Arlington offices, 616 Six Flags Drive. Residents can also participate virtually by watching live at www.publicinput.com/nctcogSept23 or via phone by dialing 855-925-2801, then code 1577. Public participation is a vital part of the transportation planning process, and public comments will be accepted through Oct.10.
The North Texas Unmanned Aircraft Airspace Awareness Pilot Program details how local governments can receive free application software and training. Staff will provide details about the program and how it impacts drone pilots, as well as information on the selected proposals. The goal is to provide a tool that will enable residents and businesses to fly safely and receive live data on potential risks, advisories for local events or emergencies, and other flight planning features.
The Transit Strategic Partnership Program is a competitive grant program that funds innovative transit projects supporting services for seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income populations. The program’s goal is to assist public agencies looking to implement services and connect those seeking partnerships with an existing transit provider. All projects must take place in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington or Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas. Staff members have reviewed submissions from the May 2023 cycle by their ability to address needs of transit-dependent populations, strategic value, sustainability, stakeholder collaboration and recommendations from existing plans and studies.
Additionally, NCTCOG will present proposed transit projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration through the final award of Fiscal Year 2023. Those projects are:
- Urbanized Area Formula
- Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
- State of Good Repair
- Bus and Bus Facilities
NCTCOG purchases electric vehicle registration data from the Department of Motor Vehicles on behalf of Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition as the host agency. This information is available online for stakeholders at www.dfwcleancities.org/evsintexas. Staff will give an update on the state of EV registration in Texas and North Texas and provide an update on upcoming programs and events related to EVs.
The Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study, which is entering the environmental stage; and proposed modifications to the list of funded projects will be available for public comment. To make a public comment, visit www.publicinput.com/nctcogSept23. Staff will also provide information on the interactive public input tool, Map Your Experience; the Regional Smoking Vehicle Program; vehicle incentive and finding opportunities; and Engine Off North Texas.
For residents who want to take transit to the meeting, $6 roundtrip rides from the Centerport/DFW Airport Station to NCTCOG are available on the Arlington Transportation app, through http://arlingtontx.gov/ondemand. For special accommodations due to disabilities or language interpretation, contact 817-695-9255 or email jcastillo@nctcog.org.
| Public Meeting Details |
| Noon Monday, Sept. 11 North Central Texas Council of Governments 616 Six Flags Drive Arlington, TX 76011 |
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development.
NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered in the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 229 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 19 school districts and 27 special districts. For more information on the Transportation Department, visit www.nctcog.org/trans.
About the Regional Transportation Council:
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of the North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for regional transportation planning in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1974. The MPO works in cooperation with the region’s transportation providers to address the complex transportation needs of the rapidly growing metropolitan area. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties. The RTC’s 45 members include local elected or appointed officials from the metropolitan area and representatives from each of the area’s transportation providers. More information can be found at www.nctcog.org.