City of San Antonio - File #: 14-111

• File #: 14-111
• Type: Staff Briefing - With Ordinance
• In control: City Council A Session
• On agenda: 1/30/2014
• Posting Language: An Ordinance in connection with the TxDOT Turnback Proposal approving the negotiated Inter-Local Agreement (ILA) between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wherein the City would assume the maintenance responsibility of nine (9) State highways totaling 21.8 centerline miles in the City’s limits in exchange for agreed upon considerations and authorizing City staff to finalize and execute the ILA and associated legal documents. [Peter Zanoni, Deputy City Manager; Mike Frisbie, Director, Transportation and Capital Improvements]

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
1/30/2014	1	City Council A Session	Motion to Approve	Pass

DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements

DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie

COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide

SUBJECT:

TxDOT Turnback Proposal

SUMMARY:

An ordinance approving an inter-local agreement (ILA) between the City and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wherein the City will assume maintenance responsibility of nine (9) state roadways totaling 21.8 centerline miles in exchange for agreed upon considerations and authorizing City staff to finalize and execute the ILA and associated legal documents.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In August 2013, the Texas Transportation Commission considered a proposal to transfer maintenance of state-owned roadways to local governments throughout the State. In San Antonio, this meant transferring maintenance of up to 22 state roadways (129 centerline miles) to the City. Under State Transportation Code, municipalities are responsible for maintenance of roadways within their jurisdiction. However, TxDOT maintains state roads within San Antonio per a 1974 Municipal Maintenance Agreement (MMA). To officially turn back maintenance of state roads to San Antonio requires action by the Texas Transportation Commission.

Staff briefed the Governance Council Committee on August 28, 2013 and then again on September 18, 2013 with information available at the time. TxDOT's proposal generated significant opposition from cities and counties including their elected representatives who viewed the proposal as an unfunded state mandate. TxDOT revised their proposal stating that the turnback transfers only would be done on a voluntary basis and in coordination with municipalities. A multi-departmental effort, involving Public Works, Planning, Budget, Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations analyzed the impact if the City were to accept any state roadways. The analysis involved determining the current condition of the state roadways, the required maintenance and transporta...