Website: www.velopaso.org Email: velopaso@gmail.

com

TxDOT misled the public and city council on the facts about the federal CMAQ program. Heres the truth:
DO CMAQ FUNDS AUTHORIZED FOR BIKE SHARE EXPIRE?
NO, the $1.5 million in federal CMAQ money rolls into the next fiscal year, according to officials at TxDOT, the MPO and the FHWA. TCEQ has extended the grant for the Rider 8 funds until May 2014, and another extension is available if necessary.

WHAT STAGE IS THE BIKE SHARE PROGRAM AT?

The 26-member MPO policy board nominated and approved the bike share program 3 times, submitted it to public review, and secured federal approval. CMAQ has been used for bike share in at least three cities; TxDOT has funded bike share programs in Forth Worth, Austin and San Antonio. The City, UTEP, Fort Bliss, the MPO and FHWA are waiting for TxDOT to release the funds.

WHY IS TXDOT TRYING TO SHUTDOWN THE BIKE SHARE PROGRAM?

TxDOT approved bike share in May 2013 as a member of the MPO policy board. It now claims that bike share does not meet its emissions reduction threshold. They failed to mention that TxDOT cannot impose such a threshold. In a letter to the MPO on September 25, 2013, the FHWA states: CMAQ guidance . . . does not establish cost-benefit, emissions reductions, or congestion relief thresholds for project selection. Our review of the Texas Administrative Code and discussion with TxDOT personnel do not indicate that emission reduction thresholds have been established by the State for the CMAQ program.

CAN CMAQ BE USED FOR THE P3 PILOT PROGRAM TO REDUCE BRIDGE WAIT TIMES?
NOT LIKELY, according to a letter from the FHWA. CMAQ cannot be used to pay for salaries unless by federal statute; it does not demonstrate a clear transportation use because the bridges fall under border security, homeland security and international trade; it is a one-shot deal that would temporarily fund salaries without a reliable revenue source.

THE REAL QUESTION IS WHY TXDOT, A STATE AGENCY BASED IN AUSTIN, IS TELLING EL PASO WHAT TO DO AND FORCING US INTO A FALSE CHOICE?
CITY COUNCIL: DELETE ITEM 11A. Dont be bullied into voting against yourself.
City Council & Officials (MPO Members) Mayor Oscar Leeser Rep. Emma Acosta** Rep. Cortney Niland Rep. Dr. Michael Noe* Rep. Carl Robinson Joyce Wilson* Jane Shange Approved Bike Share at MPO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES Approved Bike Share at City Council YES Absent Absent YES YES YES YES City Council & Officials Approved Bike Share YES YES YES YES

Rep. Eddie Holguin Rep. Lily Limn** Rep. Larry Romero Rep. Ann Morgan Lilly *Initiated motion ** Seconded motion