Multimodal transportation programs

Multimodal transportation programs
Multimodal transportation programs
Unified Transportation Program (UTP)
The UTP provides funding for a variety of multimodal transportation programs, administered by a range of divisions and committees across TxDOT. These programs include:
Public Transportation
:Planning, coordinating, funding, and providing technical assistance to support and integrate transit, bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects as part of the state’s multimodal transportation system.
Maritime
:Incorporating the Texas maritime transportation system into TxDOT planning processes and improving the infrastructure, connectivity, federally-authorized ship channels, and economic growth opportunities of Texas ports and waterways through financial assistance.
Aviation
: Engineering, technical and financial assistance to Texas communities for planning, programming, constructing and maintaining airports.
Rail
: Facilitating the development, improvement and maintenance of the state's freight and passenger rail system and its intermodal capabilities.
Freight, Trade and Connectivity
: Integrating multimodal freight, international trade and corridor planning into TxDOT's statewide planning and project development processes.
Public Transportation
The TxDOT
Public Transportation Division (PTN)
works to provide a safe and reliable network of transportation options for people who use alternatives to driving alone. PTN coordinates district and statewide transit and active transportation planning efforts to improve access, safety, and connectivity for people who use these modes. The division provides financial, technical and coordination assistance to the state's rural and urban public transit programs and for the Transportation Alternatives program which funds bicycle and pedestrian projects.
PTN supports the work of the
Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC)
and the
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
. The PTAC is a nine-member committee that advises TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission on matters related to public transportation. PTAC responsibilities are stated in
Chapter 455
of the Texas Transportation Code. The BPAC is an eleven-member committee that advises TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission on matters related to bicycle and pedestrian issues. BPAC responsibilities are stated in
Chapter 43
of the Texas Administrative Code.
TxDOT PTN support of TxDOT Strategic Plan goals
Optimize system performance
by supporting the development and efficient operation of alternative mobility options as an integral part of the state transportation system.
Focus on the customer
by partnering with rural and urban transit districts and communities to provide efficient and coordinated public transportation and supporting investments in bicycle and pedestrian networks.
Preserve state transportation assets
by reducing roadway traffic via offering non-single occupant vehicle mobility options.
Promote safety
through the development and approval of bus safety plans and the integration of bicycle and pedestrian-specific safety needs with state, district and local transportation plans and projects.
Programs and funding
Transit Grants Programs
TxDOT's Public Transportation Division administers state and Federal Transit Administration transit grant programs. These grants are for specific purposes, have separate eligibility and funding requirements, and are either formula or competitive funding. The Public Transportation Division
requests applications
for specific grant funding sources through calls for projects. Additionally, PTN also administers a
Transit Technical Services Program
which provides focused technical assistance to Rural Transit Districts (RTD) and state funded Urban Transit Districts (UTD).
The
Rural Public Transportation Program
administered by TxDOT provides State funds and federal Rural Areas - Formula Grants Program (49 USC, Section 5311) funds to 36 Rural Transit Districts providing public transportation in rural areas and small cities with populations under 50,000. The public transportation services provided help people in rural areas access health care, employment, education, shopping, and recreation.
The
Intercity Bus Program
(49 USC, Section 5311(f)) administered by TxDOT supports the intercity travel needs of residents in rural areas by providing transit connections between rural areas and the larger regional or national intercity bus route system. The federal Intercity Bus grant program funding is used primarily to support service connections throughout the state. It also provides funding for planning, marketing assistance and capital investment in vehicles and facility development.
The
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Program (49 USC, Section 5310) administered by TxDOT provides federal funding for rural and small urbanized areas of the state (populations under 50,000 and 200,000 respectively) to improve accessibility and mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation mobility options available. Local stakeholder forums or committees provide input on local transit gaps and strategies.
The
Statewide/Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Planning Programs
(49 USC, Section 5303 and 5304) administered by TxDOT provide federal funds to
Metropolitan Planning Organizations
, Rural Planning Commissions, Councils of Governments, Transit Districts, and other regional public transportation coordination planning lead agencies for multimodal transportation planning, including transit, statewide planning, and research.
The Rural Transportation Assistance Program (49 USC Section 5311(b)(3)) provides funds for transportation research, technical assistance, training and related support services in rural areas.
The
Urban Public Transportation Program
administered by TxDOT-PTN provides State funds and the small urban portion of the federal Urbanized Areas Formula Grant Program (49 USC, Section 5307) funds to 33 Urban Transit Districts. The Urban Transit Districts  provide transportation in urbanized areas (populations of 50,000 or greater) across the state which enhance mobility in urbanized areas. Federal funds for Metropolitan Transit Authorities and transit providers for large urbanized areas serving populations of 200,000 or greater are administered directly through FTA.
The Bus and Bus Facilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5339) provides funds to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.
For more information, visit Public Transportation
Forms and Publications
Active Transportation (Bicycle and Pedestrian) Program
TxDOT’s Public Transportation Division coordinates bicycle and pedestrian programs, also known as active transportation. The Division works closely with TxDOT Districts on regional and statewide planning efforts, coordinates with TxDOT Divisions on long-range and safety planning, and delivers training and best practices to agency staff. TxDOT also administers the federal
Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) funding program
, expanding transportation choices and enhancing active transportation infrastructure through locally driven planning and projects. It is important to note that bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is not limited to TA Program funding (Category 9) but is eligible for all other transportation funding categories as well.
Transportation Alternatives Set-aside (TA) Program
TxDOT-PTN administers federal TA funding to plan and construct locally sponsored alternative transportation projects statewide, including ADA/pedestrian infrastructure, on- and off-street bikeways, shared-use paths, and active transportation planning documents. These projects improve accessibility, safety, and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists and mitigate congestion by providing safe alternatives to motor vehicle transport in communities across the state. In large urbanized areas with populations over 200,000, TA funds are also distributed directly to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to deliver bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in their respective areas. As part of the TA Program, PTN provides technical assistance to improve accessibility of the funds to project sponsors and, once awarded, facilitate project delivery to meet the goal of efficient and effective utilization of TA funds.
Maritime
Texas waterways and seaports are critical components of the transportation system and serve as economic engines for the state. Impressively, ports generate $713.9 billion in economic activity in Texas, account for 28% of the Texas Gross Domestic Product, and support 2.5 million jobs.
Texas seaports have received impressive accolades, including ranking:
1st in the country in foreign waterborne tonnage
1st in the nation in terms of total waterborne tonnage
4th most popular cruise port in the US
As the largest strategic military port in the country
The TxDOT
Maritime Division (MRD)
works to support the Texas maritime system by promoting the development of high-value growth and the use of waterborne transportation for freight movement. The division oversees programs which allow for port capital improvements, increase intermodal connectivity of the system and widen and/or deepen federally authorized ship channels, all which are essential to increasing the State's economic competitiveness. To learn more, visit the
Maritime Division's project dashboards
The
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW)
is a critical component of supply chains that largely serve the Texas petrochemical and manufacturing industries used to transport petrochemicals, manufactured goods, and agricultural projects between ports along the coast. This resource adds $77 billion in economic activity in the state annually. The Texas Legislature appropriates funds to support the GIWW. Updated once every two years, the
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Legislative Report
details TxDOT’s role as the non-federal sponsor of the GIWW.
MRD also supports and facilitates the work of the
Port Authority Advisory Committee (PAAC)
. The PAAC is a nine-member committee that advises TxDOT and the
Transportation Commission
on matters related to maritime transportation. Its responsibilities are laid out in
Chapter 55
of the Texas Transportation Code and include the development of the
Texas Port Mission Plan
, which is updated once every two years.
The Texas Port Mission Plan functions as a needs assessment for the State's maritime system and includes three distinct sections which tie to MRD funding programs:
Maritime Infrastructure Report
Seaport Connectivity Report
Ship Channel Report
Programs and funding
The
Maritime Infrastructure Program
provides funding in the form of grants to Texas seaports for port capital improvement projects.  Projects selected for funding are derived from the Texas Port Mission Plan.
The
Seaport Connectivity Program
provides funding in the form of grants to ports and local governments to fund public roadway projects that improve connectivity, enhance safety, and relieve congestion in communities around the state's seaports.  Projects selected for funding are derived from the Texas Port Mission Plan.
The
Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund
provides funding in the form of low interest loans to entities responsible for the non-federal cost share of congressionally authorized ship channel deepening and/or widening projects in Texas.
TxDOT MRD support of TxDOT Strategic Plan goals
Optimize system performance
by facilitating waterborne transportation and infrastructure, connectivity, and federally-authorized ship channel projects
Preserve state transportation assets
by moving commodities along waterways instead of roads and railways
Promote safety
by providing a safer alternative to roads (on a ton-mile basis)
Foster stewardship
by promoting waterborne transportation, which is the cleanest form of freight movement
Aviation
The TxDOT
Aviation Division (AVN)
provides engineering, technical and financial assistance to Texas communities for planning, programming, constructing and maintaining airports. The TxDOT
Aviation Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
is TxDOT’s plan for general aviation airport development in Texas and helps guide the work of AVN. It is a detailed listing of potential projects based on the anticipated funding levels of the Federal Aviation Administration
Airport Improvement Program
, the Texas Aviation Facilities Development Program and local match. The Aviation CIP includes all eligible Texas general aviation airports in the
Texas Airport System Plan (TASP)
that choose to participate in the TASP.
TxDOT AVN support of TxDOT Strategic Plan goals
Deliver the right projects
by assisting Texas communities in planning and executing projects to meet general aviation needs
Optimize system performance
by helping sponsors develop projects that comply with aviation planning and programming standards
Promoting safety
by evaluating projects based on potential to enhance facility safety for aircraft operations
Programs and Funding
By law, TxDOT acts as the agent of the state and sponsor for applying, receiving and disbursing federal funds for the benefit of general aviation airports. Legislation allows state funding assistance on federally funded projects and the state may also fund projects not eligible for federal funding at publicly owned facilities. Additionally, Texas joined the
State Block Grant Program
in 1996, which is a federal program giving the state the lead in carrying out the Airport Improvement Program for general aviation airports.
Annually, AVN also identifies a program of projects from the Aviation CIP. The admittance of a project in the Aviation CIP is not a commitment for future funding. However, projects in the Aviation CIP are under strong consideration for funding. The Aviation Division will work with sponsors to develop acceptable projects, assuming the projects are consistent with planning and programming standards and priorities.
Rail
The TxDOT
Rail Division (RRD)
facilitates the continuing development, improvement and maintenance of a best-in-class freight and passenger rail system for Texas. The Texas rail network is the largest in the country and serves as a connection between all modes of transportation. Most of the existing rail system is privately owned, so the state’s role is restricted to improving rail transportation options.
The
Texas Rail Plan
guides the work of RRD by putting forth the state’s vision for the rail system and identifying opportunities for future improvement. The Texas Rail Plan and the work of RRD support TxDOT’s strategic plan goals by working to increase safety, manage system assets, increase mobility and reliability, increase multimodal connectivity and increase economic competitiveness. These goals align with the goals of both the statewide
Texas Transportation Plan
and the
Texas Freight Mobility Plan
TxDOT RRD support of TxDOT Strategic Plan goals
Optimize system performance
through use of federal grants and specific appropriations to make system improvements
Preserve state transportation assets
by safely connecting industries, ports and people without congesting highways
Promote safety
by overseeing rail-highway safety, rail inspections and the
State Safety Oversight Program
Foster stewardship of state resources
by working to actively improve rail transportation options
Programs and funding
TxDOT has historically used federal grant funds, specific appropriations from the Texas Legislature, private-sector contributions and available planning funds for rail project development and implementation.
The
SORR
, a state-owned rail facility, extends from San Angelo Junction in Coleman County to Presidio at the Texas-Mexico border.
TxDOT uses a combination of federal, state and local funds, along with private contributions from the railroad operator (Texas Pacifico) to rehabilitate the SORR.
Amtrak’s
Heartland Flyer
is an intercity passenger rail service between Fort Worth, Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Since 2007, TxDOT has funded between 40 and 50 percent of the annual operating subsidy for this service.
Freight, Trade, and Connectivity
The vision of the TxDOT
Transportation Planning and Programming Division (TPP)
is to facilitate comprehensive and intentional planning and programming that supports delivery of the right projects. Within TPP, the Freight, Trade, and Connectivity (FTC) Section works with local, regional, state, federal and private stakeholders to integrate multimodal freight, international trade and corridor transportation planning into agency and statewide planning, programming, project development and implementation activities. The FTC Section also supports and facilitates the work of the
Texas Freight Advisory Committee (TxFAC)
, the
Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC),
and the
I-27 Advisory Committee
Freight
A reliable multimodal freight network is critical to Texans because quality of life and economic vitality depends on the daily delivery of millions of tons of goods shipped over the transportation system. The
Texas Highway Freight Network
connects urban and rural areas and is made up of highways, railroads, ports, waterways, airports and pipelines. More information regarding freight is available through the
Freight Planning
webpage, which provides on-demand access to the latest version of the Texas Freight Mobility Plan.
Trade
International trade is big business in Texas! Texas’ geographic location makes it a crossroads state and the gateway for North American trade among the nations of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Mexico is Texas’ largest trading partner and plays a vital role in the Texas and global economies with roughly 70% of all U.S.-Mexico trade passing through Texas. Texas has 28 border crossings, more than any other U.S. state. More information about international trade, including the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan, can be found at the
International Trade and Border Planning
page.
Connectivity
TxDOT’s corridor planning involves the comprehensive analysis of a transportation corridor from a multimodal approach. We are preparing the state system for the future, with a focus on the long-range horizon through an analysis of the economic, demographic, and social characteristics of communities within our transportation corridors. These planning activities ultimately lead to the development of statewide corridor master plans used to identify and prioritize improvements that will enhance people and goods mobility across all modes. Texas has three corridors designated as future interstates that include I-69, I-14, and I-27. Texas is the state with the most miles of the interstate highway system with over 3,400 centerline miles in Texas. When constructed, the three future interstates will relieve urban-area congestion by directing traffic on safer long-distance routes and double the current mileage of the interstate highway system in Texas. More information is available through the
Corridor Planning
webpage, including completed
studies of statewide importance
and future interstate implementation plans.
TxDOT FTC support of TxDOT Strategic Plan goals
Deliver the right projects
through Border Trade Advisory Committee recommendations for meeting high-priority border trade transportation challenges
Optimize system performance
by making plans and recommendations and approving some funding for projects
Deliver the right projects
through Texas State Mobility Plan guidance
Programs and funding
National Highway Freight Program
The federal
Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act
created the $10.8 billion
National Highway Freight Program
in 2015 to improve freight movement efficiency nationwide. To be eligible for program funding, a state must have a freight plan in place that must identify projects that contribute to the efficient movement of freight that are located on the Federal Highway Administration-designated National Highway Freight Network. The
Texas Freight Advisory Committee
advises TxDOT on freight issues, projects, and funding needs for freight improvements. By advising TxDOT on these items, the Texas Freight Advisory Committee helps elevate freight transportation as a critical component of the state's economic vitality and competitiveness.
Border State Infrastructure Funding
At the direction of the Texas Legislature, TxDOT provides additional district discretionary funds for improvements designed to facilitate traffic related to motor vehicles, cargo and rail and improve the efficiency of border inspection and security processes at land ports of entry located near the Texas-Mexico border, as well as to fund projects recommended to the Texas Transportation Commission by the
Border Trade Advisory Committee
Related content
Return to introduction
UTP funding and forecasting
TxDOT strategic initiatives
UTP development process
UTP public involvement
UTP document library
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