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JWC U.S./Mexico Border Transportation Planning |  |
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JWC Meeting MinutesInstituto Mexicano de Transporte For this meeting the delegations were as follows: U.S. Delegation Mexican Delegation Consultants November 16, 2004 November 16, 2004 Welcome and Introductions Approval of minutes from San Antonio March 2004 meeting Binational Transportation Infrastructure Planning Seminar/Safety Conscious Planning Seminar Due to workload and scheduling conflicts, the Binational Transportation Infrastructure Planning Seminar will be folded into the Seminar on Safety Conscious Planning. This conference will focus on safety and planning along the border and is intended to bring together the safety and planning communities. A subcommittee as follows was established to develop an agenda, pilot location and target audience: Pedro Orso-Delgado, Caltrans, Rafael Elorduy and Carlos Lopez, Baja California, Dale Buskirk, ADOT, Miguel Angel Gutierrez and Oscar Ringenbach, SCT, Gus de La Rosa, TxDOT, Carmen Nava, UAT, Antonio Garcia Chavez and Alberto Mendoza Diaz, IMT, Sylvia Grijalva and Lisa Dye, FHWA. Funding for this conference will be provided in part the State of Arizona, via a Border Technology Exchange Program Grant of $20,000 for FY2005 from FHWA's Office of International Programs. New Mexico has also committed to provide funding, and the other two states are considering whether they can provide funding, given restricted annual budgets for this program (OIP provided this information at a later time). Counter-Terrorism Projects Overview Summary The border security projects, including Secure Electronic Network for Travelers' Rapid Inspection, (SENTRI), SimFronteras, Advanced Passenger System (APS) for airplane travel, and installation of VACIS for cargo, vehicle and contraband inspection, among others, are designed to deter terrorists and to ensure safe and secure trade. The Embassy received initial grant funding of $2M of which, approximately 95% has been spent. Currently, they are in the process of funding $15M of continued and additional projects which must be located in Mexico. Mexican SimFronteras (Border Modeling) SCT is the lead agency in developing SimFronteras, simulation modeling and animation to analyze commercial, private vehicle, and pedestrian traffic entering Mexico at land ports of entry (POEs). Data was collected from 6 ports of entry during 2004: Mesa de Otay, Colombia-Laredo, Cd. Juárez (Córdoba- Las Americas), Nuevo Laredo III and Reynosa-Hidalgo and Reynosa-Pharr. A first product of the model at Mesa de Otay was developed and was reviewed by SCT prior to data collection at other ports. The iterative process of model development is ongoing as data collection continues and SCT reviews the results. Both the model itself (drop down menus, software) and documentation for the model is being prepared in the Spanish language. Data collection is expected to continue in early 2005 at the 15 remaining ports: Nogales/Mariposa, Suchiate II/Cd. Hidalgo (Mexico's southern border), Mexicali II/Calexico West, Matamoros/Los Tomates, Mexicali I/Calexico, Zaragoza/Ysleta, Nuevo Laredo I/Laredo I Nuevo, Laredo II/Laredo II, Nuevo Laredo III/Laredo IV, Ciudad Acuña/Del Rio, Jeronimo/Santa Teresa, Camargo/Rio Grande City. When complete, the model SimFronteras will have capacity for future projection as well as for regional analysis. SCT intends to use this tool for planning studies such as the Bottleneck Study, the Coordinated Port Study, ITS, SENTRI/FAST, general regional planning, binational corridor planning, and integration of databases. It will be able to interface with the U.S.' version of BorderWizard and plans are being made to investigate interfacing regional transportation planning models with both versions of the software. To that end, the JWC agreed that SimFronteras would be incorporated, where possible, into the FHWA sponsored Border Wizard Pilot Projects in the San Diego/Tijuana (SANDAG to coordinate with ImPlan) and El Paso/Cd. Juarez (El Paso MPO to coordinate with IMIP) areas. In 2005 a training program will be established through the Embassy. Distribution of and training for the model will be carried out via agreements between SCT and the border universities at states on the northern border, specifically where the Border Technology Program’s Technology Transfer (T2) Centers have been established. The Universidad Autónoma of Tamaulipas has recently entered into this agreement with SCT and will use the T2 center to focus training and have a knowledge base to spread border-wide. SimFronteras will be added to the 2005- 2007 Work Plan SENTRI Lanes Funding has been appropriated for this project ($1M), and a consultant has been selected to work to develop biddable packages for six sites: Tijuana-San Ysidro, Mexicali-Calexico, Nogales, Cd. Juarez, Laredo and Matamoros. Several agencies have been coordinating with SCT, including indAAbin, SEDESOL, and INAMI, and in general construction is anticipated to begin at the six sites in 2005. Both Tijuana and Mexicali are 100% designed, and are expected to open in February and March 2005 respectively. Nuevo Laredo and Brownsville will be 100% designed by December 2004, with potential opening dates of April and July 2005. Operation in Nogales is planned for June 2005 and at Cd. Juarez/El Paso for May 2005, if decisions can be reached about location and toll costs. There have been some delays with information flow from local level upward (affecting schedule) and some difficulties with coordinating the necessary improvements in the U.S. The group requested that DOS develop a process to identify corresponding improvements necessary in the U.S., along with a funding plan and schedule, so that the improvements can be made. FAST Lanes An update was given on the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane at Otay Mesa. The original $1M grant was awarded in 2000. In 2003, due to changing needs and priorities, FHWA and Caltrans reassigned the remainder of the grant ($600,000) to build the FAST infrastructure. In October 2004 the FAST lane was opened. This project is a good example of cooperation between U.S. agencies. Ultimate expansion from 4 existing lanes (3 lanes and 1 FAST lane) to 8 lanes is desired to eliminate commercial traffic congestion and is expected to cost between $5-8M. Carla Tena -- Mexican Aduana An update was given on FAST program border wide, which was a work item in the U.S-Mexico Border Partnership Action Plan (22-points). Program focus is cooperation between the private and public sector to provide faster service for secure shippers. FAST corresponds to the Mexican customs’ program Expres and information is exchanged between both agencies. Dale Buskirk -- ADOT Progress is being made on development of a FAST lane at Nogales III/Mariposa. A binational steering committee has been established and is monitoring the project. ADOT will be designing the lane on U.S. side; the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) will be providing funding on the Mexican side. A presidential permit will be needed for this improvement (adding a lane to the crossing). Once the permit is awarded, construction will begin (but after the peak winter season so as to not overly disrupt commercial traffic). Private Concession Schemes for the POEs A summary of trade trends was presented that identify the need for continuing infrastructure development at the international border. Recognizing the limitations of government funding and the interest in the private sector to ensure a strong economy, Mexico is establishing a new concession scheme with a focus on private investment and public/private investment. Border Technology Exchange Program (BTEP) The border technology transfer program is operating under a revised strategic plan established at the end of 2003. The mission of the program is to enhance the knowledge and skill of transportation personnel in the US and Mexico border region through exchange of technology, information and technical training to promote the safe, efficient, secure and seamless movement of people and goods. The four U.S. states are working with their partner states on a variety of initiatives, as established in their annual work plans, although funding for the program has been significantly reduced for FY 05. Technology Transfer (T2) Centers at the 6 Mexican Border States have been established and they are also working on a variety of training, information dissemination and client building efforts as outlined in their respective strategic plans. These centers are also exploring formal agreements with SCT as mentioned previously. The Baja California/California, Arizona/Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, New Mexico and Texas partners all gave briefings on their involvement with the program. IMT expressed continued interest to work with the T2 centers and SCT. The Border Technology Exchange Program will continue to solicit input from the Instituto Mexicano de Transporte (IMT) on programs of similar focus and on JWC work plan items. Work Plan 2001-2003 and 2003-2005 Identification and Elimination of Bottlenecks Binational Bridges and Border Crossing Group Effort Miguel Angel Gutierrez -- SCT Identification and elimination of bottlenecks was identified in the U.S-Mexico Border Partnership Action Plan (22 points). A subcommittee of the Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group (BBBXG) reviewed existing tools for identification and elimination of bottlenecks and presented a summary at the March JWC meeting. A proposal has subsequently been prepared by SCT for further study of this issue. SCT will distribute the amplified scope of work, once it is translated, for review, comment, and subsequent approval by the JWC. Bottleneck Study: Transportation Infrastructure and Traffic Management Analysis of Cross Border Bottlenecks Caltrans was asked by the JWC to develop a border-wide and multimodal bottleneck methodology that would identify low cost/high result solutions per the U.S-Mexico Border Partnership Action Plan. The team developed a methodology comprised of system definition, data collection, determination of system capacity, identification of bottlenecks and recommendation for improvements. The methodology was then applied to the Otay Mesa/Mesa de Otay port of entry for commercial traffic and to the San Ysidro/Puerta Mexico port of entry for passenger vehicle traffic. The systems were defined, with graphical representation and maps, data was collected based on the system, capacity was determined and bottlenecks were identified. The study identified several "easy-fixes" at the two test POEs, thus meeting the objective of the study. The JWC approved the methodology and accepted the final report for the pilot study on the binational transportation system in the San Diego/Tijuana region. Phase II of this effort would include the application of the methodology at other ports of entry or for other modes, with the ultimate goal of developing a comprehensive list of low-cost/ high-benefit improvements to eliminate bottlenecks border-wide. Phase II of the bottlenecks study will be included in the 2005-2007 Work plan and Caltrans agreed to provide technical assistance to other states conducting a bottleneck study using the developed methodology. Border Infrastructure Needs Assessment (BINS II) At the March JWC meeting, a subcommittee was established to discuss the viability of a BINS II type of study. The subcommittee (consisting of Amadeo Saenz, Dale Buskirk, Jill Hochman, Pedro Orso-Delgado, Sergio Pallares, Oscar Ringenbach, and Rafael Elorduy, Sylvia Grijalva and Lisa Dye, among others) developed a scope of work (SOW) for the BINS II effort. The SOW incorporated recommendations from the BINS I study: improve corridor and project identification, collect data to fill gaps in BINS I, develop an update mechanism for BINS I, redefine transportation corridors considering continuity, enhance corridor evaluation process and re-evaluate accordingly, and enhance compatibility of BINS I data with the Binational Geographic Information System (BGIS). The SOW also intended to build upon BINS I by developing a series of bi-state transportation plans incorporating data gathered from BINS I and enhancements projected for BINS II. The estimated cost for BINS II is $150,000 with a completion date of 12 months after award of contract. The scope of work presented for the Binational Need Assessment Part II was approved by the JWC. The BINS II will fill gaps left by BINS I and add a safety and environmental elements to the BINS I study which was approved in August of 2004. If additional elements (such as Security or Finance) are added to BINS II, the revised scope of work will be circulated for review and approval. The data collected in BINS II will be put in format that can easily be translated into a GIS format. Additionally, the BINS II will be coordinated closely with the BGIS subcommittee. BINS II will be included in the 2005-2007 Work Plan. The possibility of funding coming from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was discussed for this effort. If funding comes from this source the Memoranda of Understanding will need to be carefully crafted. This funding source could be especially effective for the new issues such as environment and security that may be added to this effort. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Border Architecture Proposed Action Plan The U.S-Mexico Border Partnership Action Plan identified electronic exchange of information and technology sharing as keys to the secure flow of goods and people. The FHWA is developing such a Border Information Flow Architecture (BIFA) with Canada; and at the March JWC meeting a subcommittee was established to discuss whether the JWC wanted to get involved in the development of a BIFA/ITS Border Architecture for the US and Mexico. The subcommittee (including Adrian Apodaca, Don Martinez, Sylvia Grijalva, Lisa Dye, Crystal Jones, Juan Jose Erazo, Oscar Ringenbach, Venancio Perez, Oscar Cruz and Mike Noonchester of the PSL at New Mexico State University among others) met several times and came up with a proposed action plan which was presented to the entire group. The action plan seeks to: identify technologies and agencies that use technologies at or near the border, identify priorities of these various agencies, promote interoperability of technologies, reduce technology investment cost , and enhance information exchange, coordination and communication. This effort will provide a framework for ensuring institutional agreement and technical integration for the implementation of ITS projects or other technology solutions at major land border crossings. The Action Plan identifies a four step process: Getting Started- identifying need, stakeholders and champions and defining the region, Data Gathering-identification of systems, determination of needs and services, development of operational concept and definition of functional requirements, Defining Interfaces-identification of interconnects and interfaces, definition of information flow, and Pilot Consideration- development of information flow architecture, evaluation of proposed projects, application of architecture to selected project, and re-evaluation of information flow architecture. The JWC approved of the action plan developed and proposed by the BIFA subcommittee and directed that the subcommittee continue their efforts in order to the implement the plan. Mexico’s Architecture Development Mexico is in the process of developing a nationwide Architecture. Canada’s and the U.S.’ National Architectures were reviewed to help develop the process. Regional stakeholders’ group meetings are being hosted at 5 locations nationwide. The development process will incorporate the following: existing data and laws, technical assistance, economic and financial analysis, environmental benefits, and will develop a system of requirements and capacities, a national architecture, systems and services, an "action plan" for implementation of the architecture, and a final report. Mexico’s principal transportation problems are dependence on public transit, limitations of the roadway network, commercial operation problems (logistics), and technological problems. The Architecture will focus on strong federal participation with input from other levels of government. Once an architecture has been defined, pilot-projects of "early-winners" will be selected to test architecture, with implementation in a one- to two-year time frame. Venancio Perez, SCT will provide additional contacts to Sylvia to ensure that the developers’ of Mexico’s architecture are also participating in the BIFA effort. Innovative Financing Oscar discussed the interest in Mexico in using innovative financing techniques for Mexico’s roadway infrastructure, as traditional sources are stretched due to smaller budgets, maintenance needs and higher demands. New programs include increased interest in public/private partnerships. Three main schemes are being investigated: Toll Roads- SCT provides ROW and design, sets maximum tolls, and awards 30 year concessions. The government pays a portion of project cost and then provides a minimum funding guarantee. Shadow Tolls- Private sector modernizes an existing free road, then the government makes a periodic payment to concessionaire each year based on a fixed 15-30 year contract (with a maximum expenditure of 10-15% of annual roadway budget). Road Fund- Dedicated fund received via fuel tax to provide for infrastructure maintenance. Projects eligible for innovative financing would come from existing project pipelines, with accepted/flexible models based on mutual trust (public/private), financial support, market needs and conditions. New products and services will be suited to local conditions. Mexico is also researching U.S. experience in innovative financing including: the Highway Trust Fund, project-based bonds, state infrastructure banks, TIFIA loans and project specific financing structures. Evaluation of Mexico’s 2003 Concession program The concession scheme has been revised based on meetings with Fred and with the investment advisors from New York. FHWA has a new program (SEP-15) that could be joined with the Mexican concession scheme. Finance Conference FHWA is looking for support for this conference, targeted to federal, state and local government financial decision makers. Depending on the need and interest, the Border Technology Exchange program in the states may consider assisting with funding. FHWA will also need a database of state/local participants that would be interested. First, however, the Finance team will develop a statement on the reason a border finance conference would be useful and how it will benefit stakeholders. Then JWC members will evaluate the agenda and need for this conference, as well as consider the application of case studies, and general size and focus of the conference. The JWC will review and comment on the agenda for the proposed border finance conference by December 6th Border Finance Inventory NuStats is working to compile a complete inventory of non-fully funded border-related projects that could be potential candidates for innovative financing. Data has been gathered from 7 of the 10 states and the first draft of the inventory and a review of eligibility criteria will completed and distributed for review by late November. Project lists will be circulated for innovative finance method check-off (each project has been identified with a "best" innovative finance solution), with final review and inventory deliverable by mid-December. Challenges have included determination of criteria/eligibility, being consistent with "border-related" following the BINS/BGIS definitions, determining accurate timing for time-range horizons (short-, mid- and long-range), and identifying specific potential for innovative financing. Contract for Pilot Finance Plans Program Management Associates has been tasked to develop finance plans for two pilot projects; Webb Co. Rail Project and Nogales FAST lane. The project finance plans will consist of project description, stakeholders, finance plan assumptions, project concerns, funding, funding uses, project life and conclusions. The Webb Co. Rail Project is a 62 mile rail line following Camino Colombia and bypassing the urban centers of Laredo/Nuevo Laredo. It is a joint project between Webb Co. Rail District and FIDENOR. $140.8 Million will need to be obtained commercially to start construction in 2007, with opening for 2010 and retiring the loan by 2021. A net income of $55 Million is projected per year from 2022-2039 (the end of the project life). The project is financially feasible but its success depends on: saturation at existing Laredo rail crossing, TxDOT support, railroad (UP and Tex-Mexican railway) utilization of new line, and Webb Co. Rail District’s ability to get funding. The Nogales FAST lane project adds two lanes to the Mariposa POE (one for FAST exclusively), ADOT is the U.S. Sponsor and will build 600ft of roadway at a cost of $2.4Mi, the concessionaire will build approximately 200 feet of roadway at a cost of $150k, and the BTA is looking for funding for the remainder of the roadway in Mexico at a cost of $1M, to start construction in February 2005, for completion in 2005/early 2006. BTA is exploring funding, and has a high probability to receive it, retiring the debt in 8-15 months. Discussion: these smaller projects with high benefits (like Nogales FAST) are good, and we should demonstrate how they could be replicated in other locations. Binational Geographic Information System (BGIS) The GIS consists of two components, spatial layers (roads, railroad, airports, POE locations, etc.) and a table of modal data identifiers on those layers. The GIS can be used for POE development, port planning, and future land use. The GIS team has completed three tasks: linear referencing of data, adding BINS data, and adding land use data. Five corridors have been linear referenced (similar to straw man corridor presented at the March 2004 JWC meeting). This method of data storage is easily manipulated, easier to integrate with other data sets, and easier for initial set-up. All information is shown on one segment, as opposed to in different layers. Tables that correspond to the segment are easily updated, a key factor in usability of the system. More refined data sets have been created around the POEs (Laredo and Reynosa/Pharr) using quick-bird high-resolution imaging (which shows environmentally sensitive areas and other high detail). The team will create more refined data sets for other POEs. Discussion. The JWC will need to determine which POEs should be next, what data should be available to JWC members, and what data should be available for outside. The recommendation was to start with the 5 corridors identified at the previous meeting (Juarez, Nogales, San Diego, etc). Decisions on access will have to be addressed and to that end, the BGIS technical Committee meeting will be held in the near future to discuss the institutionalization and maintenance of the Border GIS Data Base and the subcommittee will coordinate closely with the BINS II. Miguel Angel Backhoff -- IMT Another key component of the GIS is training, and planning for coursework in Mexico is underway. IMT has reached the first version of a system to distribute the software, is working with INEGI to get information, and gathering data from the Mexican states. Once complete, IMT will distribute the GIS to Border States and T2 centers. Data sets will be available on the internet and won’t be commercially licensed, meaning greater access. One-, three- and five-day training programs have been established: introduction course, orientation to applications of GIS (equipment/program etc.), and planning in the development and administration of a GIS system. Courses can be held in a variety of locations, depending on equipment availability and ease of travel for participants. A schedule will be established for the training portion of the Border Geographic Information System (BGIS) scope of work. Port of Entry Coordination, Pilot The Coordination Pilot builds on previous study identifying shortcomings in coordination at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry and works to implement recommended alternatives. The coordination team (TxDOT/TTI) held a series of workshops in the El Paso area and identified two key issues that could be used to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of selected alternatives: Elimination of Multiple Stops and Expanded Hours of Operation. To eliminate multiple and often duplicative stops, in the short term DPS is developing a system that is compatible with the FAST program; in the long term, the goal is for agencies to share data. To ensure that the ports are used efficiently, FAST lane usage is being encouraged. Once FAST participation reaches 35% (currently at 15%) then 24-hour weekday operation will be considered. Next steps will be to complete and implement work plans on these two key issues. Implementation will be dependent on the availability of further funding, with a completed pilot in 6 months. Similar processes could be used at other crossings to develop pilots and improve coordination. Oscar Ringenbach -- SCT The Mexican team has completed Phase 3 and documented findings and solutions. Responsibility for implementation belongs to the Secretaria de la Función Publica and meetings will be initiated to see if implementation can progress 2005-2007 Work Plan
Border Master Plan Proposal Caltrans has developed a proposal to create a border-wide master plan with a comprehensive and prioritized assessment of the bi-state POE and transportation needs. This master plan would incorporate information gathered in BINS I, BINS II and BGIS, in regional and local plans, and with additional data not currently compiled for this use including population, socio-economic and land use data. Analysis will determine future demand and distribution of traffic to identify POE and transportation needs, which will then be prioritized into short-, medium- and long-term needs. This project could be carried out in an 18-month time frame. Comments: Need to add Department of State, and the Secretaria de Comunicaciones Exteriores as stakeholders. Cindy Burbank - Need to check with FHWA lawyers to avoid conflicts with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which ensures "that advice rendered to the executive branch by the various advisory committees, task forces, boards, and commissions formed over the years by Congress and the president, be both objective and accessible to the public" (from GSA’s FACA web page: http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8203&channelPage=/ep/channel/gsaOverview.jsp&channelId=-13170 which has more information about the applicability of FACA) Dale Buskirk - California /Baja California example not necessarily applicable border wide. The Arizona-Mexico commission already performs a similar function. Discussion - The basic framework may be applicable border wide. A draft work plan for 2005- 2007 including a short description and time frames for the above tasks will be circulated for review, comment and approval by the JWC. Other suggestions Jose San Martin - SCT suggested that the JWC should consider developing a project evaluation methodology that considers benefits of projects, including external benefits, such as socio-economic benefits. The JWC will develop a scope of work for the development of a methodology to measure external impacts such as socioeconomic, security, environmental, etc. (on the Border Transportation System??? Or Corridors?) Dale Buskirk - ADOT suggested that there are unique environmental problems that transportation at the border directly impacts. A study of transportation impacts on the environment in the border region, with a plan to ameliorate negative impacts could be useful, perhaps with the development of a regional binational conservation plan. The focus would be on transportation impacts only (congestion, hazardous materials, etc.) so as planners we could make informed transportation systems. The JWC will develop a scope of work for the development of a regional binational conservation plan designed to quantify the environmental impacts directly associated with transportation improvements. Summary of Commitments and Agreements Sylvia Grijalva and Juan Jose Erazo reviewed the commitments and agreements from March 2004 and stated the commitments and agreements reached at the current meeting. The JWC agreed with the Commitments and Agreements as read. Other Decisions and Discussion The group agreed that the JWC has matured in the last ten years and has developed a set of useful concrete projects. It would be useful to have a conference about different work plan items, and their application/strategies of implementation, to showcase JWC achievements. This should be considered in the work plan (This isn’t in the commitments and agreements from you) Attendance by other agencies has also been very beneficial. All of the documented presentations presented at the JWC meeting will be forwarded upon request. Next Meeting is to be held in Las Cruces, New Mexico in April/May 2005.
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