Public to Receive Transit, Volkswagen Settlement Updates

NCTCOG to provide information on high-speed rail, other projects

Feb. 6, 2019 (Arlington, Texas) — The North Central Texas Council of Governments will host a public meeting in February to provide updates on several transportation initiatives, including regional transit planning, Volkswagen Settlement funding and revised complaint procedures for the Title VI Program.

The meeting will take place at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 at NCTCOG’s Arlington offices, 616 Six Flags Drive.

With transit needs increasing throughout the region, NCTCOG is focused on several projects and will provide an update on high-speed rail service from Dallas to Fort Worth and Fort Worth to Laredo, as well as the advancement of first and last-mile connections to rail systems.

Additionally, staff will present an update on the highly anticipated Beneficiary Mitigation Plan for Texas under the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and summarize 2019 air quality funding opportunities. NCTCOG is participating in efforts to maximize the benefits of funding received in Texas, specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

In 2016, courts determined Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act by deliberately selling diesel vehicles equipped with technologies that tricked emissions testing. These vehicles violated federal emissions requirements, polluting up to 40 times as much as regulations allowed. A $14.7 billion settlement resulted, with approximately $209 million set aside for Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth area will receive more than $33 million.

The meeting will also include a review of revised complaint procedures under the Title VI Program, which documents how NCTCOG considers civil rights in all phases of planning. Members of the public can provide feedback on these updated procedures during the 45-day comment period, which runs February 11 through March 28.

Information on electric vehicle incentives, AirCheckTexas, the 511DFW Traveler Information System and Mobility Plan administrative revisions will be highlighted during the public meeting.

To watch the meeting online, click the “live” tab at www.nctcog.org/video. A recording of the presentations will also be posted at www.nctcog.org/input.

Submitted press release for publication in Blue Ribbon News.

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