Proposed Changes to IH 35E Project in Regional Air Quality Analysis

07-09-2012

Planned transportation improvements must align with air quality requirements, and project timing is one element, among many, incorporated in the 2011 Transportation Conformity, which compares expected ozone-causing pollution from planned projects with air quality requirements.

IH 35E improvements in Denton County are expected to move to construction, and ultimately completion, sooner than initially outlined in 2011 Transportation Conformity.

Therefore, staff is re-evaluating elements of the air quality analysis to ensure the transportation-air quality balance continues to meet air quality regulations.

At a public meeting July 10 in Arlington, staff will summarize proposed changes to the analysis and draft results and seek input from the public. This process will allow IH 35E improvements in Denton County to move closer to construction.

Following the public meeting, a video of the presentation and discussion will be posted at www.nctcog.org/meetings. Comments on the topic may be submitted through Aug. 8, 2012.

The region is making progress in improving air quality, but much more work must be done to reduce ozone levels, protect the health of North Texans and preserve the economic vitality of the region. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wise County would be added to the nine counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant which are classified as nonattainment for eight-hour ozone levels.

Regional Transportation Council policies have helped the Dallas Fort Worth improve air quality by reducing the two ozone-causing pollutants nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 4.38 tons and 3.59 tons per day, respectively.

Information about the public meeting is available at www.nctcog.org/meetings.