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III. PROJECT HISTORY A. Regional Mobility PlanninR The following projects are examples of Regional Mobility Planning conducted by Barry M. Goodman Associates, Inc.: 1. Houston Regional Mobility Plan - The first of its kind in the nation, this plan has set a precedent for its unique approach to solving mobility problems in the nation's 4th largest city. Spearheaded by the private sector through the Houston Chamber of Commerce, this RMP forged a consensus of both highway and transit planning (by all relevant agencies) and prioritized needed improvements into a 15 year implementation strategy. Aside from the planning and prioritization of improvements, financing strategies for the needed improvements were identified utilizing existing resources, projections of resources, and possible new funding sources. Barry Goodman, through his firm, served as chairman of the Funding Resources Committee. This committee was responsible for identifying financing sources to implement the improvements identified in the RMP. The estimated cost of the Regional Mobility Plan in 1981 dollars was slightly over $1 billion per year for 15 years. However, the existing funding commitments to transportation improvements from all levels of government were not adequate to implement the RMP. Projections of existing sources would yield an estimated $6.9 billion during the fifteen year period, leaving a gap or short-fall of $9.3 billion. The Funding Resources Committee identified many options available to government units which would, if implemented, completely close the $9.3 billion gap. Among some of the potential new funding sources identified were: - Increase Houston's share of state funding to 30% - Implement a 50% MTA farebox recovery policy - Conversion of the motor fuel tax to a percentage and increase significantly - Increase motor vehicles registration fees Since its introduction to the public in February 1982, the RMP has made substantial progress. Many projects identified in the plan are currently under construction, including: over 30 miles of new transitway and freeway widening; 88 miles of arterial street improvements; 15 new or expanded park-n-ride lots; and 2 bus maintenance facilities.