What is a Regional Mobility Authority?
The first RMA was created in Central Texas in 2002. Since then, eight more have been created with the most recent being the Webb County RMA near Laredo. RMAs function as regionally-focused transportation development and implementation authorities with oversight from the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) and are authorized by Chapter 370 of the Texas Transportation Code.
Six of the nine RMAs are single county entities, while the remaining three-span 2, 4, and 12 counties, respectively. The TTC’s philosophy toward RMAs is to encourage local control for the development and operation of transportation facilities in a region while ensuring safety and accountability. RMAs accomplish this effort through the functions of financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance, primarily, of roadway projects.
What are the Benefits of an RMA?
- Serves as a tool to help solve transportation problems by bringing new funding sources and new approaches for developing projects
- Provides local governments more control in transportation planning
- Helps build transportation projects sooner, which brings traffic congestion relief faster
- Improves mobility and increases safety for motorists
- Generates revenue for necessary transportation projects
- Coordinates with a wide range of state, federal, and private entities
Unlike other authorities, however, RMAs can support work on all types of transportation projects including roadways, aviation, transit, port, and rail, for both tolled and non-tolled facilities. RMAs typically target congestion reduction, but in more rural areas they are likely to target connectivity projects. The nine RMAs in Texas all function differently; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Key Elements of an RMA
Governance
- The RMA is governed by an odd number of board of directors
- The presiding officer is appointed by the governor
- The remaining members are appointed by the county commissioners court or city council
- The terms are limited to two years and members may be reappointed
- The board members cannot be elected officials or government employees
Coordination
- RMAs are expected to coordinate with participating counties, cities, TxDOT, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPS), and other significant public agencies
- RMA strategic projects should be included in an MPOs long-term plans. In most cases, the RMA is represented at the region’s MPO on either the policy board or technical advisory committee
Funding
- RMAs can generate financing through:
- Federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans
- TxDOT-based financial assistance agreements
- State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loans
- Transportation reinvestment zones (TRZs) funding
- Bonds based on local specialty taxes
- Inter-local agreements (bill back to MPOs, counties, and cities for planning and administrative support services)
- Comprehensive development agreement (CDA) as limited by Senate Bill 792
Reporting and Oversight
- RMAs submit yearly financial and project delivery information to local governments, financiers, TxDOT, and TTC
- Financial reports will include balance sheet, statement of revenues and expenses, and a cash flow statement
- Project delivery information will include project costs, annual budget, and strategic plans
More detailed descriptions can be found in the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s publication, “Regional Mobility Authorities in Texas: History and Current Status.”
