NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Rural Advisory Council Christin Brandon, Planner, Lorain County Community Development Steven Corso, Chapter President, Lake Effect Chapter, Ohio Economical Food and Farm Association Leslie Gambosi, Village Administrator, Village of Middlefield Brian Guccion, Township Trustee, Sharon Township Thomas Hach, Board Member, Riverside School District Denise Testa, Director, Medina County Planning Services and Fair Housing Office Jeanine Kress, Trustee, Olmsted Township Dennis Miller, Road/Service Foreman, Medina Township Gary Neola, Jr., Member, Planning Commission John Oros, Executive Director, Geauga Park District Michele Piko, Statewide Coordinator, Motorcycle Ohio David A. Short, District Planner Engineer, ODOT District 12 Tim Snyder, Member, Board of Zoning Appeals Carl Wesemeyer, Trustee, Grafton Township Kyle White, Community Educator, OSU Extension

FROM: John Oros, Chair DATE: September 17, 2021 RE: Rural Advisory Council

Friday, September 24, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

I look forward to seeing you on Friday, September 24th at 1:00 p.m. at the NOACA offices.

NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY Friday, September 24, 2021, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

RURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Page

1. Minutes of June 25, 2021 Meeting 1-1

2. Public Comments on Current Agenda Items Oral

3. Chair’s/Executive Director’s Report Oral

4. Action Items (none)

5. Presentation/Discussion Itemsa. Project Planning Reviews (PPRs)/Intergovernmental Review and

Consultation (IGRC) - 2nd Quarter 5-1b. Legislative Updates 5-15c. NOACA Workforce Accessibility and Mobility Interactive Tool 5-21

6. Reports/Updates

7. Old Business

8. New Business

9. Adjourn

Next Regular Meeting: Friday, December 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. NOACA Offices, 1299 Superior Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio

Agenda Item No. 1

MINUTES

9159c

NOACA Rural Advisory Council Meeting June 25, 2021

Zoom Video Conferencing

Present: Please see the attendance record. The Rural Advisory Council (RAC) did not have a quorum for this meeting. Mr. John Oros, Chair of the Rural Advisory Council, convened the meeting at 1:02 p.m. Meeting Minutes RAC will vote on the March 26, 2021 minutes at its next meeting. Public Comments No public comments were made at this meeting. Executive Director’s Report Director Grace Gallucci reported on the following:

• Long Range Plan

o NOACA’s Long Range Plan (LRP) was adopted by the Board on June 11, 2021.

Director Gallucci said she was very proud of the LRP. She mentioned that NOACA received over 100 responses during the public comment period.

o NOACA’s eNEO2050 plan was featured on Crain’s Cleveland Podcast, The Land Scape.

o NOACA’s eNEO2050 plan was featured on the Jimmy Malone radio broadcast, WMJI 105.7, on June 10.

o Director Gallucci played a video of NOACA staff stating what the eNEO2050 plan means to them.

• Communications & Outreach

o Around Town

WTS State of Funding was held on April 15, 2021.

The Greater Cleveland Trails and Greenways Conference was held on

June 7-11, 2021.

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The Redline Greenway ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 12, 2021. NOACA provided $2.1 million in CMAQ funding to this project.

o NOACA in the News Local experts discussed President Biden’s $2 trillion Infrastructure Plan

with Rick Jackson on the Sound of Ideas. A recording of that interview can be heard at ideastream.org/programs/sound-of-ideas.

The Towpath Trail Phase 4 ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 9, 2021. NOACA invested nearly $30 million of the $54 million needed for this project.

NOACA released its annual Air Quality Trends Report. This report includes health impacts resulting from poor air quality.

The City of Cleveland is requesting funding for a land bridge design to connect downtown to the lakefront.

The City of Cleveland is committed to solar panels and electric vehicle stations for clean energy conversion. Cleveland is working with NOACA to create more charging locations for electric vehicles.

The City of Lakewood has begun construction on its pedestrian safety and improvements project on Detroit Avenue.

The City of Willoughby is focused on making the riverfront accessible, connecting residents to its downtown area. NOACA provided $1.8 million to the bike/pedestrian trail.

Officials in the City of Elyria held public meetings in April to get feedback for biking and walking projects. Officials are seeking funding from NOACA, ODOT and the City of Elyria.

The City of Avon Lake is considering a roundabout for Lake and Miller roads.

Brunswick City Council is moving ahead with asphalt repairs on Pearl Road. NOACA provided $2.1 million to this project.

The City of Wadsworth is planning to resurface Seville Road and upgrade its downtown parking areas. NOACA provided a total of $288,000 to the City of Wadsworth and Wadsworth Township.

o NOACA and TLCI in the News Laketran opened a new transit center at Lakeland Community College for

its electric buses.

Lake County communities are exploring Vine Street corridor improvements.

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The City of Parma Heights has new signs.

The City of Rocky River received grants for trees and Lake Road ramp

improvements.

o NOACA and EV Charging Stations in the News The cities of North Royalton and Strongsville will receive grants for electric

vehicle charging stations.

A statewide electric vehicle tour will start off in the City of Shaker Heights.

A major Amtrak expansion is planned for the City of Cleveland and other areas in Ohio. The expansion is included in President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan. Cleveland will be a hub and will provide access to several metropolitan areas.

• Legislative & Funding Issues

o The Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) is currently evaluating project

applications. The final list vote will take place on August 25. Five projects from the NOACA region were submitted to TRAC, but only two of them are being supported by TRAC staff: Brecksville I-77-Miller Road Interchange / SUM-77-32.30 and the City of Beachwood I-271 / US 422 Corridor Improvements. Director Gallucci stated that staff will send RAC members a letter of support template that they can use to support the two above-referenced projects and/or advocate for the three other projects.

o The NOACA region has been able to secure funding for the following projects: Cleveland Hopkins Airport Master Plan - $2 million Lorain County Lakefront Connectivity project - $4 million River Styx/SR 162 project in Montville Township, Medina County - $3.2

million Director Gallucci stated that the projects have been accepted by Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Rep. Bob Gibbs. The requests were transmitted and accepted by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The projects will be attached to the Transportation Reauthorization bill.

o Senator Sherrod Brown has accepted the following earmark requests for the FY 2022 Senate Appropriations bills: NOACA has requested $5 million for the Irishtown Bend project NEOSCC has requested a total of $4 million for brownfield planning and

cleanup

• Overall Work Program (OWP)

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o NOACA submitted additional documents with its CEDS grant letter of further consideration to EDA on June 4, 2021. NOACA is looking for stakeholders and will hold a kickoff meeting on July 16, 2021. Director Gallucci explained why NOACA is looking to develop a CEDS plan and the steps it will take to get one.

o NOACA was featured in the new Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail Scenic Byway promotional video. The Lake Erie Coastal Trail Mobile App has been updated.

o Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310)

Program project applications are currently being accepted. A total of $1.7 million is available. The due date to submit applications to NOACA is August 6, 2021 by noon. NOACA will be hosting a webinar on July 15, 2021.

Mr. Oros thanked Director Gallucci for her presentation. He said it was nice to hear that NOACA staff’s goals apply to the overarching goals of eNEO2050. Action Items No action items were presented at this meeting. Presentation/Discussion Items eNEO2050: LRP/LRTP Summary Director Gallucci stated that the eNEO2050 plan has been completed and was adopted by the NOACA Board on June 11, 2021. She mentioned that the plan includes projects, programs, policies as well as plans for the highway system and roadways for all users: automobile, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit riders. The plan also includes future infrastructure and technologies. Ms. Danielle Render discussed the following:

• Seven different categories of engagement activities • Measurements 2020 • Timeline of engagement activities:

o Discovery (January-May 2020) o Alternatives (May-December 2020) o Preliminary Plan (January-April 2021) o Final Plan (May-June 2021) o Continued community engagement through video, social media, and podcast

• Public Comment Period (May 3, 2021-June 2, 2021)

Dr. Joe MacDonald stated that the eNEO2050 plan is two documents. NOACA has a research-rich and detailed resource document that is just under 600 pages that covers 11 chapters. The document includes all sorts of information on transportation, NOACA’s previous planning efforts, economic development, housing, land use, environment, climate resilience as well as scenarios, projected financial picture and projects within NOACA’s financial plan. He noted that the vision document is heavily informed by public comments received over the last 14 months, which was synthesized into a graphically-rich, user-friendly, and the visually interesting vision document. The two documents are meant to be used together. Dr. MacDonald discussed the following:

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• Process • eNEO2050 Vision Document Overview (Chapters 1-7)

o Energizing the Imagination o Engaging the Community o Embodying Comprehensive Planning o Existing Transportation System o Evaluating Scenarios for our Regional Future o Ensuring Implementation o Exciting Investments

• Access & Mobility o Equal Opportunity o Job Hubs o Jobs-Housing Disconnect o Auto vs. Transit Access: Downtown o Auto vs. Transit Access: Independence

• eNEO2050 Plan o Focus on access, mobility, safety, emissions, asset management, technology

adaptation • eNEO2050 Projects • Vision Document: https://www.eneo2050.com/vision-plan

Dr. MacDonald encouraged council members to review the plan and forward any questions they may have to staff. He welcomed questions on the presentation. Mr. Oros asked what criteria were used to define the job hubs. He noted that Middlefield, Ohio has a minor job hub, while Chardon, Ohio has a legacy job hub. Mr. Oros asked Dr. MacDonald to provide an overarching synopsis of the differences in criteria. Dr. MacDonald deferred the question to Dr. Ali Makarachi, who’s team developed the definitions and locations of the job hubs. Dr. MacDonald noted that the market created the job hubs, not NOACA. He said NOACA staff wanted to provide the data that reflect the concentration of job hubs. Dr. Makarachi stated that the definitions are based on the research done 2015-2019. Director Gallucci stated that the six regional job hubs were selected based on density as well as commute patterns in terms of people from all five counties, going into those job locations. Staff looked at minor and legacy job hubs, which are significant within each county. She noted that staff also looked at the same kinds of criteria for minor and legacy job hubs at the county level. Staff gave significance to the county seat, such as Chardon. She noted that some legacy job hubs may no longer be the strongest, such as the one in the City of Painesville, in terms of Lake County, and the City of Lorain, in terms of Lorain County, but still have recognition to ensure that attention is being paid to them in how they can be revitalized. Legislative Updates Ms. Beverly Burtzlaff reviewed NOACA’s Legislative Agenda and priorities. She presented updates on NOACA’s legislative activities at the federal and state level:

• Federal Update:

o NOACA’s federal-level advocacy is based on the Board-approved 2021

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Legislative Agenda o Legislative Priorities o Policy proposals advocated by NOACA (details included in the PowerPoint slides

for this meeting) o Update on transportation and infrastructure proposals that are moving forward on

two tracks: 1. Congress and Administration 2. House and Senate

o President Biden’s American Jobs Plan that originally included $2.3 trillion over 10 years

o Bipartisan infrastructure proposal o House Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill o House INVEST bill includes 17 earmarks totaling over $48 million

Three projects from the NOACA region: • Cleveland Hopkins Airport Master Plan • Lorain County Lakefront Connectivity project • River Styx/SR 162 intersection roundabout project

Complete list of projects in the NOACA region o Senate Reauthorization Proposal (4 Titles & 4 Committees):

Environment & Public Works Committee Commerce Committee Banking Committee Finance Committee

o House and Senate earmark requests for FY 2022 Appropriations bills NOACA’s request of $5 million for the Irishtown Bend project NEOSCC’s requests of $2 million for brownfield planning initiative and $2

million for brownfield cleanup revolving fund o Other Federal Applications:

U.S Dept. of Commerce/EDA U.S. DOT/Regional Infrastructure Accelerator U.S. DOT/RAISE Grant

NOACA is planning to submit a grant application to U.S. DOT’s RAISE program and is looking for letters of support to submit with its application in July. Council members will receive a letter of support template in case they want to provide their support.

• State Update:

o NOACA’s state-level advocacy is based on the Board-approved 2021 Legislative

Agenda o Legislative Priorities o 2022-2023 Ohio Biennial Transportation Budget was signed into law on

March 31, 2021 o NOACA’s advocacy efforts include the following:

Increased transit funding Equitable distribution of state gas tax dollars Allow MPOs to help address the digital divide Governor DeWine’s distracted driving proposal Amtrak’s expansion proposal

o Other recent NOACA initiatives at the Statehouse:

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Turnpike Broadband Brownfields

Project Planning Reviews (PPRs)/Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC) - 1st Quarter SFY 2022 Mr. Brian Blayney provided background on PPR and reviewed the following projects:

• Rehabilitation along Superior Road in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights

o Superior Road from Lee Road to the Cleveland Heights WCL - The project sponsor is the City of Cleveland Heights. The total cost of this roadway rehabilitation project is $642,893. This project is included in the TIP.

o Superior Road from Euclid Avenue to Mayfield Road, in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights - The project sponsor is Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works (CCDPW). The total cost of this roadway rehabilitation project is $3.3 million. This project is not included in the TIP.

• The City of Cleveland Heights and the CCDPW have agreed to combine their respective

projects into a single project to be administered by the CCDPW. The change in length, from 0.85 mile to 1.70 miles, and the associated change in cost, from $642,893 to $3,300,000, require that the project be processed through PPR. The combined project is as follows:

o Superior Road, from Euclid Avenue to Lee Road, in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. CCDPW is the sponsor of this roadway rehabilitation project that includes pavement resurfacing with spot curb replacement, base repairs, ADA accessible curb ramps, drainage structure and manhole adjustments. The project will utilize NOACA’s STBG funds and Cuyahoga County funds.

Mr. Blayney reviewed staff’s comments for the above-referenced project and reviewed the following transit vehicle replacement projects:

• CUY GCRTA 2020 DERG BUSES: PID No. 112317 - The project sponsor is GCRTA. The project will replace six (6) model year 2005 diesel powered transit buses with six (6) new CNG powered transit buses. The total cost of this project is $3.2 million. CMAQ and GCRTA funds will be used for this project.

• LAK LAKETRAN 2020 DERG BUS: PID No. 114555 - The project sponsor is Laketran. The project will replace nine (9) model year 2015 diesel powered transit buses with nine (9) new propane powered transit buses. The total cost of this project is $1.2 million. CMAQ and Laketran funds will be used for this project.

• LOR LCT 2020 BUS: PID No. 113356 - The project sponsor is Lorain County Transit. The

project will replace four (4) 25’ buses. Total cost of this project is $300,000. Section 5339 funds and Transit Development Credit (TDC) will be used for this project.

Mr. Blayney stated that NOACA staff will continue to work with the sponsors on their projects.

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Crowdfunding Financing: Irishtown Bend Project Director Gallucci stated that NOACA staff has been working on getting funding for the Irishtown Bend project. Mr. Randy Lane informed council members that they will be asked to provide input into an investment opportunity. Mr. Lane discussed the following:

• Background on Irishtown Bend • Repairs needed to the bulkheads • Purpose of the project • $9.02 million awarded to the Irishtown Bend project in 2019 • Meaning of crowdsourcing/crowdfunding (CF) • Advantage Infrastructure Advisors (assisted with the development and execution of the

CF strategy) • Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, the sponsor of this project • Several regional partners who are assisting with this project • Steps to raise capital using CF • Plans to do the following:

o Develop a pool of potential investors o Create a master narrative o Develop and execute a campaign to target investor sectors matched to projects

benefits Mr. Lane stated that there is no financial impact to NOACA or to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. The fees associated with the performance of the strategy will be structured into the investment opportunity. Mr. Lane stated that in July 2021, staff will develop narrative content and seek input from this council to best communicate and influence potential investors. In the fall-winter 2021, staff will request that this council engage its external networks to create awareness and drive the investment opportunity. Reports/Updates No reports/updates were presented at this meeting. Old Business No old business was discussed at this meeting. New Business No new business was discussed at this meeting. Adjournment A motion was made by Ms. Christin Brandon to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tim Snyder. The motion passed by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m. The next RAC meeting will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

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2021 Rural Advisory Council Attendance Record

MEETING DATES

3/26/21

6/25/21

9/24/21

12/3/21

Christin Brandon, Lorain County Community Develop.

X

X

Steven Corso, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association

Leslie Gambosi-McCoy, Village of Middlefield

X

Brian Guccion, Sharon Township

Thomas Hach, Riverside School District

X

Jeanene Kress, Olmsted Township (Lisa J. Zver, alternate)

X

X

Dennis Miller, Medina Township

Gary Neola, Jr., Geauga Planning Commission

X

John Oros, Geauga Park District

X

X

Michele Piko, Motorcycle Ohio

David Short, ODOT District 12 Matt Walter, Alternate on 3/26/21 Leslie Farley, Alternate on 6/25/21

X

A

Tim Snyder, Geauga Board of Zoning Appeals

X

X

Denise Testa, Medina County Planning Services and Fair Housing Office

X

X

Carl Wesemeyer, Grafton Township

X

Kyle White, OSU Extension

TOTAL MEMBERS ATTEND:

9

7

X=Member present A=Alternate

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Agenda Item No. 2

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Agenda Item No. 3

CHAIR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Agenda Item No. 4

ACTION ITEMS

Agenda Item No. 5

PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY

MEMORANDUM

TO: NOACA Rural Advisory Council

FROM: Grace Gallucci, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

DATE: September 17, 2021

RE: Project Planning Reviews (PPRs)/ Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): 2nd Quarter State Fiscal Year 2022

ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is included for information and presentation.

BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION Attached are PPR summary documents for the proposed projects to be presented to the NOACA Transportation Subcommittee, Planning and Programming Committee and Executive Committee for review and recommendation.

NOACA’s Board approved Regional Transportation Investment Policy requires that all proposed federal-aid transportation projects be processed through PPR in order to meet NOACA’s adopted goals and federal requirements.

PPR consists of four levels of review: NOACA staff; Board, including committees, subcommittees, and Councils; intergovernmental review and consultation (IGRC); and public involvement. The end product of PPR is a Board resolution that certifies that the project has had thorough review, allowing the project to proceed to the programming stages of the planning process.

As part of the PPR process, a detailed summary of the proposed improvement and staff and committee assessment of the project are posted on NOACA’s website, www.NOACA.org. A link to the PPRs is included on the home page by clicking the ‘Comment on Projects’ button. Staff adds comments obtained from the public, governmental organizations and NOACA committees as they are received. Proposed projects are posted on the website for three months, allowing adequate time for review and comment.

FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact.

CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS Pending Board approval, the project sponsor will be notified that their project has completed PPR. NOACA staff will work with the project sponsor to address any planning issues identified during PPR.

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GG/em/9160c Attachments: Project Summaries

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Realignment of Park Avenue at the Wilson Mills Road Intersection in Chardon Project Name: GEA PARK AVE Sponsor: City of Chardon Estimated Total Cost: $2,093,200 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: FY 2010 Appropriation Earmark (OH 405) History/Background: The City of Chardon received a fiscal year (FY) 2010 appropriations earmark (OH 405). Proposed Project: The proposed project involves realignment of Park Avenue at the Wilson Mills Road intersection in the City of Chardon (location map). The proposed improvements include:

• Widening to three (3) lanes and realignment of Park Avenue from Wilson Mills Road to approximately 260 feet east of Wilson Mills Road;

• Installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Park Avenue and Wilson Mills Road; • Minor re-profiling of Wilson Mills Road, from approximately 500 feet south of Park Avenue

to 500 feet north of Park Avenue to reduce intersection sight distance issues; and • Widening Wilson Mills Road to three (3) lanes at the Park Avenue intersection

The project’s estimated construction cost, provided by the sponsor, is $2,093,200, using the $135,977 FY 2010 appropriation earmark funds and $1,957,223 in local funds. Staff Comment (Summary):

• This project is located in the Beaver Creek-Chagrin River watershed. According to Ohio EPA's 2020 Integrated Report (IR), this watershed is in nonattainment of its Aquatic Useful Life. The causes of nonattainment include: Temperature, Flow Regime Modification, Habitat Alterations, Nutrient/Eutrophication biological indicators, ammonia and organic enrichment. According to the 2020 IR, the sources contributing to nonattainment are unknown. Additionally, this watershed is an upstream tributary to the Chagrin River, which is a high quality water body. Any increases in impervious surfaces or stormwater runoff should be managed onsite. Additionally, the use of nutrients should be prohibited/severely limited.

Committee Review: Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): Public Involvement:

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Civil & Consulting EngineersLand Surveyors700 Beta Drive, Suite 200Cleveland, Ohio 44143-2384[phone] 440.449.4005 [fax] 440.449.0883www.cwcourtney.com

GEA-PARK AVE.PID 88178

FUTUREMEADOWLANDSDR. CONNECTION

GEA-PARK AVE.PID 88178

FUTUREMEADOWLANDSDR. CONNECTION

GEA-PARK AVE. PID 88178LOCATION MAP

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Title: GCRTA FFY 2022 Grant Program and Revisions to the FFY 2021 Grant Program Sponsor: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Estimated Total Cost: $53,729,532 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) History/Background: GCRTA‘s capital program is included in the NOACA SFY 2021 - 2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The majority of the program is as originally proposed in the TIP. GCRTA has been utilizing preventive maintenance funding to bolster its operating budget. However, as a result of federal stimulus funding that GCRTA received, GCRTA’s need to use preventive maintenance funding to support operations has been reduced. GCRTA is redistributing some of its preventive maintenance funding to projects currently programmed in the TIP and seven projects being advanced from GCRTA’s 10‐year strategic plan to its FY 2021 - 2024 capital program and the TIP. GCRTA is also revising its’ FFY 2021 Capital Formula and State of Good Repair grant programs. Proposed Project: GCRTA is applying for various sources of funds including Section 5307 Capital Formula, Section 5337 State of Good Repair Formula and Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Formula for FFY 2022, as described below:

• The Section 5307 Capital Formula projects include Bus Replacement Program Vehicles and Spare Parts, Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program, Rail State of Good Repair Projects, Preventive Maintenance - Bus, Enhanced ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Access - Rail, NOACA Unserved Area Projects, Pavement Improvement Program, Roof Replacement Program, Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark Road, Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Program, Rail Car Replacement Program - Vehicles, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System Improvement Program, Hayden Bus Lift Replacements, Hayden Bus Wash Replacements, Waterfront Line Track Bridge Rehabilitation, (new) East 79th Street Light Rail Station ADA Reconstruction, (new) Light Rail Guard and Retaining Wall Rehabilitation, (new) Fare Collection Equipment Replacement, (new) Rail Work Equipment Replacement.

• Section 5337 Rail Formula projects include Light Rail Track Rehabilitation, Rail Spare

Parts, Rail State of Good Repair Projects, Preventive Maintenance Rail, Rail Infrastructure Program, On-Call Rail Engineering Services, Rail Car Replacement Program - Infrastructure, Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark Road, Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Program, Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Ambler Street and Signal System Upgrade Program.

• Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Formula projects include Bus Replacement Program

Vehicles and Spare Parts.

GCRTA is revising two existing grants to redistribute preventive maintenance (PM) funding to support currently programmed projects and seven (7) projects advanced from GCRTA’s 10-year strategic plan to its capital program as described below:

• 2021 Section 5307 Capital Formula Grant – The grant is being revised to account for the redistribution of funding from Preventive Maintenance - Bus to Roof Replacement Program Construction, Rail Car Replacement Program, (new) Metrohealth Line BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Design and Project Administration, (new) Origin and Destination Survey and Project Administration and Fare Collection Equipment - (Vehicles and Stations).

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• 2021 Section 5337 State of Good Repair Formula Grant - The grant is being revised to account for the redistribution from funding for Preventive Maintenance - Rail to Rail Car Replacement Program Vehicles, Platform Design and Rail Shop Design and Waterfront Line Bridge Rehabilitation Construction.

Descriptions of the projects programmed in the TIP in FY 2022 (project descriptions), seven new projects (7 new project descriptions) and the list of projects and their associated costs by ALI (activity line item) are available in pdf.

Staff Comment (Summary): Committee Review: Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): Public Involvement:

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GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY FFY 2022 GRANT PROGRAM

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

1

Section 5307 Capital Formula (1237-2022-XXXX)

Bus Replacement Program - Vehicles - This project is part of a three-year program to replace a total of 105 vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the vehicle purchases.

Bus Replacement Program – Spare Parts - This project is part of a three-year program to replace a total of 105 vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 for spare parts purchases.

Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program – This program is a multi-year program to reconstruct the Light Rail Tracks. The track bed, rail, ties, and drainage are in need of rehabilitation. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the construction, third party construction management and force account costs.

Rail State of Good Repair Projects - This program funds the acquisition of equipment and materials and construction required to upgrade the rail line infrastructure on RTA’s 34 miles of rail track. It will assist RTA in providing safer, faster rail service along the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support this program.

Preventative Maintenance Bus – Preventive maintenance activities for 2022 will include the purchase of inventory materials and supplies, equipment, as well as capitalized maintenance expenses (including mechanic labor) for bus operations.

Enhanced ADA Access - Rail - This program will utilize enhancement funds to fund the enhancement eligible items included in our various ADA Station Reconstruction and Rehabilitation projects. It represents a majority of GCRTA’s annual enhancement projects. For 2022 it is focused improving rail station areas and includes purchase and installation of shelters and other amenities at our rail stations.

NOACA Unserved Area Projects – This program is for a small portion of the Urbanized Areas funds to be distributed by NOACA to the transit agencies within the region for projects that are competitively selected. The funds are carried in the TIP under GCRTA and non-GCRTA projects are then funded through sub-recipient agreements.

Pavement Improvement Program – This program is a multi-year program to reconstruct/rehabilitate pavement at a number of facilities to maintain a State of Good Repair at these facilities. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the construction, third party construction management and force account costs.

Roof Replacement Program – This program is a multi-year program to replace/rehabilitate roofs at a number of facilities that have exceeded their useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the construction, third party construction management, and force account costs.

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GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY FFY 2022 GRANT PROGRAM

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

2

Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark – This project is to rehabilitate the Red Line track bridge over Brookpark Road. The bridge superstructure and deck are in need of rehabilitation. Funds are programmed in 2022 in support of the construction costs. Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Program – This program is the third year of a multi-year program to repair, replace, and upgrade catenary structures and overhead lines and appurtenances in order to achieve a state of good repair. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the construction, third party construction management and force account costs. Rail Car Replacement Program - Vehicles - This project is part of a ten-year program to replace a total of 74 rail vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life. The first phase of the program will be the heavy rail vehicles (HRV). Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the vehicle purchases and force account costs. HVAC System Improvement Program – This program is a multi-year program to reconstruct/rehabilitate our HVAC systems at a number of facilities to upgrade monitoring, controls and equipment that have exceeded their useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the purchase of replacement equipment and controls, and force account costs. Hayden Bus Lift Replacements – This project is to replace 60 ft bus lift equipment that has exceeded it useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 to purchase and install the new equipment. Hayden Bus Wash Replacement – This project is to replace the bus wash equipment that has exceeded it useful life and replace it with a more energy and water efficient bus wash system. Funds are programmed in 2022 to purchase and install the new equipment.

Waterfront Line Track Bridge Rehabilitation – This project is to rehabilitate the Waterfront Line track bridge over Front Street and the Norfolk Southern tracks in the east bank of the Flats. The first and last spans of the segmental concrete bridge are in need of rehabilitation. Funds are programmed in 2022 in support of the construction costs. East 79th Street Light Rail Station ADA Reconstruction – This program is a multi-year program to reconstruct the East 79th Street Light Rail station. It will include new platforms, shelters, stairway and ADA compliant ramps. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the design and project administration costs. Light Rail Guard and Retaining Wall Rehabilitation – This program is a two year program to rehabilitate the remaining section of guard and retaining walls along the Blue Line in the median of Van Aken between Ashby and Avalon. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the design and project administration costs. Fare Collection System Replacement – This project is to replace fare collection technology and on-board and off-board fare collection equipment that has exceeded it useful. Funds are programmed in 2022 to purchase and install the new equipment.

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GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY FFY 2022 GRANT PROGRAM

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

3

Rail Work Equipment Replacement – This project is to replace various rail work equipment that has exceeded its useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the acquisition new rail work equipment.

Section 5337 State of Good Repair Formula (1237-2022-XXXX)

Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program – This program is a multi-year program to reconstruct the Light Rail Tracks. The track bed, rail, ties, and drainage are in need of rehabilitation. Funds are programmed in 2022 for the design and construction costs. Rail Spare Parts - This project is to replace major rail car and equipment components that require replacement during the 30 year life of a rail car such as pantographs, trucks, systems and rail maintenance equipment. Funds are programmed in 2022 for spare parts purchases. Rail State of Good Repair Projects - This program funds the acquisition of equipment and materials and construction required to upgrade the rail line infrastructure on RTA’s 34 miles of rail track. It will assist RTA in providing safer, faster rail service along the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support this program. Preventative Maintenance Rail – Preventive maintenance activities will include the purchase of inventory materials and supplies, equipment, as well as capitalized maintenance expenses and maintenance of the rail track right-of-way. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support this program.

Rail Infrastructure Program - This project funds the acquisition of equipment and materials and construction required to upgrade the rail line infrastructure on RTA’s 34 miles of rail track. It will assist RTA in providing safer, faster rail service along the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support this program.

On-Call Rail Engineering Services - This project funds design services to support the GCRTA engineering department. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support this program. Rail Car Replacement Program - Infrastructure – This project funds the rehabilitation of the Red Line platforms, and Central Rail and Brookpark rail facilities to accommodate the new rail cars. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the construction and equipment acquisition costs. Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark – This project is to rehabilitate the Red Line track bridge over Brookpark Road. The bridge superstructure and deck are in need of rehabilitation. Funds are programmed in 2022 in support of the construction, third party construction management and force account costs. Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Program – This program is the third year of a multi-year program to repair, replace, and upgrade catenary structures and overhead lines and appurtenances in order to achieve a state of good repair. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the construction costs.

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GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY FFY 2022 GRANT PROGRAM

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

4

Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Ambler – This project is to rehabilitate the Light Rail track bridge over Ambler. The bridge superstructure and deck are in need of rehabilitation. Funds are programmed in 2022 in support of the design and project administration costs. Signal System Upgrade Program – This program is a multi-year program to repair, replace, and upgrade signal equipment, hardware, software, controls, bonds and appurtenances in order to achieve a state of good repair. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the construction and force account costs.

Section 5339 Bus Facility Grant (1237-2022-XXXX)

Bus Replacement Program - This project is part of a three-year program to replace a total of 105 vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 to support the vehicle purchases.

Bus Replacement Program – Spare Parts - This project is part of a three-year program to replace a total of 105 vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life. Funds are programmed in 2022 grant for spare parts purchases.

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GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY SFY 2021-24 TIP AMENDMENT

ADDITION OF SEVEN NEW PROJECTS PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

1

Seven New Project Descriptions

PID No. 115318 GCRTA Metrohealth Line BRT - This project is a multi-year program to convert the existing Route 51 Metrohealth Line into a Bus Rapid Transit Corridor from Detroit Avenue to Broadview Road. Funds are programmed in SFY 2022 and 2024 to support the design and project administration cost, and initial construction, third party construction management and force account costs.

PID No. 115319 GCRTA East 79th Street Light Rail Station ADA Reconstruction – This program is a multi-year program to reconstruct the East 79th Street Light Rail station. It will include new platforms, shelters, stairway and ADA compliant ramps. Funds are programmed in SFY 2022, 2023 and 2024 for the design and project administration costs, and construction, third party construction management and force account costs.

PID No. 115320 GCRTA Light Rail Guard and Retaining Wall Rehabilitation Phase 3 – This program is a two year program to rehabilitate the remaining section of guard and retaining walls along the Blue Line in the median of Van Aken between Ashby and Avalon. Funds are programmed in SFY 2022 and 2023, to support the design and project administration costs, and construction, third party construction management and force account costs.

PID No. 115321 GCRTA Triskett Garage Bus Wash Replacement – This project is to replace the bus wash equipment that has exceeded it useful life and replace it with a more energy and water efficient bus wash system. Funds are programmed in SFY 2023 to purchase and install the new equipment.

PID No. 115325 GCRTA On-Board Origin and Destination Surveys – This project is to perform and extensive origin and destination survey of our riders that will be correlated to the results of the 2020 census to improve our route and service planning. Funds are programmed in SFY 2022 for the survey and project administration costs.

PID No. 115326 GCRTA Fare Collection System Replacement – This project is to replace fare collection technology and on-board and off-board fare collection equipment that has exceeded it useful. Funds are programmed in SFY 2022 to purchase and install the new equipment.

PID No. 115327 GCRTA Rail Work Equipment Replacement – This project is to replace various rail work equipment that has exceeded its useful life. Funds are programmed in SFY 2022 and 2024 to purchase the new rail work equipment.

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FFY 2022 Grant Funding for Projects - 052821

FFY 2022 GRANT PROGRAM AND REVISIONS TO THE FFY 2021 GRANT PROGRAM

ALI # PROJECT & TASK DESCRIPTION PID # BUDGET FEDERAL LOCAL

11.12.01 Bus Replacement Program Vehicles 104528 $2,000,000 $1,600,000 $400,00011.12.40 Bus Replacement Program Spare Parts 104528 $193,750 $155,000 $38,75012.24.03 Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program Construction 104553 $600,000 $480,000 $120,00012.71.04 Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program 3rd Party Const Mgmt 104553 $150,000 $120,000 $30,00012.72.08 Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program Force Account 104553 $750,000 $600,000 $150,00012.7A.00 Rail State of Good Repair Projects 104559 $400,000 $320,000 $80,00011.7A.00 Preventative Mainenance - Bus 104564 $500,000 $400,000 $100,000 *12.93.09 Enhanced ADA Access - Rail 104570 $300,000 $240,000 $60,00011.7A.00 NOACA Unserved Area Projects 104575 $543,750 $435,000 $108,75011.44.03 Pavement Improvement Program Construction 112087 $1,000,000 $800,000 $200,00011.71.04 Pavement Improvement Program 3rd Party Const. Mgmt. 112087 $50,000 $40,000 $10,00011.72.08 Pavement Improvement Program Force Account 112087 $50,000 $40,000 $10,00011.44.03 Roof Replacement Program Construction 112088 $1,500,000 $1,200,000 $300,00011.71.04 Roof Replacement Program 3rd Party Const. Mgmt. 112088 $75,000 $60,000 $15,00011.72.08 Roof Replacement Program Force Account 112088 $50,000 $40,000 $10,00012.24.05 Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark Construction 112106 $200,000 $160,000 $40,00012.54.01 OCS Rehabilitation Program Construction 112107 $1,700,000 $1,360,000 $340,00012.71.04 OCS Rehabilitation Program 3rd Party Const. Mgmt. 112107 $100,000 $80,000 $20,00012.72.08 OCS Rehabilitation Program Construction Force Account 112107 $200,000 $160,000 $40,00012.12.21 Rail Car Replacement Program Vehicles 112109 $3,962,500 $3,170,000 $792,50012.72.08 Rail Car Replacement Program Force Account 112109 $500,000 $400,000 $100,00011.42.20 HVAC System Improvement Program Equipment 112112 $1,250,000 $1,000,000 $250,00011.44.03 HVAC System Improvement Program Equipment 112112 $750,000 $600,000 $150,00011.71.04 HVAC System Improvement Program Equipment 112112 $125,000 $100,000 $25,00011.72.08 HVAC System Improvement Program Force Account 112112 $125,000 $100,000 $25,00011.42.20 Hayden Bus Lift Replacements Equipment 112203 $1,700,000 $1,360,000 $340,00011.72.08 Hayden Bus Lift Replacements Force Account 112203 $50,000 $40,000 $10,00011.42.20 Hayden Bus Wash Replacement Equipment 112204 $1,200,000 $960,000 $240,00011.72.08 Hayden Bus Wash Replacement Force Account 112204 $75,000 $60,000 $15,00012.24.05 Waterfront Line Track Bridge Rehabilitation Construction 113060 $2,000,000 $1,600,000 $400,000 *12.31.02 East 79th Street Light Rail Station ADA Reconstruction Design 115319 $450,000 $360,000 $90,000 *12.79.00 East 79th Street Light Rail Station ADA Reconst. Project Admin. 115319 $50,000 $40,000 $10,000 *12.21.03 Light Rail Guard and Retaining Wall Rehab. Design 115320 $175,000 $140,000 $35,000 *12.79.00 Light Rail Guard and Retaining Wall Rehab. Project Admin. 115320 $25,000 $20,000 $5,000 *11.42.10 Fare Collection System Equipment - Vehicles 115326 $1,500,000 $1,200,000 $300,000 *12.32.06 Fare Collection System Equipment - Stations 115326 $1,500,000 $1,200,000 $300,000 *12.42.20 Rail Work Equipment Acquisition 115327 $3,800,000 $3,040,000 $760,000 *

Total $29,600,000 $23,680,000 $5,920,000

12.21.03 Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program Design 104553 $200,000 $160,000 $40,00012.24.03 Light Rail Track Rehabilitation Program Construction 104553 $4,750,000 $3,800,000 $950,00012.12.40 Rail Spare Parts Program 104556 $750,000 $600,000 $150,00012.7A.00 Rail State of Good Repair Projects 104559 $550,000 $440,000 $110,00012.7A.00 Preventative Maintenance - Rail 104566 $500,000 $400,000 $100,000 *12.7A.00 Rail Infrastructure Program 104568 $1,000,000 $800,000 $200,00012.71.11 On Call Rail Engineering Services 104571 $200,000 $160,000 $40,00012.24.05 Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark Construction 112106 $3,200,000 $2,560,000 $640,00012.71.04 Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark 3rd Party CM 112106 $80,000 $64,000 $16,00012.72.08 Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Brookpark Force Account 112106 $500,000 $400,000 $100,00012.54.01 OCS Rehabilitation Program Construction 112107 $2,000,000 $1,600,000 $400,00012.34.02 Rail Car Replacement Program Platform Construction 112109 $3,000,000 $2,400,000 $600,000 *12.42.06 Rail Car Replacement Program Rail Shop Equipment 112109 $3,000,000 $2,400,000 $600,000 *

GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Section 5307 FFY 2022 Capital Formula (1237-2022-XXX)

Section 5337 FFY 2022 State of Good Repair Formula (1237-2022-XXX)

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FFY 2022 Grant Funding for Projects - 052821

FFY 2022 GRANT PROGRAM AND REVISIONS TO THE FFY 2021 GRANT PROGRAM

ALI # PROJECT & TASK DESCRIPTION PID # BUDGET FEDERAL LOCAL

GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY

12.21.05 Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Ambler Design 112205 $260,000 $208,000 $52,00012.79.00 Track Bridge Rehabilitation over Ambler Project Admin. 112205 $40,000 $32,000 $8,000 *12.62.01 Signal System Upgrade Program Construction 112213 $1,182,500 $946,000 $236,50012.72.08 Signal System Upgrade Program Force Account 112213 $100,000 $80,000 $20,000

Total $21,312,500 $17,050,000 $4,262,500

11.12.01 Bus Replacement Program Vehicles 104528 $2,744,032 $2,195,226 $548,80611.12.40 Bus Replacement Program Spare Parts 104528 $73,000 $58,400 $14,600

Total $2,817,032 $2,253,626 $563,406

11.7A.00 Preventative Mainenance - Bus 104564 -$9,500,000 -$7,600,000 -$1,900,00011.44.03 Roof Replacement Program Construction 112088 $2,300,000 $1,840,000 $460,000 *12.12.21 Rail Car Replacement Program Vehicles 112109 $1,000,000 $800,000 $200,000 *11.21.01 Metrohealth Line BRT Design 115318 $1,900,000 $1,520,000 $380,000 *11.79.00 Metrohealth Line BRT Project Administration 115318 $100,000 $80,000 $20,000 *11.71.11 Origin and Destination Survey 115325 $1,100,000 $880,000 $220,000 *11.79.00 Origin and Destination Survey Project Administration 115325 $100,000 $80,000 $20,000 *11.42.10 Fare Collection system Equipment - Vehicles 115326 $1,500,000 $1,200,000 $300,000 *12.32.06 Fare Collection System Equipment - Stations 115326 $1,500,000 $1,200,000 $300,000 *

Total $0 $0 $0

12.7A.00 Preventative Maintenance - Rail 104566 -$6,000,000 -$4,800,000 -$1,200,000 *12.12.21 Rail Car Replacement Program Vehicles 112109 $3,000,000 $2,400,000 $600,000 *12.31.02 Rail Car Replacement Program Platform Design 112109 $500,000 $400,000 $100,000 *12.41.06 Rail Car Replacement Program Rail Shop Design 112109 $500,000 $400,000 $100,000 *12.24.05 Waterfront Line Track Bridge Rehabilitation Construction 113060 $2,000,000 $1,600,000 $400,000 *

Total $0 $0 $0

Grand Total $53,729,532 $42,983,625 $10,745,907* TIP Amendment Required

Section 5337 FFY 2021 State of Good Repair Formula (1237-2021-XXX)

Section 5339 FFY 2022 Bus Facilities Grant (1237-2022-XXX)

Section 5307 FFY 2021 Capital Formula (1237-2021-XXX) Revisions

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5 - 14

NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY

MEMORANDUM

TO: NOACA Rural Advisory Council

FROM: Grace Gallucci, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

DATE: September 17, 2021

RE: Legislative Updates

ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is included for information and presentation.

BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION FOR CURRENT ACTION NOACA’s Legislative advocacy at the federal and state levels is guided by the agency’s 2021 Legislative Agenda, adopted by the Board in December 2020. At the federal level, recent legislative work has focused on the following: 1) continuing to promote revisions to the federal surface transportation law that will benefit the NOACA region, 2) continuing to advocate on behalf of NOACA-region earmarks included in various authorizing and appropriations bills pending before Congress, 3) advocating for additional transit and high speed rail funding in the congressional reconciliation package, and 4) advocating for policy and funding to augment the Cleveland-Chicago Amtrak corridor.

At the state level, NOACA’s recent legislative efforts have focused on 1) increasing funding for inventory and cleanup of brownfield sites, and advocating that regional planning organizations be eligible for such funding, and 2) supporting legislation to reduce distracted driving. Staff will update the Council on these federal and state initiatives and their outcomes to date.

Also, staff will review the 2021 Legislative Agenda and seek Council input on the 2022 Legislative Agenda. A copy of the current version is included with your packet.

FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no direct financial impact.

CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS NOACA staff will continue to update the Council and seek input on its legislative activities.

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2021

FEDERAL & STATELEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The Legislative Agenda represents consensus-driven principles that have been approved byNOACA's 46-member Board of Directors in Northeast Ohio. It is intended to guide policy analysis

and advocacy on infrastructure issues. While NOACA's principles endure, the nationalconversation and agenda on transportation infrastructure will change. In this way, NOACA can

assist public officials by advocating emerging issues with a non-partisan view.

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FEDERAL PRIORITIES

NOACA advocates that Congress should both revise the federalfunding formula to create a more equitable distribution of funds to localcommunities and strengthen and expand local control to metropolitanplanning organizations by allocating more money directly toregional/local authorities for core planning programs.

This would include the Surface Transportation Program, CongestionMitigation Air Quality Improvement Program, and the TransportationAlternatives Program. Directly allocating funding to MPOs and localcommunities would create a more predictable revenue stream forlocally implemented priorities of air quality, improvement in mobility,and investments in economic growth. Direct allocation would alsofacilitate the ability of local communities to precisely define their fundingpriorities such as funding for multimodal transportation strategies andfunding for transit.

PRIORITY 1Strengthen the MPO’s

local control of coretransportation

programs

PRIORITY 2Promote asset

management as a funding priority

NOACA advocates that Congress should recognize the preservation oftransportation assets as an equal or greater economic priority ascompared to the development of new infrastructure. Regionalauthorities similar to NOACA allocate as much as 90 percent ofavailable funding toward asset preservation. U.S. DOT has alreadyrecognized this priority by mandating asset management programmingat the state level. NOACA advocates that the Congress should createfunding streams for asset management implementation – for transit,road and bridge – at the regional/local level.

PRIORITY 3Incorporate safety,

sustainability,multimodalism in

planning & funding

NOACA advocates that Congress should include safety, sustainabilityand multimodalism as specific priorities within state and local MPOplanning requirements.

A specific focus should be to include public transit and hyperloopfunding programs.

WORKING TO ACHIEVE NOACA'S VISION:

NOACA will STRENGTHEN regional cohesion, PRESERVE existinginfrastructure, and BUILD a sustainable multimodal transportation

system to SUPPORT economic development and ENHANCEquality of life in Northeast Ohio. 5 - 18

STATE PRIORITIES

NOACA advocates that the Ohio General Assembly review and amendthe state funding formula such that the NOACA region would receive anequitable amount of State gas tax dollars as compared to what iscontributed by gas tax payers from the NOACA region.

The NOACA Board advocates a redress of this condition through thecreation of State programs that would allocate more funding to prioritiesthat are the sole responsibility of MPOs and local communities.

Formation of new programs or supplementing existing programs thatcontribute funding to local and regional planning priorities such as assetmanagement programs would help create a more equitable rate ofreturn.

PRIORITY 1Improve the region’srate of return from

state allocated fundsto meet

regional assetmanagement needs

PRIORITY 2Advocate for the

inclusion of multimodaltransportation within

state programs &funding

NOACA advocates that the Ohio General Assembly provide sufficientfunding for both capital and operating costs to support the developmentand preservation of non-automobile transportation, particularly publictransit.

The Ohio Department of Transportation performed a comprehensiveassessment of current needs and long-term demands for transit in thestate. NOACA supports the findings and recommendations of the ODOTstudy, which includes funding to bring Ohio’s public transportationnetwork into a state of good repair; and doubling statewide investment inpublic transit, with the State of Ohio investing 10 percent of theoperating and capital costs of the needed service.

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ABOUT NOACA

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is the federally designated metropolitanplanning organization for Northeast Ohio responsible for transportation and environmental planning. NOACAprepares the region’s long-range transportation plan and short-range transportation improvement program,which prioritizes and schedules federally funded transportation projects for the region. NOACA works with theOhio Department of Transportation (ODOT), project sponsors and other stakeholders to help addressNortheast Ohio’s transportation, air quality, and water quality needs.

Funding for NOACA’s transportation and environmental planning programs are derived from the FederalHighway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), ODOT, the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (USEPA) and annual dues paid by local governments throughout the region.

ABOUT OUR AGENDA

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Board of Directors and staff are proud to presentthe 2021 Federal and State Legislative Agenda.

Transportation infrastructure empowers Ohioans to reach jobs, access healthcare, education, recreationalopportunities and see family and friends. Ideally, each of these destinations should be accessible by multiplemodes. Furthermore, the optimal alignment of infrastructure and economic activity is the foundation of regionalcompetitiveness. Uncertain funding impacts project delivery, increases congestion, jeopardizes safety, andreduces economic throughput.

The basis for these requests is NOACA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), AIM Forward 2040. AIMForward 2040 directs investment of all forms of transportation over the next 20 years. With the year 2040 asthe planning horizon, NOACA will invest approximately $15.8 billion in the region’s transportation over the lifeof the plan.

The NOACA Vision Statement is a fundamental touchstone that will be applied to regional programs, priorities,and projects. It is critical that we develop relationships with our delegation and stakeholders. We look forwardto working with you and greatly appreciate your support.

The preparation of this publication was financed through local dues from the counties of and municipalities within Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina.The contents do not necessarily reflect official views or policies of the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Ohio Department of Transportation. This

document does not constitute a standard or regulation.

Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency(NOACA)1299 Superior AvenueCleveland, Ohio 44114216.241.2414www.noaca.orgFacebook: NOACA Twitter: @NOACA_mpo

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NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY

MEMORANDUM

TO: NOACA Rural Advisory Council

FROM: Grace Gallucci, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

DATE: September 17, 2021

RE: NOACA Workforce Accessibility and Mobility Interactive Tool

ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Transportation access for workers to jobs is important to the economic vitality of a region, and is a social equity issue with regards to environmental justice populations. The greater the access to employment by all modes of transportation for the population of a region, the more economically competitive a region will be in the global economy. When jobs are easier to access for all workers, as well as environmental justice populations, the entire region improves socially and economically.

Most researches and databases present one-dimensional workforce information such as the number of available workers, jobs, etc. in administrative or community jurisdictions such as villages, cities, states, etc. The NOACA Workforce Accessibility and Mobility System offers a innovative approach for adding modal travel time measures as the second dimension to workforce information. This system combines the existing (or future) workforce database with work commute times during the AM peak period in the NOACA region to provide abundant information for practitioners, transportation and urban planners and decision makers. The resulting data may be utilized in three levels of County, ZIP Code, and neighborhood.

An interactive user-friendly web-based tool was developed for retrieving data from the NOACA Workforce Accessibility & Mobility system in those aforementioned levels. In addition to those standard outlined areas, a user of the system may select an employment center from a list of predefined sets or locate a workplace on the interactive map of the region. Furthermore, the package has the capability of estimating annual benefits of travel time and congestion savings for each percent of the worker-employer mismatch reduction. The workforce accessibility and mobility interactive tool is located in the NOACA website.

FINANCIAL IMPACT None

CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS We encourage council members, officials and planners to use the NOACA workforce accessibility and mobility interactive tool in their planning activities and inform staff of their feedbacks.

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Agenda Item No. 6

REPORTS/UPDATES

Agenda Item No. 7

OLD BUSINESS

Agenda Item No. 8

NEW BUSINESS

Agenda Item No. 9

ADJOURN