News From NOACA

Congress is proposing to cut more than one-third of federal funding for public transit and highway programs. If these cuts are implemented, transit users will probably see reduced service, overcrowded vehicles, and fare increases -- while drivers will see delayed construction for highway projects. NOACA supports highways and transit as key

Transit users say "Don't X Out Public Transit" at a rally on Cleveland's Public Square sponsored by the Greater Cleveland RTA.

parts of northeast Ohio's multi-modal transportation system, and encourages everyone to speak out against these proposed cuts. You can contact your Congressional representatives and let them know how these cuts will affect highway users, transit-dependent individuals, and the local economy.

NOACA Completes Broadview Road Traffic Study

As part of the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI), NOACA staff recently completed an intersection capacity analysis for the city of Broadview Heights. Staff examined traffic operations on Broadview Report cover

Road at its intersection with three roads: Avery, Oakes and Akins-Faulhaber, and using traffic simulation software, analyzed how traffic would operate in the year 2030. Staff also evaluated the potential for converting the signalized intersection at Broadview and Avery Roads into a roundabout. NOACA offers technical assistance for traffic studies to northeast Ohio communities under the Transportation Links to Communities element of the TLCI.

NOACA Counts Region's Bicyclists

Volunteers counted bicyclists and pedestrians at various locations around the region.

In mid-September, while driving on some of the region's main roads, you may have noticed brightly-clothed workers with clipboards stationed at various intersections. NOACA staff and volunteers were taking bicycle counts to see what facilities bicyclists and pedestrians use and how often they travel on them. Data collected from the bike count program will help NOACA plan future bicycle/pedestrian improvements.

Prioritizing the Region's Major Transportation Projects

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has asked NOACA and local chambers of commerce to help develop a strategic transportation plan for prioritizing projects currently on the Transportation Review Advisory Council's (TRAC) major new construction funding list. The TRAC was established in 1997 to provide funding for major construction projects that add new capacity to Ohio's transportation system. TRAC projects are typically large, regionally significant projects estimated to cost $5 million or more. The strategic plan will identify funding years and funding sources for these projects by phase (i.e., preliminary engineering, right of way, construction). The 9-member TRAC, chaired by ODOT Director Jerry Wray, selects the projects to be funded from submittals throughout the state.

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's Strategic Action Plan Adopted

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's board of directors approved the new Strategic Action Plan, which was available for public comment last month, on September 21. The plan focuses on cultivating the Port's maritime and development finance businesses, revitalizing the waterfront with new infrastructure projects, creating jobs and enhancing the local economy. NOACA's Governing Board endorsed the plan at its September 9 meeting.

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is a regional organization of local officials responsible for carrying out transportation and environmental planning under the local direction and in accordance with state and federal mandates. The NOACA area encompasses the Cleveland/Lorain-Elyria metropolitan region, which includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.

Howard R. Maier
Executive Director

NOACA