New Freedom Program Funding Available

NOACA has launched a second funding round for fiscal year 2012 federal New Freedom program funding. The New Freedom program supports public transportation services and programs that go beyond what is currently required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. NOACA seeks applications from agencies that provide transportation services for persons with disabilities, especially to and from jobs and employment services. For more information, contact Kelley Britt or Meredith Davis. Applications are due in mid January 2014.

 Access Ohio 2040 Outlines Ohio's Transportation Future

ODOT has updated the state's long-range transportation plan, Access Ohio 2040. The draft plan presents a vision for Ohio's future transportation system and projects and strategies for accomplishing the vision. You can review the draft and comment on it via the project email address through January 15, 2014. NOACA also has a copy of the plan at its office for public review and comment.

Cleveland Trolley Partnership Wins Award

In October, NOACA, along with the City of Cleveland, Greater Cleveland RTA, and Downtown Cleveland Alliance, received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award recognizes the successful public-private  

RTA's L-Line trolley stops at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

partnership involved with the expansion of RTA's trolley service. NOACA supported RTA trolley operations for many years, and in September 2012, RTA expanded service on three new lines:

• The Nine-Twelve Trolley: Serves employees of businesses between East 9th and East 12th Streets
• C-Line Trolley: Connects riders to the Cleveland Convention Center and Horseshoe Casino
• L-Line Trolley: Operates on weekends and shuttles visitors to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Convention Center, casino and four major hotels in downtown Cleveland

IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials and the year's most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities.

Comment on Proposed Transportation Improvements

 NOACA welcomes public review and comment on all of its federally funded programs and projects. For the next month, descriptions of proposed road, safety and transit projects from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties will be available on the website for review and comment. At its December 13, 2013, meeting, the NOACA Board of Directors will consider adding these projects to the region's long-range transportation plan and getting them one step closer to receiving federal funding.

NOACA Program Showcases Local Artists

Attention, artists! Are you looking for space to display your work? NOACA has launched a program to showcase the artwork of local, professional artists who specialize in transportation and environmental themes. This program offers artists visibility and exposure through the opportunity to exhibit their work in a public location. Currently, NOACA is displaying paintings by Leslie McCafferty. Artists interested in showing their work should contact Director of External Relations Brian Newbacher.

 Keep in touch with NOACA news, events and activities through social media. Like us on Facebook and follow Twitter news feeds for the latest news. We also encourage your comments and feedback about NOACA projects and work.