2014 Specialized Transportation Program Application Process Underway  

The Ohio Department of Transportation and NOACA are pleased to announce that the application process for 2014 Specialized Transportation Program funding is now underway. Social service agencies, communities and private nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for this funding, which can be used to purchase wheelchair lift-equipped vehicles, computers, radios and other capital equipment to support transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities. Federal funding provides 80 percent of the vehicles' cost and the remaining 20 percent is contributed by project applicants.

"Specialized Transportation Program funding enables social service agencies and nonprofit organizations to deliver much-needed transportation service to older adults and the disabled so they can get to jobs, medical appointments and shopping," says Grace Gallucci, NOACA executive director. "Providers of this transportation service help these special populations maintain their independence and quality of life."

Eligible applicants in Cleveland's Urbanized Area should submit completed applications to Kelley Britt, NOACA senior transportation planner, no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2014. Applicants in rural areas should send their materials to the Ohio Department of Transportation in Columbus by 5 p.m. March 21, 2014.

Share Your Thoughts about NOACA's Overall Work Program       

NOACA has drafted its Fiscal Year 2015 Overall Work Program (OWP), which describes the planning and projects that staff will undertake from July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015. This work includes transportation planning and funds management, bicycle and pedestrian planning, freight planning, traffic and safety studies, transportation asset management and air and water quality planning. NOACA welcomes comments on the OWP and published a summary to help the public better understand the OWP and its contents. Public comments can be emailed to NOACA, posted on Facebook or Twitter, or left on the public involvement hotline (216-212-2414, ext. 303).

"We also invite people to attend a public meeting about the OWP," says Grace Gallucci, NOACA executive director. "We are delighted to share the work and initiatives of the agency and gather opinions about the work that the staff performs." NOACA is hosting public meetings on the OWP in all five counties from March 15-27. Locate the meeting most convenient for you and plan to attend.

NOACA Standing Committees to Meet March 14

Three of NOACA's new standing committees will hold meetings on Friday, March 14, at NOACA's 1299 Superior Avenue office:

• Finance and Audit Committee, 8:30 a.m.
• Governance Committee, 10 a.m.
• Executive Committee, 11:30 a.m.

 Vibrant Northeast Ohio Vision, Framework & Action Products Approved

The Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC) Board of Directors has approved the Vibrant NEO 2040 Vision, Framework and Action Products for a sustainable and vibrant northeast Ohio future. Get a glimpse of the recommendations, themes and strategies for our region's growth and prosperity in the Vibrant NEO Guidebook. The guidebook summarizes the Vision, Framework, and Action Products developed by NEOSCC with the $4.25 million U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant received in 2010. If you agree with and endorse this regional Vision, sign an online petition indicating your support. 

Portage, Stark and Summit County Transit Users: Transfer to RTA for Free

Within NOACA's five counties, bus riders have enjoyed free transfers between transit systems when they need to cross county borders to  get to work or other destinations. Now, commuters transferring into Cuyahoga County from the Portage Area RTA (PARTA), Stark Area RTA (SARTA) or Akron METRO will receive the same benefit. Customers of these three transit organizations will be able to transfer free of charge to Greater Cleveland RTA's buses and trains. On the return trip, customers will receive a credit for the amount paid to ride RTA vehicles before transferring back to their home county transit system. These fare agreements make taking transit more convenient and affordable and can help increase northeast Ohio's transit ridership.

$600 Million in Federal Transportation Grant Funding Available

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched the 2014 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program, making $600 million available to fund transportation projects throughout the country. The TIGER 2014 grant program emphasizes projects that support reliable, safe and affordable transportation options that improve connections for both urban and rural communities,  making it easier for their residents to reach work, school and job training opportunities. 

In addition to support for capital grants, $35 million of TIGER funds will be distributed for  planning grants, the first time since the 2010 funding round. These funds can support regional transportation planning, freight and port planning, and innovative planning methodologies that increase efficiency and improve outcomes for communities and the environment. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by April 28, 2014. DOT is conducting a webinar series about the grants and application process for interested applicants.

Department of Transportation Seeks Innovative Ideas that Address Transportation Challenges 

Do you have the imagination and vision to create a tool that can address our nation's transportation challenges or revolutionize the way Americans see and understand the transportation system they use every day? If you do, compete in the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Data Innovation Challenge! DOT seeks innovative concepts for web-based tools, mobile apps, and data visualizations that access publicly available federal and/or local DOT datasets. The application/tool should help the public and policy makers understand transportation challenges in one of three main categories: safety, transportation access, and traffic management and congestion. Entrants must send their submissions to DOT by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. For more information and eligibility requirements, check DOT's website.