NOACA seeks public comment on the Regional Strategic Plan

NOACA has been developing an agency regional strategic plan that includes a vision for the future and strategies to achieve that vision. Although the plan is a work in progress, we're interested in public input regarding what has been completed to date.  

Take advantage of one of these opportunities to weigh in on planning strategies for our region:

• Engage in an on-line dialogue about the Regional Strategic Plan at ideastream's The Civic Commons (an online engagement platform found at theciviccommons.org) on April 29 & 30; May 15 & 16; and May 29 & 30.
• Attend one of three public meetings to discuss the plan and its vision, goals and strategies:
• May 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Tri-C Corporate College-East, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, OH, Room 233.
• May 21, 6-8 p.m. - Elyria Public Library-West River Branch, 1194 West River Road North, Elyria, OH 44035, in the Miller Room.
• May 22, 5:30 - 8 p.m. - Brunswick Public Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, Sycamore Room South.
• On June 4, NOACA and ideastream, who facilitates conversation on The Civic Commons, will host a large community discussion at ideastream's headquarters, 812 Huron Road East, in Cleveland.

Save the Date - NOACA's Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar - NOACA's 15th Annual Meeting will be held Friday, September 12. More information about the location, program, speaker and cost will be announced this summer. Consider attending and reserve the date!

NOACA forms rail alliance with Toledo and Erie County metropolitan planning organizations

NOACA has joined with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments and the Erie Regional Planning Organization to form a northern Ohio rail alliance. The alliance will work toward implementing track, rail station and signal improvements in the northern Ohio rail corridor that includes the cities of Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria and Cleveland. The alliance hopes to apply for federal funding grants that are specifically targeted for multimodal, multi-jurisdictional projects.

"Northeast Ohio rail infrastructure needs to be upgraded and enhanced to meet the needs of both passengers and freight," said Grace Gallucci, NOACA's executive director. "Next, the alliance will work to develop a strategy that will prove successful in securing a federal funding grant."

NOACA is accepting applications for projects in its five-county area to be funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. The CMAQ program provides approximately $60 million annually in federal funding statewide for transportation projects located in the largest urban areas of Ohio that relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality.  

CMAQ funds may be used for new or expanded transportation projects or programs that reduce emissions, including transportation infrastructure projects, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, congestion relief programs, vehicle acquisitions, and diesel engine retrofits. CMAQ funds are distributed through a statewide competitive application process. Applications are due to NOACA on June 2, 2014. Find the application and guidance documents on NOACA's website under the Funding Information tab. 

NOACA now LinkedIn

NOACA has joined LinkedIn, the business-oriented networking website. If you would like to hear about current NOACA news, employment opportunities and public events, join our group. Stay connected with other professionals who have interest in planning, transportation and environmental issues in northeast Ohio.

Help count bicyclists in NOACA's five counties

NOACA seeks volunteers to take bicycle counts May 6 - 10 in our five-county planning area. Volunteers will count passing bicyclists and pedestrians at various road and trail intersections for two-hour periods. Participants must use their own transportation to get to count locations, but NOACA will reimburse travel costs. Volunteers also receive a $40 gift card to use at their favorite bicycle shop. NOACA will conduct training sessions for count volunteers on April 29 through May 2. If you are interested in volunteering for this important data-gathering activity, contact Marc Von Allmen, NOACA multimodal planner. 

2014 Ozone Action Day Program underway

NOACA's 2014 Ozone Action Day program began on April 1. Through this program, you can be better informed about the causes of ground-level ozone pollution and its health impacts, and sign up to receive air quality alerts when ozone levels reach unhealthy levels. The Ozone Action Day Program is active from April through October, when seasonal heat and sunlight are at their highest.

When summer heat, humidity, and sluggish air flow grips the region, you can help keep our air cleaner by implementing voluntary actions recommended by NOACA's air quality staff, including:

• Taking public transportation, carpooling or riding a bike to work.
• Avoiding excessive vehicle idling.
• Refueling vehicles after 7 p.m.
• Delaying lawn mowing or grilling until after 7 p.m.
• Reducing energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.

Mobility management and TIGER grant opportunities  

The Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Office of Transit is now accepting applications for the Ohio Coordination Program. This program offers federal funding grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for hiring regional and local mobility managers. These mobility management professionals will work to improve transportation options for special populations, including youths, older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with low incomes. This funding is available for projects serving rural and small urban areas. Applicants must mail one copy of their proposal to: Marianne E. Freed, Administrator, Office of Transit, Ohio Department of Transportation, Mailstop Code 3110, 1980 West Broad Street Columbus, OH 43223 and email one copy of their proposal by May 7 to be considered for calendar year 2015 funding.

The U.S. Department of Transportation seeks applications for the 2014 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program. The TIGER grant program emphasizes projects that support safe, reliable and affordable transportation connections for both urban and rural communities, to make it easier for residents to reach work, school and job training opportunities. TIGER grants may also be used for planning projects, including regional transportation planning, freight and port planning. Applications for grants must be submitted to Grants.gov by April 28.

Board of Directors adds projects to Connections+ 2035  

At its April 11 meeting, the NOACA Board of Directors approved adding 19 road, bridge, transit and Safe Routes to Schools projects to the region's long-range transportation plan, Connections+ 2035. Eight of these projects will also be added to the state fiscal years (SFY) 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program. The long-range plan outlines the development of northeast Ohio's transportation system and identifies transportation investments that are planned through the year 2035.

The Board of Directors also approved  the SFY 2015 TIP Annual TIP Priority List, which includes 28 projects to which NOACA will commit federal funding in the upcoming fiscal year. The list, which includes road, bridge, signal, transit, enhancement and shared use path projects, allocates approximately $44 million in NOACA Surface Transportation Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, and Transportation Alternatives Program funding.

SFY 2015 Annual TIP Priority List  by Project Type