September 23, 2016                                                                     Volume 6, Issue 7
Last call - NOACA Annual Meeting registration
 
There is still time to register for NOACA's 2016 Annual Meeting, How Transportation Makes Healthy Communities. The event will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016, from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Downtown Cleveland Hilton.

The
Annual Meeting will explore the integration of land use and transportation to create livable communities and improve quality of life, a concept NOACA is promoting for its next Long-Range Transportation Plan. Mark Fenton, a national pedestrian, bicycle and transit advocate and recognized authority on public health, planning and transportation issues, will be the keynote speaker.

Cost to attend the Annual Meeting, which includes lunch, is $50 for individuals and $25 for seniors and students with I.D. Please share this invitation with associates, friends and co-workers. Register today - the deadline is Friday, September 30.

 
Nominate an outstanding regional contributor for NOACA's Ehrnfelt Award 

Do you know an outstanding regional leader in the public or private  sector who demonstrates collaboration and reg WEhrnfelt ional cohesion on issues related to transportation, air or water quality? You can nominate him or her for NOACA's annual Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr. Award for Outstanding Regional Contribution.

The award is named for Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr., the late mayor of Strongsville and former NOACA Board member, who exemplified leadership, dedication and regional cooperation throughout his career. This year, nominees for the award can include an individual, an organization in the public or private sector, or an infrastructure project. Find out more about the award and nomination process on NOACA's website . The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, September 28 and the award will be presented at NOACA's Annual Meeting on October 6.

Take an online survey that gauges your transportation priorities
 
What do you think transportation in Northeast Ohio should look like in the next 20 years?  What are your priorities as a commuter, bicyclist or transit user? NOACA recently rolled out a quick and easy online survey to gather this information-and more-from people across the region. The survey findings will provide input to NOACA's next Long-Range Transportation Plan, the 20-year framework that will guide investments for all forms of transportation and the movement of freight throughout the region. Set aside a few minutes to take the survey and help NOACA understand your transportation needs. The Long-Range Transportation Plan is scheduled for adoption by NOACA's Board in March 2017.
 
NOACA Board approves funding for the TLCI implementation grant program and Opportunity Corridor 

Funding for NOACA's Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) implementation grant program will double for the next project selection round, thanks to NOACA Board approval and a funding increase in t he Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FAST Act was signed into law in December 2015, and authorizes federal expenditures for State Departments of Transportation and regions to commit to roadway and transit projects through the year 2020.

Under the FAST Act, NOACA will receive slightly more funding than it did under the previous surface transportation law. At its September 9th meeting, NOACA's Board approved an increase in  funding for TLCI implementation grants and  committed $15 million toward construction of the Ohio Department of Transportation's Opportunity Corridor. The Opportunity Corridor is a new boulevard that will connect East 55th and East 105th Streets. 
 
Second new George V. Voinovich Bridge to open in Cleveland
 
The long awaited opening of the eastbound George V. Voinovich Bridge -the second of the pair of bridges to replace the former I-90 Innerbelt Bridge-is slated for Saturday, September 24.  At a total cost of over half a billion dollars, replacement of the old bridge represents the largest transportation investment in the State of Ohio's history. Replacement of the bridge ensures the safety of motorists for years to come and improves mobility throughout the region by providing better access to jobs, entertainment and commerce. The bridge ranked high on NOACA's list of regionally significant projects and the agency urged the State to find funding to complete the project by 2016 .

The Ohio Department of Transportation will celebrate the new structure with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on September 24. The public is invited to attend the event and enjoy the view from on top during a special "Bridge Preview" immediately following the program.  A portion of the new bridge will be open for pedestrians until approximately noon. For more info on the opening event as well as other projects along the Downtown Cleveland Innerbelt corridor, please visit www.innerbelt.org.  
 
Grant opportunities for local governments, agencies and municipalities
 
Application periods are currently open for the following grants:

Sponsor: Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
  • Funding for transit projects, with an emphasis on preservation, i.e., vehicle replacements
  • $19 million is available
  • Applications are due September 27
Sponsor: ODOT and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
  • Funding for vehicle and equipment replacement, retrofits, installation of anti-idle equipment, or reducing emissions in air quality nonattainment areas
  • $12 million available
  • Applications are due October 7

Sponsor: ODOT

  • Research support for local agencies to address problems specific to the local roadway system
  • Research ideas will be accepted through November 4 for state fiscal year 2017. Selected ideas will be developed into Requests for Proposals.
  
Contact:
Grace Gallucci, Executive Director
1299 Superior Avenue | 216.241.2414, ext. 100

Website: www.noaca.org