On December 11, 2009 the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2009-037 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2009-038 Plan and TIP Amendment Title: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Service Sponsor: GCRTA Estimated Total Cost: $15,822,000 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: NOACA and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) History/Background: On November 20, 2007, the Board of Trustees of the GCRTA, Cuyahoga County, Ohio adopted Resolution No. 2007-165, authorizing the filing of grant applications or proposals for federal financial assistance. In August 2008, GCRTA held several public hearings to discuss GCRTA’s budget situation and service challenges. GCRTA held five public hearings to discuss a proposed fuel surcharge and service reductions. As a result of reduced state funding and rising fuel prices, GCRTA projected a $20 million deficit in 2009, if no changes were made. The fuel surcharge increased fares, which took effect this October. According to GCRTA, the recession is resulting in a $20 million shortfall in their budget, compared to the revenues received in 2008 from the Sales and Use Tax and in the State of Ohio budget. According to 49 USC 5302(a)(1)(I) and FTA’s 5307 circular, a capital project now includes "...the provision of non-fixed route paratransit transportation in accordance with Section 223 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12143), but only for grant recipients that are in compliance with the applicable requirements of that Act, including both fixed route and demand responsive service, and only for amounts not to exceed 10 percent of such recipient's annual formula apportionment under section 5307 and 5311." According to GCRTA, this request is consistent with the flexibility of funds provisions of the Transportation Bill, allowing an amount equal to 10 percent of a their annual formula apportionment under Section 5307 to be used for such proposes. Current Conditions: GCRTA offers persons with disabilities who qualify under ADA, special paratransit service to supplement accessible fixed-route service. GCRTA’s paratransit service is provided by specially trained operators using smaller, lift-equipped vehicles. Complementary paratransit service is required under Section 223 of the ADA regulations. Individuals who qualify for Category I (i.e., Demand Response Service (door to door) and Category III (i.e. Demand Response Service feeding fixed route short demand response service between persons trip origin and an accessible fixed route bus) are eligible for special door-to-door service. Customers are provided service from point of origination to destination within a five-mile radius of their home. Additional service is provided beyond five miles only if GCRTA provides standard bus and rapid transit service during the time and in the area the trip would be taken. Proposed Project: GCRTA is requesting $3,456,000 in NOACA-attributable Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to support the cost of providing specialized and federally mandated paratransit service provided throughout Cuyahoga County for those individuals that are unable to use the regular bus or train service provided by GCRTA due to a physical or cognitive disability. These funds will be used to off-set costs associated with GCRTA’s paratransit service. The total estimated cost of the program, provided by the sponsor, is $15,822,000. According to GCRTA, the STP funds will represent approximately 20 percent of the total cost of this specialized and federally mandated paratransit service provided throughout Cuyahoga County. GCRTA has requested that the STP funds be available prior to December 31, 2009 to help balance its budget for the 2009 fiscal/calendar year. Staff Comment (Summary): Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: This project is consistent with NOACA’s Connections 2030 Goals #3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System), #4 (Establish a More Balanced Transportation System which Enhances Modal Choices) and #5 (Improve the Mobility of Transit Dependent and Low-Income Individuals) and ODOT’s Access Ohio 2004 - 2030 Goal #4 (System Preservation). Recommend committee and public review in order to obtain comments. Regional Transportation System (RTS) Team: Provision of mandatory complementary paratransit service is extremely important to maintaining the mobility of older adults and those with disabilities in Cuyahoga County. Such service supports a tier one goal of the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan for Northeast Ohio - reduced costs for end users. Private transportation services similar to GCRTA paratransit service is extremely expensive and out of reach for many transportation disadvantaged users. Awarding STP funding to GCRTA to help support its paratransit service also supports another tier one goal of the Coordinated Plan – reduced costs for transportation providers. The per trip cost for paratransit service is many times the fare paid by the user. Helping offset the cost GCRTA incurs to provide this mandatory service is consistent with the plan. Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): If you are a representative of a governmental entity and would like to comment on this project, please email us. Public Involvement: NOACA encourages comments from the public on this proposed transportation improvement project. Please notify us if you would like to be added to our e-mail notification list for future updates. Committee Review: Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).