On June 12, 2009 the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2009-017 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2009-018 Plan and TIP Amendment Title: Construct All-Purpose Trail in Cuyahoga Heights and Garfield Heights Sponsor: Cleveland Metroparks Estimated Total Cost: $1,581,900 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Scenic Byway History/Background: In 2002, Cleveland Metroparks began a two-year planning process to assess the feasibility of developing a major connector trail and greenway along Mill Creek. The Lower Mill Creek Conservation Greenway plan, as prepared by Biohabitats, Inc., established a comprehensive management approach for the Lower Mill Creek Valley. The Mill Creek Greenway Connector Trail is one component of the Plan, which features a greenway trail along Mill Creek from Mill Creek Falls to the banks of the Cuyahoga River. On June 28th, 2007, the Board of Park Commissioners of the Cleveland Metropolitan Park District of Cleveland adopted a resolution supporting Cleveland Metroparks submission of four shared use trail projects (Hogsback Lane, West Creek Greenway, Mill Creek Greenway Connector Trail and Lake to Lake Trail) for inclusion in the NOACA Transportation Improvement Program. In December 2008, Cleveland Metroparks obtained a $400,000 grant through the National Scenic Byway Program. Current Conditions: The purpose of the project is to construct a 3-mile all purpose trail that will link two Cleveland Metroparks reservations (the Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation and the Garfield Reservation) and provide access to the Cuyahoga River. The Garfield Reservation Trail extends to the intersection at Turney Road/Garfield Boulevard. Phase I of the Mill Creek Connector Trail begins at Canal Road and proceeds northeast along Bacci Park to the parking lot north of Bacci Park. View a map of reservation trails along with subject project. Proposed Project: The proposed project (identified as Phase II) involves constructing a 10-foot wide shared use path from the north end of Phase I at Bacci Park to Garfield Boulevard. The path crosses Mill Creek at one of two possible locations and then follows along the east side of the creek, winding through property currently owned by the former General Chemical Company and the former Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) landfill, then parallels the west side of Warner Road to Garfield Boulevard. View a map of the Mill Creek Connector Trail. The estimated total cost of Mill Creek Connector Trail (Phase II), provided by the sponsor, is $1,581,900. $400,000 of the construction cost will be funded with Scenic Byway funds. The sponsor will provide the remaining share ($1,181,900). Staff Comment (Summary): Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: This project is consistent with NOACA’s Connections 2030 Plan Goals #4 (Establish Balance System which Enhances Modal Choices), #8 (Foster Intergovernmental and Private Sector Relationships to Strengthen Regional Community), #10 (Quality of Life through Attention to Aesthetics in Planning) and ODOT’s Access Ohio 2004 - 2030 Goal #2 (Economic Development and the Quality of Life). Recommend committee and public review in order to obtain comments. Regional Transportation System (RTS) Team: In addition to providing recreational opportunities, this trail would provide access to Bacci Park and the towpath trail, enabling people to bike to these destinations rather than use motorized vehicles. This project is Phase II of a 3-phase, 3 mile path that will link the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail with Mill Creek Falls in Cleveland and Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights. It will link to Phase I, ending at the northern end of Bacci Park, and Phase III, which will go along Garfield Boulevard to the Garfield Reservation Trail. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, this trail would provide access to Bacci Park and the towpath trail, enabling people to cycle to these destinations rather than use motorized vehicles. 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: Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC): This project is Phase II of a 3-phase, 3 mile path that will link the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail with Mill Creek Falls in Cleveland and Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights. It will link to Phase I, ending at the northern end of Bacci Park, and Phase III, which will go along Garfield Boulevard to the Garfield Reservation Trail. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, this trail would provide access to Bacci Park and the towpath trail, enabling people to cycle to these destinations rather than use motorized vehicles. Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan and TIP.