On March 9, 2007, the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2007-006 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2007-007 Plan Amendment Title:  Construct pedestrian bridge from Dock 32 to Voinovich Park in Cleveland Sponsor: City of Cleveland PID No.: 80966 Estimated Total Cost: $6,250,000 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: SAFETEA-LU History/Background: The City of Cleveland is the sponsor of two Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) earmarks: 1) House High Priority Projects (HHPP) Earmark No. 1122 (Construct pedestrian bridge from east of Dock 32 to Voinovich Park southwest corner); and 2) Senate High Priority Projects (SHPP) Earmark No. 4628 (Construct pedestrian bridge from east of Dock 32 to park). In 2004, the City of Cleveland adopted “Connecting Cleveland: The Waterfront District Plan”, a long-term guide for redevelopment of the Cleveland Lake Erie Shoreline. The plan identifies improved public access around North Coast Harbor (NCH) as a critical component for providing increased opportunities for Clevelanders to reach the downtown waterfront. According to the sponsor, more than 3 million people are attracted to the NCH annually for special events and sites. In 2004, the city assumed responsibility for Dock 32, seven acres on the west side of NCH with 1,285 lineal feet of dock space, to provide increased public access to the water’s edge and expand retail and institutional development. One of the first projects following the plan’s completion was the relocation of the Steamship Mather to eastern side of Dock 32. Current Conditions: According to the sponsor, pedestrian circulation around the Voinovich Park is criticized by visitors as lacking connectivity. Visitors venturing down East 9th Street are unable complete the loop around the NCH basin and onto the boardwalk located behind the museums to access Dock 32 directly from Voinovich Park Proposed Project:  The proposed project involves constructing a moveable pedestrian bridge that will complete the logical loop around the inner harbor between Dock 32 and Voinovich Park. The sponsor believes this will enhance access around the harbor and increase usage of the Voinovich Park green space on a daily basis and for special events. Additionally, a moveable pedestrian bridge ensures that the harbor itself can still be used as an attraction for recreational boaters and water related festivals. The estimated total cost, provided by the sponsor, is $6,250,000. The estimated cost of engineering is $1,000,000. The estimated cost of construction is $5,250,000. The combined total of the earmarks is $5,012,000 (i.e. No. 1712 -$1,712,000; and No. 4628 - $3,300,000). An obligation limit of 91% has been applied to the earmarks. Therefore, a combined total of $4,560,920 (i.e. No. 1712 -$1,557,920; and No. 4628 - $3,003,000) in earmark funding is available to the sponsor. Anything over $4,560,920 is the responsibility of the project sponsor. According to the sponsor, additional funds were provided through 2005 Federal Appropriations Earmark ($496,000). The sponsor estimates that the facility can be open for public use by July 2010. Staff Comment (Summary): Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: The sponsor must pay all costs over the obligation limit. Advance to Committee and public review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address questions and comments. Committee Review: Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC): This project should be designed so bicyclists can use it. Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan. Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): "I am writing from the Ninth Coast Guard District Bridge Administration Branch here in Cleveland. This office is responsible for issuing Bridge Permits for bridges that cross navigable waterways in the Great Lakes. This message pertains to the proposed pedestrian bridge from Dock 32 to Voinovich Park in Cleveland. I understand Voinovich Park, and the dockage in the park basin, is owned by the City of Cleveland. The Coast Guard may require a federal Bridge Permit to construct a bridge in this location. I understand that a moveable bridge, or drawbridge, is currently being considered. A drawbridge would accommodate the passage and continued use of the waterway for the GOODTIME III, which is routinely docked at Voinovich Park, compared to a fixed, low-level bridge that would restrict vessel movement into the park basin. If the GOODTIME III is expected to continue to use Voinovich Park dockage, then any bridge that is constructed should provide adequate horizontal navigation clearance for the GOODTIME III to safely pass. It is recommended that this office be consulted during the design phase of the project so the Coast Guard can determine permitting requirements and ensure that minimum navigation clearances are provided for in the design plans. The Coast Guard may also be the lead federal agency for this project for satisfying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), depending on other federal agency involvement. If you have any questions please call." - Ninth Coast Guard District “RTA supports the enhancement of a pedestrian path to the Lakefront. This is close to the vicinity of the Waterfront line stations. The project sponsor, RTA, and future planning/development projects could benefit through coordinating planning efforts on this project.” – GCRTA If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this matter further, please call me". - Ninth Coast Guard District If you are a representative of a governmental entity and would like to comment on this project, please email us. If you have any questions regarding the Intergovernmental Review and Consultation process please contact staff at (216) 241-2414, Ext. 322. 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.