On June 9, 2006, the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2006-022 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2006-023 Plan Amendment. On July 11, 2006, the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2006-030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment Title:  Cleveland Flats East Bulkhead and Riverwalk Sponsor:  Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority PID No. 80969 Estimated Total Cost: $5,882,500 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: SAFETEA-LU History/Background: The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority 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. 1429 (Construct Flats east bulkhead and riverwalk: construct bulkhead and riverwalk connecting Front and Main Avenues); and 2) Senate High Priority Projects (SHPP) (No. 4632 Construct 1,100 foot bulkhead/riverwalk connecting Front and Main Avenues, public rights-of-way). The City of Cleveland Planning Commission prepared a Flats East Bank Community Development Plan in response to the blighted conditions found in the project survey area. The report was approved by council on October 17, 2005 and made effective on October 12, 2005 (via Ordinance No. 1644-05). On March 24, 2006, the Cleveland –Cuyahoga County Port Authority Board of Directors approved Resolution No. 2006-09, authorizing and approving certain actions and accepting a grant from the Federal Highway Administration for Bulkhead and Riverwalk Construction in Connection with the Flats East Bank Project. Current Conditions: In general, the Plan Area/Action Area referenced in the Flats East Bank Community Development Plan is defined as West 9th Street (to the east), along the Waterfront line and CSX railroad (to the north), to the Cuyahoga River (to the west), along the river to the Main Avenue Bridge; along the south side and then north side of the Main Avenue. Based on the findings of the Building Conditions Survey and Vacant and Unimproved Parcels Condition Survey, the Plan Area is determined to be blighted. The Flats East Bank Community Development Plan includes the provision of “new public infrastructure (e.g. new roads, pedestrian circulation pathways, parking structures, public open space, etc.) to serve as a framework around which the development of a vibrant mixed use neighborhood may emerge” as a one (of four) Action Area Plan Objectives. The study also states “ There are approximately 1,100 lineal feet of bulkhead frontage along the Cuyahoga River.” Section II. D.3.a. of The Flats East Bank Community Development Plan states “In the consolidated Plan Area/Action Area the permitted uses shall be limited to a mixed use development project featuring the following types of uses”. One of the five uses listed is “a continuous, publicly accessible waterfront promenade located along the project’s Cuyahoga River frontage along with space sufficient to accommodate public assembly areas and transient boat docks.” Proposed Project:  This project involves constructing a bulkhead and riverwalk along the Cuyahoga River from Front Avenue to Main Avenue, in the East Bank of the Flats in Cleveland. The estimated total cost, provided by the sponsor, is $5,882,500. The estimated cost of the bulkhead repairs and revisions is $5,005,000. The estimated to cost of the boardwalk is $877,500. The sponsor estimates that the facility can be open to the public by April 2009. The combined total of the earmarks is $5,000,000 (i.e. No. 1429 -$3,720,000 ; and No. 4632 - $1,280,000). An obligation limit of 91% has been applied to the earmarks. Therefore, a combined total of $4,550,000 (i.e. No. 1429 -$3,385,200; and No. 4632 - $1,164,800) in earmark funding is available to the sponsor. Anything over $4,550,000 is the responsibility of the project sponsor. According to the sponsor, additional funds for the park, including the improvements to the bulkhead and construction of a boardwalk, are provided by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ($1,464,735), bond revenue and other state funds. Staff Comment (Summary): Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: The sponsor must pay all costs over the obligation limit $4,550,000. Advance to committee and public review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address questions and comments. Plan Forecast Team: This project has been referred to the TransWac (Transportation Water Quality Council) for its review and should also be reviewed by the Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan (RAP). Is any natural restoration possible to stabilize stream borders and increase terrestrial habitat? Refer to Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization for comment. Committee Review: Transportation Water Quality Council (TransWac): Request completion of questionnaire and return by May 5. Are there any opportunities within the project concept to help better manage storm water runoff from the overall East Bank development project? Comments following its May 16, 2006 meeting: A written response to preliminary comments was received. The questionnaire was not completed by the project sponsor. It is suggested that the proposed bulkhead incorporate "green" bulkhead concepts and pocket wetland elements to provide for fish refuge in the river mouth area. This will be a concrete step for the restoration of impaired fish communities in the near shore area, a goal the council believes the Port Authority shares as a corollary to navigation channel maintenance. The council will facilitate exchange of information concerning "green" bulkhead concepts with project sponsor. A publicly funded demonstration of this vital technology will enhance prospects of implementation by private sector interests. Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan and TIP. Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): “Given the condition of the existing bulkheads and the interaction between vehicles, pedestrians and pleasure boaters, the Riverwalk and bulkhead repairs will reinvigorate the economic development of the Flats. This project should be supported.” - Cuyahoga County 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.