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. Title:  GCRTA Commuter Buses Sponsor:  Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Estimated Total Cost: $3,360,000 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: NOACA History/Background: According to its 2005 – 2009 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) GCRTA’s goal is to replace one-tenth to one-twelveth of its fleet every year and to accommodate any increases in peak vehicle requirements. GCRTA requests NOACA attributable funds be programmed for replacement commuter buses for GCRTA’s expanded park-n-ride program. Current Conditions: The recent increase in gasoline prices has increased the demand for park-n-ride service. GCRTA wishes to serve this market with the most attractive and reliable vehicles available. According to the 2005 – 2009 CIP, at the end of 2004 approximately 23% of GCRTA’s bus fleet was at least ten years old. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) defines the useful life of a bus to be the lesser of 12 years or 500,00 miles. The buses to be replaced were purchased in 1994. Proposed Project:  The project involves the purchase of up to seven 45’commuter buses, with ODOT funding assistance. The buses will support Innerbelt congestion mitigation objectives, for which GCRTA will expand the North Olmsted, Strongsville and Westlake park-n-ride lots. These vehicles will replace buses that have reached the end of their useful life. The estimated total cost provided by the sponsor is $3,360,000 ($480,000 per vehicle). Eighty percent of the cost ($2,688,000) can be funded with NOACA attributable Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. GCRTA will provide the local match ($672,000) through its development fund. Staff Comment (Summary): Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: At its March 17, 2006 meeting, the RTIS authorized staff to inform applicants requesting federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds (CMAQ) for 2006-2009, that recommendations from the draft State Implementation Plan (SIP) will be considered prior to programming CMAQ funds. The strategic use of CMAQ funds may be needed to achieve SIP goals. The purchase of these buses addresses the local needs and the specific components or policy statements contained NOACA’s Connections 2030 Goal #1(Preserve and improve the efficiency and safety of the existing system), #4 (Establish a more balanced transportation system which enhances modal choices) and #5 (Improve the transportation mobility of the transit-dependent and low-income) and ODOT’s Access Ohio Goal #1 (System Preservation and Management). An evaluation of air quality impacts potential for reduced delays could be of value in determining which Federal-aid highway funding source such as CMAQ funds or STP funds. Eligibility for CMAQ funding will require an analysis from the sponsor demonstrating pollutant emission reduction as a result of the project. This project will reduce fuel consumption and increase air quality and safety. Advance to committee and public review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address comments. Plan/Forecast Team: Recommend funding. Committee Review: Transit Council: The Transit Council supports the use of NOACA CMAQ funds for GCRTA commuter buses. The council recommends TAC and Board approval. Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation 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.