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: I-90/SR-615 Interchange Enhancements and Improvements in Mentor Sponsor: City of Mentor Estimated Total Cost: $1,550,000 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: SAFETEA-LU History/Background: The interchange at I-90 and SR-615 (Center Street) opened to traffic in November 2003. The City of Mentor is the sponsor of two Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) earmarks: 1) 20% of a Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) re-assigned Earmark No. 1096 (streetscaping, bicycle trails and related improvements to the I-90/SR-615 interchange in Mentor, Ohio) and 2) House High Priority Projects (HHPP) Earmark No. 2342 (streetscaping, bicycle trails and related improvements to the I-90/SR-615 interchange). On November 21, 2006, the City of Mentor adopted Ordinance No. 060-0-140 authorizing the city manager to apply for Federal-aid funds for the I-90/SR-615 Interchange Enhancement Project. On November 29, 2006, the Lake Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners passed Resolution No. 2206-092 to support the City of Mentor’s application for trail development. Current Conditions: SR-615 is functionally classified as an urban minor collector, south of I-90 and a principal arterial north of I-90. The average daily traffic (ADT) along this section of SR-615 varies from 4,400 to 18,100 vehicles per day (Lake County Traffic Counts prepared by NOACA, 2005). I-90 is functionally classified as an interstate, with an ADT between 52,890 and 64,300 vehicles (NOACA, 2005). Proposed Project:  The project involves providing streetscaping and aesthetic improvements for the I-90/SR-615 interchange and constructing two-way, ten-foot wide bicycle trails with landscaping for recreation as well as providing for and promoting safe bicycle travel within the southwest quadrant of the City, and providing a connection to Lakeland Community College. The estimated total cost, provided by the sponsor, is $1,550,000. The estimated cost of right-of-way (RW) acquisition is $200,000 and estimated cost of construction is $1,350,000. The combined total of the earmarks is $3,500,000 (i.e. No. 1096 -$700,000; and No. 2342 - $2,800,000). An obligation limit of 91% ($2,548,000) has been applied to the HHPP earmark (No. 2342). The entire amount of the TEA-21 earmark (No. 1096) is available to the sponsor. Therefore, a combined total of $3,248,000 in earmark funding is available to the sponsor. Anything over $3,248,000 is the responsibility of the project sponsor. The sponsor estimates that the facility can be open for public use by October 2009. Staff Comment (Summary): Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: The sponsor must pay all costs over the obligation limit $3,248,000. Advance to committee and public review review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address questions and comments. Regional Transportation System (RTS) Team: This project includes acquiring land for a system of multipurpose paths within the future Newell Creek development on the parcel between Center Street, Garfield Road, I-90, and Johnnycake Ridge Road. The paths (to be constructed by the Metroparks as a separate project) are planned along the new road, the Norton Parkway which will connect with the Lakeland Community College. The existing bridge over I-90 will be modified to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, or a new bridge will be built. Plan Forecast Team: The proposed enhancement of the I-90/SR-615 interchange in Mentor would be inconsistent with NOACA’s vision for a sustainable transportation system in support of a viable economy within a complex and valuable ecosystem. The project is neither regionally significant nor beneficial Committee Review: Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC): The multipurpose paths should be at least 10’ wide. 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. 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.