On September 11, 2009 the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2009-026 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2009-026 Plan and TIP Amendment Title: Lorain County Transit SFY 2010 and 2011 Transit Brokerage Program Sponsor: Lorain County Board of Commissioners through Lorain County Transit Estimated Total Cost: $140,000 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: ARRA/NOACA History/Background: The Lorain County Transit (LCT) Brokerage Program is a program created to help welfare recipients and low-income individuals access employment opportunities, current employment, career training facilities and programs, and post-secondary educational establishments. Lorain County Transit has received NOACA-administered Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding in previous years since 2003. Current Conditions: The Lorain County Transit Brokerage Program serves all of Lorain County. Lorain County Transit also connects with Cuyahoga County’s transit system, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA). LCT reports that, before it implemented the Brokerage Program, other local human service agencies, such as Employment Network, were providing transportation assistance in moderation to eligible individuals. However, as the main provider of transportation services within Lorain County, LCT decided to provide this program in addition to the services it already provides. According to the sponsor, since January 2009, the Lorain County Transit Brokerage Program has provided over 4,500 one-way trips to individuals seeking employment, higher education and anticipated raises. The sponsor expects the number to increase for the remainder of the year, as they provided an estimated 14,000 trips in 2008. LCT anticipates its current funding will lapse by October 2009. Proposed Project: The Lorain County Transit Brokerage Program’s mobility manager coordinates with local human service agencies to identify the transportation needs for job access of eligible individuals. For employment search purposes, clients receive a two-week time frame to utilize an allotted amount of tickets for the LCT’s fixed route system, and apply for employment opportunities. At the end of the two-week timeframe, clients are required to present verification (five forms each visit) that an active search for employment and/or advancement opportunities was performed. Once verification has been documented and reviewed, the clients are eligible to continue service. All other assistance provided by the Brokerage Program related to transportation to and from current employment, career training and educational facilities, requires that clients provide verification of their involvement, enrollment and positions with employers or other resources for career advancement. LCT reviews situations on a bi-weekly basis, thus providing the appropriate changes necessary to best benefit the client’s and their current situation. LCT estimates that to continue operating the program for state fiscal years 2010 and 2011 will require $140,000 ($70,000 annually) (budget tables). LCT initially requested eighty percent ($112,000, or $56,000 annually) of the cost be funded with STP funds. LCT would provide the 20% non-federal share ($28,000, or $14,000 annually). At its June 16, 2009 meeting, the Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS) recommended the program be added to the Tier 1 list of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded projects to be financed entirely with ARRA funds. Staff Comment (Summary): Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: This project is consistent with NOACA’s Connections 2030 Goal #3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System) and ODOT’s Access Ohio 2004 - 2030 Goal #1 (Transportation Safety). If the ARRA funding is not available, the sponsor will pursue NOACA STP funds. Recommend committee and public review in order to obtain comments. Regional Transportation System (RTS) Team: The brokerage program provides transit passes to individuals with low income for transportation to work, job training, education, and other related trips. This project is consistent with the goals of the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan for Northeast Ohio. The brokerage coordinates with 40 agencies for referrals and transportation for its clients to improve coordination of services (top tier goal). It reduces costs for transportation providers (top tier goal) by allowing partner agencies, many of which have limited or no ability to provide transportation, to refer clients to the brokerage as a one-stop source for transportation assistance. It reduces costs for the end user (top tier goal) by providing transit tickets to a transportation-disadvantaged population (low income). This is especially pertinent due to Lorain County’s current high unemployment rate. It improves outreach, education, and travel training (second tier goal) by employing a mobility manager to educate clients about transportation options. 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. "The Lorain County Planning Commission voted to support this project." - Lorain County Planning Commission 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: Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan and TIP.