On December 12, 2008, the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2008-036 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2008-037 Plan and TIP Amendment Title: Lorain Port Authority Excursion Boat – Ferry Service Sponsor:Lorain Port Authority PID No: 80485 Estimated Total Cost: $1,755,284 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Discretionary Funds and SAFETEA-LU History/Background: In December 2004, the Lorain Port Authority (LPA) contracted with The StillWater Group to explore the feasibility (and provide input) for a plan to add excursion services to the City of Lorain. The report, commissioned by the LPA, is titled Linking Lorain to the Future – Preliminary Exploration and Introduction to Excursion Services, December 2005. The LPA is the sponsor of a Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Earmark No. 1008 (Purchase High Speed Ferries for Black River Excursion Service). Additionally, the LPA received Federal earmarks in fiscal years (FYs) 2006 and 2008 in Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development Discretionary Funds. On September 9, 2008, the LPA Board of Directors approved Resolution No. 2008-39, authorizing its executive director to file the necessary support documentation and grant applications, and to provide necessary certifications and assurances associated with the federal earmarks for funding for the Lorain ferry boat project. Current Conditions: The report commissioned by the LPA, states in its statement of need “it is apparent a need exists for excursion services for Lake Erie that are not directly linked to regular ferryboat transportation service. Existing service primarily provide direct auto and passenger transportation to the Lake Erie Islands, sightseeing cruises of Lake Erie Islands, sightseeing cruises of Lake Erie tributaries, and special event cruises linked to a meal function or nighttime entertainment”. The establishment of an excursion vessel service is one of the components of the City of Lorain’s overall redevelopment plan for the Black River Corridor, including the Lorain Port Authority’s $6.95 million multi-modal transportation center at Black River Landing, a $1.3 million redevelopment of Black River Lane through the City of Lorain and Lorain County, and the redevelopment of the former American Shipbuilding site across the Black River into a 60-acre waterfront housing development Proposed Project: The proposed project involves the purchase of a Jet Express IV, a jet powered, 147 to 149 passenger, all-aluminum, high speed ferry boat. The Jet Express IV is intended to provide regular service between the Port of Lorain and the Lake Erie Island area and first time excursion service between Lorain and the western Lake Erie basin area and the Cleveland area. The sponsor anticipates the service between Lorain and the Lake Erie Island area will run approximately 3 to 4 days per week. The sponsor estimates the trip from Lorain will take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The LPA is aware of a vessel, available for purchase, at an estimated cost of $1,755,284. Approximately $1,404,066 will be funded through the federal earmarks. The SAFETEA-LU earmark total is $600,000. An obligation limit of 91% ($546,000) has been applied to the earmark total. As such, anything over $546,000 is the responsibility of the sponsor. The SAFETEA-LU earmark combined with $858,066 in FY 2006 and 2008 discretionary funding totals $1,404,066 in federal funding. Based on the estimated cost of the vessel, approximately $351,218 will be provided by City of Lorain. Staff Comment (Summary): Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: This project is consistent with NOACA’s Connections 2030 Plan Goals #3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System) and #4 (Establish a More Balanced Transportation System which Enhances Modal Choices) and ODOT’s Access Ohio 2004 - 2030 Goals #2 (Economic Development and Quality of Life) and #4 (System Preservation). The sponsor should consider the installation of bicycle racks on the vessel. Based on the estimated cost of the vessel ($1,755,284), the non-federal share may exceed the standard 20%. The sponsor must provide for any costs over the SAFETEA-LU earmark obligation limit (i.e. $546,000). NOACA submitted a technical amendment in September to enable the sponsor to access funding as needed. However, the project is being processed through second quarter project planning review in order to fulfill federal, state and local requirements for public involvement and Intergovernmental Review and Consultation to offer committees, the public and governments the opportunity to comment on the project. All comments will be forwarded to the sponsor. Recommend committee and public review in order to obtain comments. 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 met on October 23, 2008 and voted to support this project. They would also like to know the tentative timetable for this project since that was not indicated in the project description." - Lorain County Community Development Department 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.