Governing Board Action: March 13, 2006

Today the NOACA Governing Board approved 16 transportation projects in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties for federal funding assistance under the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI). The TLCI focuses on planning projects that improve economic viability, safety and overall livability in Northeast Ohio communities. The 16 project awards of up to $75,000 for each project, total $1 million.

“We’re thrilled to help communities launch projects by providing much-needed planning funds,” noted NOACA Board president and Medina County Commissioner Stephen D. Hambley. “Planning is the foundation for any good project. When projects are planned well from the start, is likely that project development and implementation will be faster and smoother.”

The 16 Board-approved TLCI projects will be funded in State Fiscal Year 2007 (which runs from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007). Projects selected in last year’s TLCI program are currently in various phases of development.

In other business, the Board authorized funding assistance for the region’s Ozone Action Day Program and the new Fine Particle Pollution Program (FP3). These programs emphasize public and local government awareness of voluntary actions to reduce ozone and fine particle pollution. Services authorized include program marketing, public education, media buys, materials production and year-round intern assistance. NOACA will also renew and expand a contract with Ohio University to maintain the Northeast Ohio Air Quality Online Web site and provide air pollution forecasting for fine particle pollution. The Ozone Action Day and Fine Particle Pollution Programs offer public access to real-time air quality data. NOACA also offers e-mail notification to interested persons on days when ozone or fine particle pollution levels are expected to be unhealthy. Register for free e-mail notification.

In related action, the Board approved contracting with Ohio University for air pollution modeling to assist Northeast Ohio in evaluating emission reduction options that will help the region meet federal ozone standards. In April 2004, eight counties in Northeast Ohio were designated in nonattainment of the Clean Air Act’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which determine unhealthy levels of ozone. A nonattainment designation means that these counties (NOACA’s five counties plus Ashtabula, Portage and Summit) have ozone levels that exceed the clean air standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Board also agreed to oppose companion bills Ohio Senate Bill 127 and House Bill 206. This legislation could expand Lake Erie shoreline property owners’ rights to develop or construct structures on the coastline that could restrict public access to the lake. In addition, it could impede the Ohio Department of Resources’ efforts to protect and regulate the coastline and narrow public involvement in the coastal zone advisory process.