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 and TIP Amendment. Title:  GCRTA Cuyahoga County Plan for Senior Transportation Sponsor:  Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners Estimated Total Cost: $1,214,724 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) History/Background: The Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners developed a Senior Transportation program to provide comprehensive, efficient and cost effective transportation services for seniors in Cuyahoga County, to help them remain mobile and independent. Proposed Project:  A non-profit agency, the Senior Transportation Organization (STO), will manage and coordinate the senior's transportation services, serve as the central point for reserving rides, coordinate grant funding and capital needs planning, and serve as a liaison with the GCRTA on service planning and customer service issues. GCRTA will provide critical technical, operational and fiscal management assistance to the STO as well as serve as the designated recipient of Federal funds. The Program is a hybrid of transit and human service transportation, and is the most progressive and innovative coordination model undertaken by any urban metropolitan area. Using the best available technology and best practices, the program will: Provide a higher level of service at a significantly reduced costs; Ensure a full range of service options countywide; Use the newest, cutting-edge technology to improve customer service and service delivery systems; Establish a Senior Transportation Organization, committed solely to the transportation needs of seniors; Integrate services by creating unique collaborations between the STO, the GCRTA and local service providers; Revolutionize the delivery of senior transportation services. Instead of multiple individual operators providing service in limited geographical areas, there will be expanded markets with service driven by customer demand; Replace geographically limited ad hoc collaborations with formal collaborations throughout the county and across various modes of transportation; Eliminate duplicative facilities, equipment and resources; and Provide centralized accountability and financial management The estimated cost to operate the program is $1,214,724. Eighty percent ($971,779) will be funded with a federal fiscal year (FFY) 2005 Section 5309 Discretionary Earmark, as published in the November 30, 2005 Federal Register under Prior Year Unobligated 5309 Discretionary. GCRTA will provide the twenty percent local match ($242,945). Staff Comment (Summary): Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: Advance to committee and public review. Regional Transportation System (RTS) Team: Recommends approval because it complies with SAFETEA-LU requirements. It will have more resources to handle the demand. Plan/Forecast Team: Recommend funding. Committee Review: Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan and TIP. 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.