On March 14, 2008, the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2008-008 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2008-009 Plan and TIP Amendment Title: Installation of Signage along Ohio & Erie in Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties Sponsor: Cuyahoga County Engineer PID No: 81773 Estimated Total Cost: $500,000 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: Federal Discretionary (National Scenic Byways Program) Funds History/Background: The Ohio and Erie Canalway Association (OECA) was awarded funds through the National Scenic Byways Program. The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office was designated as the project coordinator. Cuyahoga County will get agreements with other counties similar to municipal legislation currently obtained. The OECA is preparing a comprehensive signage plan for the Canalway. Current Conditions: The Canalway Ohio National Scenic Byway, in eastern Ohio, begins at the City of Cleveland lakefront and follows the course of the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron and several canal-era towns to Dover, Ohio. The area includes Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties and the cities of Akron, Cleveland, Massillon and New Philadelphia. Proposed Project: The project involves replacing signs along the 110-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Way Scenic Byway in Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties. All work is to be performed within the existing right-of-way. Several signs have been developed to provide directional information and build identity for the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Vehicular signs to be placed in the public right-of-way include: Byway route markers Way-finding signs containing information and directions for attractions on and along the Ohio & Erie Canalway Trailhead/parking signs (signs that lead visitors to interpretive stories, natural and cultural resources found along the Towpath Trail and its adjoining trails) Confidence markers (freestanding outdoor signs that will identify sites as affiliates of the Ohio & Erie Canalway) will be placed near driveways of affiliated Canalway destinations (parks, natural areas, historic landmarks or other attractions or points of interest) to identify the site as a Canalway site. Pedestrian way-finding signs will be placed along the parallel Towpath Trail and connector trails to provide directions to the same affiliated sites and attractions along the Towpath Trail System and within the Canalway borders. Pedestrian kiosks will introduce the Ohio & Erie Canalway - its three modes of transportation (i.e. Towpath Trail, America’s Byway and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad) and its core story. They will be placed within designated attractions and points of interest affiliated with the National Scenic Byway. The first phase towards implementation of the comprehensive signage plan for the Canalway will be upgrading the existing byway route markers. The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office will provide project management for the plan development and construction phases of this project. The Engineer’s Office will also provide surveying and right-of-way plan preparation services, as needed to the prime consultant for base mapping and for the acquisition of all property rights necessary for the construction of this stage of the towpath. The estimated total project cost, provided by the sponsor, is $500,000. Eighty percent ($400,000) will be funded with National Scenic Byways Program funds. The twenty percent ($100,000) non-federal match will be provided through local sources. The Ohio Canal Corridor will work in conjunction with the Engineer’s Office to obtain local funding match from other Counties. Cuyahoga County has committed to its local share. Staff Comment (Summary): Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: This project is consistent with NOACA’s Connections 2030 Goal # 10 (Quality of Life through Aesthetics in Planning of the Transportation System) and ODOT’s Access Ohio Goal # 2 (Economic Development and Quality of Life). Recommend for committee and public review in order to obtain comments. Regional Transportation System (RTS) Team: This project will be discussed at the January 14, 2008 Bicycle Advisory Council meeting. 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. "Cleveland Metroparks supports the efforts of the Cuyahoga County Enginner's office to install signage along the Canalway Ohio National Scenic Byway, consistent with the comprehensive signage plan now being prepared by the Ohio and Erie Canal Association.. The project will coordinate signage along the entire route of the Byway through four counties for both motorists and Towpath Trail users. In Cuyahoga County, the Byway runs through or along four Cleveland Metroparks reservations (Brecksville, Ohio & Erie Canal, Brookside and Washington), which in 2006 had a combined 1.8 million recreational visits. The installation of way finding signs and confidence markers will enhance directional signage along and through these reservations. Future visitors to Cleveland Metroparks will benefit from improved signage providing directions to trailheads, natural areas, historic and cultural resources and other points of interest. Cleveland Metroparks appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments through the intergovernmental review process". - Cleveland Metroparks "Please use ODOT Construction and Material Specifications book Item 730.192 Reflective Sheeting Type H for all signs and use fluorescent yellow green reflective sheeting for all signs listed in Item 630.04 Sign Fabrication from the ODOT Construction and Material Specifications book". - Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office, Transportation and Traffic 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.