PUBLIC INPUT AND COMMENTS

In compliance with Federal regulations, NOACA regularly requests feedback from the public regarding proposed plans, programs and projects. NOACA encourages the public to participate in the transportation planning process and provide input throughout the year. Public comments can be given by contacting the agency via mail or email at the following:

NOACA
1299 Superior Avenue, East                                          Cleveland, Ohio 44114                                                  noaca@mpo.noaca.org

Notices of current items for public comment are posted online and through various digital platforms. The items are available for a minimum of 30 days, though sometimes longer for project plans and programs for input. The public can find open projects on this webpage under "Open Projects for Public Input." Comments can be submitted by form, if available, or by emailing noaca@mpo.noaca.org.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AT MEETINGS: NOACA welcomes agenda-relevant public comment at Board, committee and council meetings. Nearly all of these meetings are public meetings, and the time, place, and agenda are made available on our calendar and website. The following guidelines apply to members of the public who wish to address Board, committee and council members at their meetings:

• Comments must be directly related to an item on the agenda.
• Individuals who wish to make a comment at a NOACA meeting must sign in at least five minutes before the meeting’s published start time.
• Individuals are allowed three minutes to speak at a NOACA meeting.
• Individuals from a group who wish to speak on the same topic may be asked to identify one spokesperson for the entire group.
• All NOACA meetings have a 30-minute time limit for public comment.
• Individuals are not permitted to distribute handouts without receiving prior approval.
• NOACA reserves the right not to permit distribution of inappropriate materials.
• If requested, NOACA staff may copy approved handouts, given sufficient notice. The individual or group will be charged the current reproduction cost.
• Individuals wishing to use NOACA’s presentation software and equipment for their comment must provide NOACA staff with electronic copies of their presentation at least three business days before the meeting for review and approval.
• NOACA reserves the right not to permit use of its software and equipment for certain presentations.

Open Projects for Public Input

PPR Process

Project Planning Review (PPR) - NOACA policy requires Project Planning Review for all new projects being added to the Transportation Plan and/or Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). PPR is also required for projects that undergo a change of scope or a cost increase greater than 20 percent.

• Staff Review
  NOACA staff reviews each project application for completeness and accuracy. Staff will then offer comments with regard to current strategic plan goals and Long-Range Transportation Plan, eNEO2050.
• Committee Review
  Staff comments are distributed to NOACA committees and councils for further review and comment. After a period of review and discussion, the committees make their recommendations to the Board of Directors.
• Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC)
  NOACA encourages governmental organizations and communities to review and comment on proposed projects. If you represent a governmental entity and would like to comment on a project, please email us or call 216-241-2414.
• Public Involvement
  NOACA welcomes comments from the public about proposed projects. We would appreciate it if you include your city of residence, although it is not required. The public review period lasts until the Board of Directors makes a decision about them.
• Board of Directors Review/Consideration
  Only after the full review process is finished does the Board of Directors resolve that Project Planning Review is complete. This action allows the project to be added to NOACA’s long-range Transportation Plan. This is a requirement for a project being added to the Transportation Improvement Program, which is NOACA’s four-year capital budget.