Westshore Corridor Transportation Project

Kickoff Meeting

August 26, 2010

Today’s Agenda

• Introductions of the PB Study Team• Review of NEORail• The New Starts Process

– Alternatives Analysis Study

• Study Schedule– First round of Public Meetings

• Next Steps

The Parsons Brinckerhoff Team

The Parsons Brinckerhoff Team

• Tim Rosenberger, Matt Orenchuk, Caroline Nardi, PB

• Nancy Lyon Stadler, Baker• Margie Flynn, BrownFlynn• Doug Tober, RE Warner

NEORail

West Shore

Painesville

NEORail

NEORail

New Starts Process

• New Starts is a competitive grant process conducted by the FTA

• Projects are given a rating based on a number of criteria

– Mobility Improvements– Cost Effectiveness– Land Use Changes– Environmental Benefits

• Criteria may change with new transportation bill

New Starts Process

• Small Starts– Total Cost up to $250 million– $75 million Federal

• Very Small Starts– Total Cost up to $50 million– Up to $3 million per mile

New Starts Process

• Typical project development steps include:– Alternatives Analysis– Selection of Locally Preferred Alternative– Environmental Assessment/EIS– Preliminary Engineering– Review of Agency Financial Health– Cost Effectiveness Rating– Full Funding Grant Agreement

Alternatives Analysis

1. Goals and Objectives

2. Purpose and Need Statement

3. Existing Conditions Document

4. Initial Screening of Alternatives Document

5. Detailed Screening of Alternatives Document

6. Selection of Preferred Alternative Document

Alternatives Analysis

• Each step will produce a stand alone document • Each document will be reviewed by LCT and the

Committees• A final report with all documents will be submitted

at the end of the study.

Proposed Study Area

Statement of Purpose & Need

The purpose of the WCTP is to develop rail and public transit-based solutions to the transportation needs identified in the west shore corridor.

The need for improvements is based on • The lack of rail and transit options for intercounty movements• Traffic congestion on highways • The need to promote transit-friendly and sustainable development in

the corridor• The need for more cost-effective, affordable and sustainable

transportation investments in the corridor• The need to promote local economic growth in the corridor by

improving transportation connections and access; and • The need to improve the natural environment by promoting

environmentally-sound transit improvements.

Goals and Objectives

• Serve unmet demand for longer-distance inter-county public transit options for Westshore Corridor residents and visitors;

• Encourage sustainable, transit-friendly development and redevelopment in support of revitalizing core urban areas within the corridor focusing on the communities of Lorain, Sandusky, Vermilion, Lakewood and Cleveland;

Goals and Objectives

• Implement a cost-effective transportation solution with a combination of Federal, state and local funds that will be sustained by local funding sources.

• Enhance the local economy by providing improved access to corridor destinations for all sectors of the population, especially those without access to an automobile.

• Implement a transportation solution that promotes environmental sustainability and promotes social and environmental justice.

Schedule

• This study has an aggressive schedule for an Alternatives Analysis

• Begin – August 23rd

• End – December 3rd

Schedule

Public Involvement Is Vital

• First Set of Public Meetings (Sept 14-16)– Cuyahoga County Meeting Tuesday, Sept 14– Lorain County Meeting Wednesday, Sept 15– Erie County Meeting Thursday, Sept 16

• Each Meeting will include:– Public engagement events during the day– Traditional public meeting in the evening– Suggestions on locations

Next Steps

• September 14-16: First Set of Public Meetings

• September 29: Next Technical Committee Meeting– Review of Purpose and Need Document

Thank You!

• Contact information:Tim RosenbergerPB Cleveland614 W. Superior Avenue, Suite 400 Cleveland, Ohio 44113Phone (216) 781-7888rosenberger@pbworld.com