LOL.  Well I suppose there are other options than a shuttle bus! haha

Cities get $4 million in funding for transit

 

Friday, March 6, 2009 7:37 AM EST

By RICHARD PAYERCHIN

 

LORAIN — More than $4 million will help pay for new transportation projects for Lorain, Elyria and Sandusky, according to an announcement from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown.

 

The money comes as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will be released to the cities by the Federal Transit Administration. Lorain and Elyria will get more than $3.62 million for projects that will originate in those cities but that could affect the entire county, Brown spokeswoman Meghan Dubyak said.

 

More at

http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/03/06/news/mj709020.txt

Any developments on this?

Not since that public meeting last summer.

I saw the transit plan for the W25/Pearl corridor.  A lot of streetscaping ideas and such.  They want to go with the BRT option.  After the plan is presented to the public next week I can probably send it out, PM if you want more details. 

Is BRT really that much cheaper? It would be so awesome to see some light rail down this corridor ..

I would love to see the type of LRT extension from the Red Line as was discussed earlier in this thread.  One thing I think is missed in the eagerness and supposed relative cheapness of BRT compared to LRT, is that LRT extension would benefit much more by tying passengers and equipment into the existing rail transit network.  Riders into downtown from Parma could get, say, a 1-seat ride to Shaker Square or maybe Univ. Circle, if either dual-height equipment were used or, like E. 34th and E. 55th, low platforms could be installed at Red Line Stations.  BRT travelers, on the other hand, must transfer to Rapid Transit by going outdoors (we know of Cleveland's weather) to reach such popular places, including the Airport.

 

Also, BRT may be attractive in some ways as you move further from downtown simply because the tightness and density of streets lightens.  But as we're seeing already with the Health Line, BRT in downtown is somewhat awkward and confusing to drivers, who are redused to a 1 outer lane.  Plus, I feel lower Euclid is less pedestrian friendly, now, than before the Health Line.  Yes, there are more businesses and apartments springing up on Euclid, but those were in the works well before BRT was finalized or up and running.  BRT just seems like it's created a psychological barrier in the middle of Euclid, esp where those semi-high platform stations are.  I'm not totally poo-pooing the Health Line in this respect, because as I said, Euclid is coming back nicely...

 

But remember, even though our current Rapid system still lacks adequate distribution around downtown, it still has benefits from an underground/off street terminal to which train egress and ingress is speedy due to rapid rail's traffic/grade separated approaches.

If BRT is a lighter version of light rail, then this is going to be BRT light. Don't expect a Euclid Corridor/HealthLine. This is going to be a streetscaping with transit elements (ie: nicer Transit Waiting Environments, better signage, etc).

Darn.  I wanted a 100% Rapid ride to Honey Hut! :)

When is Commander BRT's contract up with RTA?  In each instance of possible BRT, I would rather use that money to get rail closer to shovel-ready.  I can't be the only one thinking this.

RCT approves fare hikes, starting June 1

 

BY TERRICHA BRADLEY • News Journal • April 21, 2009

 

MANSFIELD — The Richland County Transit Board voted to raise fares and monthly passes in their board meeting Monday.

 

[email protected]

419-521-7233

 

Well here is the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) study. The W25 corridor is a major through way on the West Side and definitely needs an upgrade.  Lots of potential! 

 

 

Ohio City

 

 

 

 

 

Queen-Barber - I have never personally heard that this hood had a formal name or even a business district.  There is an I-90 ramp. 

 

 

 

 

Clark-Metro

 

 

 

 

Metro Health

 

 

 

 

Brooklyn-Centre

 

 

 

 

 

Old Brooklyn

 

 

 

 

Dedicated bike lane AND demo of the horrible dollar store on the corner for mixed use.  No new RTA and expanded stations though, this is a major area for people catching the bus and constantly has people sitting on the steps of US bank. 

 

Old Brooklyn specific projects in conjunction with the TLCI study

 

Wild Life Way (thee zoo road) realignment and expansion of a small neighborhood park

 

Another area for redevelopment is the Old Brooklyn “triangle”  Currently a branch of the Cleveland library, various small business and the HUGE vacant RTA Westside bus garage.

 

 

 

Another Old Brooklyn commercial district along pearl

 

 

 

 

 

Brookpark Rd Retail District - Also currently this plaze is going to be remolded

 

 

 

 

Is there any way we can see the full sizes of these? These are all ridiculously tiny and impossible to read.

Thanks so much for posting these, Jar3232!

Yeah .. that was cool.

 

I'm sorry .. I still really want light rail to go through this corridor. I mean, how amazing would that be?!? Siiiigh.

 

I think I'm most excited about the potential for Brooklyn Centre and everything south, especially the Old Brooklyn sections.

I agree LR would be a major improvement to the area.  I know I have talked to some Parma residents that sound like they are pleading for a light rail extension.  However the land acquisition costs would be pretty high through most of the area I would imagine. 

As long as this major work is being done... you mean to tell me we can't bury the power lines?!?  There is actually a law or code in the books that requires this, but for some reason it hasn't been enforced in about 70 years.

I agree LR would be a major improvement to the area. I know I have talked to some Parma residents that sound like they are pleading for a light rail extension. However the land acquisition costs would be pretty high through most of the area I would imagine.

 

Just build it as a streetcar.

I agree LR would be a major improvement to the area. I know I have talked to some Parma residents that sound like they are pleading for a light rail extension. However the land acquisition costs would be pretty high through most of the area I would imagine.

 

Just build it as a streetcar.

 

Yes.

I agree LR would be a major improvement to the area. I know I have talked to some Parma residents that sound like they are pleading for a light rail extension. However the land acquisition costs would be pretty high through most of the area I would imagine.

 

Just build it as a streetcar.

 

Yes.

 

Does anyone remember the link to that article someone posted about light rail being built in the UK .. with a new system that made it much cheaper to build? Maybe the RTA would like that information to look into?

I like that bike lanes have been incorporated into OB.  Seems like OBCDC was listening when all of us bicyclists showed up to the planning meetings wanting to see improvements for bikes and pedestrians.  I guess the street was too narrow to pull off elsewhere. I hope sharrows can be incorporated where there are no dedicated lanes.

 

I agree that the buried power lines look nice in the historic areas, but should be considered throughout the entire corridor.

 

Thanks for posting, jar!

Does anyone remember the link to that article someone posted about light rail being built in the UK .. with a new system that made it much cheaper to build? Maybe the RTA would like that information to look into?

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,19045.msg390207.html#msg390207

Thanks, jar!

see the related news at the bottom -- let's hope they get the money!

 

 

NOACA delays vote on rule change until September

 

Published: Saturday, May 9, 2009

 

By JEFF GREEN

[email protected]

 

CLEVELAND — The board of the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency has decided to hold off until September before voting whether to change the rule that allows members of larger cities and counties to have more influence than others.

 

NOACA, an agency that distributes federal money to Lorain, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina and Lake counties, yesterday was to consider a rule change that would require two of the counties' board of commissioners to invoke its "weighted voting" rule, before it could be applied. Presently, a single mayor or commissioner on the 38-member NOACA board can have it apply. When the rule is not applied, the votes of all agency's board members have equal weight.

 

Lorain County Commissioner Betty Blair said part of the reason to hold off was that the Cuyahoga County commissioners were not prepared to support it. To go into effect, the change requires a majority vote of NOACA's board and ratification from each of the five counties' board of commissioners.

 

Based on a count of votes at the meeting, 22 NOACA board members voted for the change versus 11 who voted 'no.'

 

Lorain and Medina counties threatened to pull out of the agency in 2007 when Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson invoked weighted voting on a project to build a new interchange on Interstate 90 at Lear-Nagel Road in Avon. Jackson and other Cuyahoga County officials said they would use their might to vote down the project unless it contained some type of revenue sharing agreement with some Cuyahoga County communities pertaining to new development in the area.

 

The project passed with the revenue sharing agreement, which Lorain County officials saw as highway robbery.

 

Blair said she hopes the issue can reach consensus after talks this summer.

 

In other news, Lorain County might be able to apply for money from a $75,000 NOACA account to fund a feasibility study for a commuter rail line linking Sandusky, Lorain and Cleveland, Blair said. The Cuyahoga County commissioners passed a resolution this week supporting the project and Lorain County's access to the funds, she said.

 

 

http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/05/09/news/mj1018662.txt

 

Feasibility study?  Please explain.  Is this a Fed/FTA requirement? Is it comparable to the alternative modes analysis (I know that's not the name, but...)?  How long will it take?  Then will there be an environmental impact study?  How long will this project be wrapped up in study?  Can the logjam be broken?... Then, once the study is done, can some right-winger like a Deb Sutherland come along and derail the project (pun intended)?  And does the progress of the 3-Cs and Ohio Hub Amtrak project negatively impact our ability to get West Shore funds from the Fed? 

It's not a feasibility study. The reporter made an error. Its the alternatives analysis.

 

Federal funds for construction cannot be had until the alternatives analysis is done, the environmental impact statement is done and until the preliminary engineering is done. That's the process and each phase could take a year. Don't like the process? Get Congress to change the National Environmental Policy Act.

 

The 3-Cs, Ohio Hub, Amtrak etc. are unrelated to the West Shore Corridor. It may be referenced as a potential Ohio Hub routing in that planning, but I highly doubt any intercity trains will end up using the West Shore routing.

Good, I thought the reporter might be in error.  Good also w/ part 2, and thanks much... One thing: I'm not so much worried that Amtrak would rout trains over the West Shore line -- my guess, too much single tracks (or expensive rebuilds to double track) and too much slow, high population-density, grade crossing track in Lakewood for Amtrak to be interested in for long distance (even regional) passenger rail travel of even moderate high-speed (ie.  110 MPH).  My concern more was whether the Fed pot of money for Ohio might be depleted for Amtrak and commuter projects, like West Shore, since so many proposals are for NE Ohio ...  projects of which, of course, I have no problem w/.

All,

 

In June, the public is invited to attend three meetings to get their input

on how best to align land uses with existing/future rail stations in the

Cudell, Detroit-Shoreway and Ohio City neighborhoods. The ultimate goal is

so the community, the transit agency and rail service customers can each

derive the greatest benefit from enhanced synergies between land use and

public transit -- called Transit Oriented Development. We hope these

meetings prove to be educational and engaging for the public as well for

community leaders.

 

All Aboard Ohio and the Ohio City Near West Development Corp. are conducting

the public meetings with the support of 10 Cleveland City Council members

(see complete list below), the City of Cleveland's Department of Community

Development, plus the Cudell Improvement Inc., Detroit Shoreway Community

Development Organization and West Shore Corridor Task Force.

 

The meetings are a precursor to an upcoming Alternatives Analysis which will

identify ways to improve public transportation in the West Shore Corridor

from downtown Cleveland west into the lakeshore communities of Cuyahoga,

Lorain and Erie counties. Findings from these meetings will be delivered for

inclusion in the Alternatives Analysis, which is the first step in the

planning process for a transportation project to become eligible for federal

funding.

 

Here are the dates/locations of meetings, each of which will be from 6-7:30

p.m., with presentations starting at 6:30 p.m.:

 

CUDELL

June 11, 2009

St. Rose of Lima Church Hall

11411 Detroit Ave.

 

OHIO CITY

June 17, 2009

The Castele Learning Center

Lutheran Hospital

1730 West 25th Street

 

DETROIT-SHOREWAY

June 24, 2009

St. Colman Church

Basement meeting room

2027 W. 65th St., Cleveland

 

These council members generously provided Community Development Block Grant

support for this public input initiative:  Ward 5's Phyllis Cleveland, Ward

13's Joe Cimperman, Ward 14's Joe Santiago, Ward 15's Brian Cummins, Ward

16's Kevin Kelley, Ward 17's Matt Zone, Ward 18's Jay Westbrook, Ward 19's

Dona Brady, Ward 20's Martin Sweeney and former Ward 1 Councilwoman/current

State Senator Nina Turner. All Aboard Ohio thanks these council members for

their support.

Awesome!!

P.S. don't forget about All Aboard Ohio's public meetings starting tomorrow (Thursday) in Cleveland. For details, see the message two posts before this one...

 

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2009/06/10/front/1405745.txt

 

Local organizations help pay for proposed train route study

By TOM JACKSON | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 7:13 AM EDT

 

SANDUSKY

 

If the proposed West Shore Commuter Rail train linking Sandusky to Cleveland ever gets built, local organizations will be able to claim part of the credit.

 

After several months of fundraising, the $70,000 local match has been raised for a study of the proposal to go forward.

 

.......

I don't mean to take this thread in a different direction but any talk of a subway system brings to my mind when Cleveland or more specifically Dennis Kucinich and George Forbes told the federal government that Cleveland was not interested in something called the PeopleMover. It was 1976 and Cleveland at the time was chosen as a finalist for the Downtown People Mover Program. But our hero DK(aka BoyMayor) and his arch enemy GF(aka CityBoss) decided for the rest of us that Cleveland would pull out of this program.

 

Read this excerpt from  "A Brief History of UMTA's Downtown People Mover Program":

 

In 1976, after receiving and  reviewing 68 letters of interest and 35 full proposals and making on-site inspections of the top 15 cities, UMTA selected proposals from Los Angeles, St. Paul, Minnesota, Cleveland and Houston. It also concluded that Miami, Detroit and Baltimore would be permitted to develop DPMs if they could do so with existing grant committments. In 1997, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate Appropriations Conference Committee told UMTA to include Baltimore, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and St. Louis as part of the program. UMTA also added Norfolk, Virginia to the program. Cleveland and Houston were the first to withdraw from the program. Later, St. Paul also withdrew after its voters did not approve their project.

 

Read more at:

 

http://74.6.239.67/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=Downtown+People+Mover+Program&fr=slv8-hptb8&u=faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/dpmhist.htm&w=downtown+people+mover+movers+program+programs&d=IHmrRxlMS5ft&icp=1&.intl=us

 

I understand that Detroit's PeopleMover has been nothing but a money pit and has performed well below expectations, but I love the thing. Anytime I am in Detroit it is a must ride. I love that form of rail. In my mind all rail should be elevated, winding its way through and around buildings as it fly's overhead. Detroit's system is 2.9 miles long. I would have loved to have had that train working its way through downtown Cleveland.

 

DetroitPeopleMover site:

http://www.thepeoplemover.com/WE-LL-TAKE-YOU-THERE!.id.2.htm

The People Mover is pretty neat, but I also like streetcars, light rail and subways too.

I actually think the rubber-tired Miami People Mover is cool; goes everywhere downtown, interfaces with the Metro rapid transit and, most importantly, is FREE!  I actually think the rubber-tired Miami People Mover is cool; goes everywhere downtown, interfaces with the Metro rapid transit and, most importantly, is FREE! The rubber tired trains are all but silent overhead, cutting totally counter to Kucinich's (when he was Boy Mayor) scare talk of ugly, noisy Els like in downtown Chicago.  Worse yet, the Feds were prepared to practically subsidize the whole thing, but we thumbed our noses at them.  Kucinich, I think, called this Federal tyranny.  A shame.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/07/stephanie_tubbs_jones_transit.html

 

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center honors RTA champion and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta

Posted by Karen Farkas/Plain Dealer Reporter

July 07, 2009 14:50PM

 

 

CLEVELAND — RTA's Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center will memorialize its long-time supporter with more than a name on a building.

It also is a tribute to her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta.

 

The pearl, the sorority's national stone, is represented as a white circle at the entrance to the center, at East 21st Street and Prospect Avenue. Landscaping will also look like a string of pearls...

I may be confused but isn't CSU suppose to build something on top of the transit center some day.  Like a field house type building and some sort of housing or hotel.  Does not look like this is possible given the posted rendering.

 

Also, the expanded PD print article says the transit center is 2,000 square feet.  My house is that big.  Is this just poor editing or are they referring to just a certain portion of it, say the waiting area where all the art will be?

^ 2000 sq. ft. is the size of the indoor waiting area.

I may be confused but isn't CSU suppose to build something on top of the transit center some day. Like a field house type building and some sort of housing or hotel. Does not look like this is possible given the posted rendering.

 

I think the proposed field house is supposed to go on top of one of CSU's parking garages, if I'm not mistaken. But definitely not the transit center.

I may be confused but isn't CSU suppose to build something on top of the transit center some day.  Like a field house type building and some sort of housing or hotel.  Does not look like this is possible given the posted rendering.

 

I think the proposed field house is supposed to go on top of one of CSU's parking garages, if I'm not mistaken. But definitely not the transit center.

 

there was initial talk of doing this, but i don't think RTA and CSU could work out an agreement.  As it stands now, the northeast area of the parcel (shown as trees) is proposed for some future development by CSU or a private developer as part of the lease agreement.

News

 

NOACA board eyes securing $34,600 to fund commuter rail

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

 

By JORDAN CRAVENS

[email protected]

 

ELYRIA — The county appears to be one step closer to bringing a potential commuter rail to pass through its borders.

 

Post edited 9-4-09 to comply with terms of use

 

URL: http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/08/12/news/mj1459470.prt

 

© 2009 morningjournal.com, a Journal Register Property

 

This would be great.... 

http://209.51.133.155/cms/index.php/news_releases/more/noaca_finalizes_local_funding_for_west_shore_corridor_analysis/

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Aug. 17, 2009

Contact:  Ken Prendergast

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director

(216) 288-4883

[email protected]

 

NOACA finalizes local funding for West Shore Corridor analysis

 

All Aboard Ohio, a statewide nonprofit organization that promotes improvements to passenger rail and public transportation, is very grateful to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s Board of Trustees for agreeing to help fund an Alternatives Analysis of possible public transportation improvements in the West Shore Corridor.

 

Over a period of about one year, analysis will identify and compare the costs, benefits and performance of different technologies for providing commuter rail service using existing rail corridors or for enhancing bus services.

 

Just as important, the analysis will identify the consequences of making no major public transportation improvements in the busy travel corridor west of downtown Cleveland through the lakeshore communities of Cuyahoga, Lorain and Erie counties.

 

NOACA’s board on Friday unanimously agreed to commit $34,600 for the final portion of non-federal funding for the alternatives analysis, which is the first step in the federal transportation planning process.

 

It will match $34,000 raised locally by the Coalition for the Alternatives Analysis and the West Shore Commuter Rail Task Force. The combined amount of $68,600 will comprise the mandatory 20 percent local match needed to leverage a $343,000 federal earmark secured by U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (D-13).

 

“This is a tremendous step forward to get this important analysis underway to see if this project is eligible for federal funding,” said All Aboard Ohio President Bill Hutchison. “I am thankful to NOACA, Lorain County Commissioner Betty Blair, Congresswoman Sutton and the West Shore Commuter Rail Task Force for their leadership on this issue.”

 

The Lorain County Commissioners, which is the West Shore Corridor project sponsor, will hear a presentation at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday on a draft Request For Qualifications. If the RFQ is approved by the commissioners, experienced transportation planning consulting firms would respond to the RFQ to carry out the West Shore Corridor Alternatives Analysis.

 

“The Obama administration and both parties in Congress have expressed strong and increasing support for expanding commuter and high-speed passenger rail services nationwide,” Hutchison added. “The West Shore Corridor should be part of that growing rail network to create more jobs, improve access to jobs, education, health care and tourism, while increasing energy efficiency, air quality and the coverage area of railroad Quiet Zones.”

 

The idea of commuter rail in the West Shore Corridor has been discussed for more than a decade. In 2006, All Aboard Ohio advanced the discussion by organizing a series of West Shore Corridor Stakeholder meetings so elected officials, businesspersons, urban/transportation planners and citizens could identify issues associated with starting commuter rail in the corridor and how they could be addressed. The alternatives analysis was the outgrowth of the stakeholder meetings.

 

END

when i was home i saw this was applauded in a journal editorial about the new jet express to the islands service on the downtown lorain riverfront.

 

 

 

'OUR VIEW' EDITORIAL: Jet Express service bodes well for future of Lorain's waterfront

 

Published: Friday, August 21, 2009

 

10 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis | RSS Feeds

 

Lorain begins a new chapter today as a jumping-off-point for high-speed ferry service to the Lake Erie Islands.

 

City and port officials are banking on the Jet Express VI to help turn Lorain into a successful Lake Erie destination city. The 117-foot catamaran vessel, purchased by the Lorain Port Authority with federal funds, can carry up to 147 passengers on weekend trips to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.

 

Todd Blumensaadt, president of Put-in-Bay Boat Line Co., said it took 20 years to build Jet Express to where it is situated today, transporting about 200,000 passengers each season. Building Jet Express service from Lorain's Black River Landing to the islands will also take a long-term commitment by Blumensaadt and the city.

 

Lorain has some unique advantages which drew Blumensaadt to enter in the joint venture with the Port Authority. The dock at Black River Landing was built with input from various ferry experts. Lorain is closer for Cleveland-area Jet Express customers. Lorain also offers the possibility of a commuter rail service.

 

Plans for commuter rail service through Lorain received a boost last week. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency came through with $34,000 to complete the local match required to secure federal funds for an important study for the rail project. Commuter rail service to Lorain and the Jet Express dock could prove mutually beneficial.

 

The stunning Jet Express VI is a welcome addition to Lorain and its evolving waterfront.

 

http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/08/21/opinion/mj1497307.txt

Good for Lorain, but I wish Cleveland had ferry service to the islands.

Good for Lorain, but I wish Cleveland had ferry service to the islands.

 

I do in a way....  But in some ways....especially since I know people who live on the islands....  Maybe its better not, as it may invite in a lot of riff raff... I would hate to see Kelly's spoiled with over tourism, people who litter, are loud and just turn the place upside down...ultimately ruining the very allure that attracted people there in the first place. Hawaii is learning this.

^in addition to all those points it would be a long ride from cleveland.  I believe it is an hour ride from Lorain and I would guess it to be a 2 hour ride from cleveland.  That is a long time on a boat, i know as I drove a boat from Sandusky to Cleveland for the air show.  now this was at about 20 MPH not the 40 of the Jet and I was driving so not nearly as enjoyable.

 

Besides if we are going to be operating a commuter rail line from lorain to cleveland then we will have direct access.

^ yeah, thats exactly the point. the (hopefully) future commuter rail station is already built and is right next to the jet express ferry.

 

will the ferry service get established and get enough business in the interim to hold on long enough? thats a big issue. you cant count this summer its too late in the season, but next summer will be telling for it's viability. might be it cannot make it without the additional people a rail connection would bring, we'll see.

 

 

If everything falls into place for the commuter rail when could this be running?

Perhaps 3-5 years. Realistically? More like 10.

10 years?  Realistically? ... How do you square 10 years, for a 25-mile commuter line that's been studied and studied for over a decade; that just received NOACA funds (bless 'em... finally) for the local match; for a line that exists, has light freight traffic and even a completed station (in Lorain)?  versus the 3-C Amtrak project which, w/in the last year or so, cobbled together a 250-mile Ohio-length route which has a quick-start proposed time of less than 2 years, if we're to believe Gov. Ted and rail pundits?  ... I realize, positive projects always take longer in Cleveland than most places, but 10 years seems extremely pessamistic... realistically.

It may have been studied but they were feasibility studies that are meaningless to the Federal Transit Administration. Instead the FTA recognize these progressive steps, each of which takes 1-2 years to complete: alternatives analysis, environmental impact, preliminary engineering, final engineering, construction. Each step also gets progressively more expensive. The West Shore Corridor Alternatives Analysis will cost just over $400,000. But preliminary engineering can cost about 5-15 percent of the estimated project construction costs. Thus if West Shore Corridor would cost $100 million to implement, the preliminary engineering might cost $5 million to $15 million depending on how complicated a project this is (probably not very, but ya never know!). So coming up with funding for each planning phase can take a long time. It took WSC proponents more than a year just to come up with the $414,000 for the alternatives analysis!

 

It took Nashville 10 years to go through the federal planning process under the National Environmental Policy Act and that was just a $40 million project! Cleveland doesn't have a monopoly on projects taking a long time. I keep telling you that but you don't want to believe it. These long timelines are why Congress desperately wants to streamline the NEPA rules and regulations in the next surface transportation reauthorization.