Build Up Greater Cleveland A TRADITION OF REGIONAL LEADERSHIP BUILD UP GREATER CLEVELAND A REGIONAL FORCE FOR 25 YEARS Dear Friends,

There’s a strong and constant drumbeat in northeast Ohio for more regional cooperation.

While the move toward such “team” thinking and cooperation is at times difficult and slower than we might like, there is one organization that has for more than 25 years quietly and effectively operated at a regional level.

Build Up Greater Cleveland (BUGC) -- created in 1983 at the behest of then-Mayor George Voinovich -- became one of the earliest public-private partnerships in the city.

Today, BUGC is a joint effort between GCP and the Cleveland Engineering Society (CES) working on behalf of their public partners including the:

City of Cleveland Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Cuyahoga County Engineer Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

In addition to these stakeholders the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are active members of BUGC.

Forming every city’s economic foundation are roads and bridges, sewer systems, waterways and public transit systems. Many find it easy to take our infrastructure for granted and these invisible assets are often overlooked.

Together the BUGC partners have attracted more than $6 billion in funding to our community. Demand is great and resources limited. The network demands regular monitoring and maintenance. Improvements are constant and costly and routinely crisscross the boundary lines of our region’s municipalities. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually on infrastructure in greater Cleveland. Because needs often outpace available funding, constant communication and effective planning are crucial.

For more than 25 years, the BUGC public private partnership has been working to maintain and improve our infrastructure. Please join me in acknowledging the success of Build Up Greater Cleveland as it continues to work hard to keep our community strong and functioning.

Joe Roman President & Chief Executive Officer The Greater Cleveland Partnership

STAKEHOLDERS & PARTNERS GREATER CLEVELAND PARTNERSHIP

The Greater Cleveland Partnership supports BUGC through its Physical Development By engaging in direct communication with elected officials and their staffs, the GCP and Government Advocacy program areas. provides information about regional infrastructure projects critical to the economic viability of Cleveland and northeast Ohio. The GCP Physical Development program focuses on redefining the physical landscape of our community through the development of catalytic infrastructure and real estate The advocacy team hosts educational tours for our government representatives so projects in greater Cleveland that they can better understand the project funding requests. The team also represents the interests of BUGC projects in its day-to-day activities and monitors legislative and The program staff engages our partners in the redevelopment of our community to other developments to identify opportunities to advance the BUGC mission. connect our infrastructure and transportation assets to improve and renew vibrancy in our downtown, neighborhoods and business hubs.

The GCP’s Government Advocacy team carries the message of BUGC to our elected officials on the federal, state and local levels. CLEVELAND ENGINEERING SOCIETY

The Cleveland Engineering Society (CES) coordinates the education initiatives defined by the stakeholders of BUGC. During the next 10 years the nation will be faced with a shortage of engineers. BUGC reaches out to northeast Ohio students and introduces them to civil engineering as a career option. Over the last four years, CES efforts have reached approximately 8,000 high school students, introducing them to engineering as a career option and the public works agencies involved with BUGC.

CITY OF CLEVELAND

The City of Cleveland is responsible for engineering, surveying and major construction of streets, bridges and sidewalks, and utilities in the public right-of-way. The City’s five-year capital improvement plan calls for nearly $500 million in infrastructure and transportation improvements. Overall the City of Cleveland has made a concerted effort to address the city’s long-term infrastructure needs. In doing so, it recognizes the significant role infrastructure plays in the city’s economy and substantial value it adds to the quality of life of its residents.

CLEVELAND-CUYAHOGA COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

The Port Authority is a key stakeholder in BUGC and plays an integral role in the regional economy by assisting private industry in retaining jobs and facilitating job growth. Its shipping operations and foreign trade zones enable the region to compete on a national and international basis. The Port Authority’s future plans call for the relocation of its docks and facilities from Downtown Cleveland. The relocation is driven by the Port’s desire to grow its maritime business, particularly in the areas of short sea shipping and container trade.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY ENGINEER’S OFFICE The Cuyahoga County Engineer is responsible for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance and repair of all roads and bridges within the county. The County’s engineers oversee the maintenance and reconstruction of 239 bridges and assist municipalities with the improvement of 816 miles of county and township roadway. The cornerstone of the Engineer Office’s success is its ability to effectively collaborate with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordination Agency (NOACA) to assist in the planning, funding and implementation of numerous capital projects that the County could not undertake on its own. Federal and state governments play a major role in maintaining county roads and bridges by funding nearly 70% of the 2008-2012 Capital Improvements Program plan. STAKEHOLDERS & PARTNERS Contd. NORTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT

Since its inception in 1972, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has made significant contributions to wastewater collection and treatment, storm water management, and water quality issues throughout greater Cleveland. The District operates three major wastewater treatment facilities and its service area encompasses the City of Cleveland along with 59 other communities in Cuyahoga and Summit counties. The benefit the District provides extends beyond the approximately one million persons it serves. When it safely and efficiently returns clean water to Lake Erie after proper wastewater treatment, it helps breathe life back into the Cuyahoga River and the lakefront.

GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Created in December 1974, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is an independent political subdivision of the State of Ohio. In 2005 RTA acquired the North Olmsted and Maple Heights transit systems via merger and now provides virtually all mass transportation within Cuyahoga County. RTA boasts an impressive multimodal system that offers bus, paratransit, heavy rail and light rail services. Providing service to 1.3 million customers, RTA is the largest transit system in Ohio - serving more customers than the transit systems in Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo combined. In 2007, RTA experienced its fifth consecutive year of ridership growth and provided more than 57.3 million rides.

W. 65th Street Rapid Station OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NORTHEAST OHIO TRANSPORTATION - DISTRICT 12 AREA WIDE COORDINATING AGENCY

Created in 1972, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintains all state The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) created in 1968, and federal roadways in the state of Ohio with exception of the Ohio Turnpike. ODOT is a comprehensive planning and transportation agency formed for the purpose of District 12 is responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of coordinating and reviewing federal and state funded planning activities and proposals Interstate Routes and State and U.S. Routes within Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake in northeast Ohio. NOACA is comprised of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and counties. In existence for over 100 years, ODOT is re-defining its role in the 21st Medina counties and is open to all cities, villages, and townships located in those century. ODOT’s new mission reflects a greater emphasis on a multi-modal approach counties. NOACA coordinates requests for federal funding for road, bridge, transit, to modernizing the state’s transportation system. In 2008-2009, ODOT will invest bicycle and pedestrian projects throughout its five-county region. In fiscal years 2008- approximately $14 billion in capital projects that integrate multi-modal transportation 2011, NOACA will allocate nearly $129 million to projects that advance transportation, systems and enable the State of Ohio to compete on a regional and national level. land-use planning, and environmental planning services throughout Northeast Ohio. INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Infrastructure and access to public transportation are critical to our urban centers if they bridges and utilities. Compounding the difficult task of maintaining and improving are to prosper and grow in the 21st century. infrastructure is a lack of resources at all levels – local, state and federal.

Investing in infrastructure and economic development can no longer be addressed Inter-governmental collaboration and focus are essential for making the most efficient separately on any community’s agenda. The two efforts must be undertaken simultaneously and effective improvements. Greater Cleveland is fortunate to have BUGC, a unique to ensure success. The City of Cleveland is no exception. outstanding nucleus of agencies committed to maintaining and improving our region’s infrastructure. Too often public focus on infrastructure occurs only when there is a problem – as there inevitably will be from time to time given the enormity of any large city’s network of streets, What follows are six examples of substantial projects, progress and improvements that have been made or are underway in Greater Cleveland.

www.positivelycleveland.com/jeffgreenburg A DOWNTOWN SUCCESS STORY East 4th Street Neighborhood

Two key factors in the revitalization of Cleveland’s East 4th Street Neighborhood as a residential and regional entertainment district were the integral role of infrastructure and public accessibility.

The reconstruction of Cleveland’s most historic alley - anchored at one end by the Gateway Sports Complex and at the other by the revitalized Euclid Corridor - transformed a blighted, forgotten city street into a vibrant neighborhood of choice and an entertainment powerhouse.

More than $3 million of public and private funding was invested in creating this modern street “experience”. New utilities, streetscape, deicing systems and brick pavers along with removable bollards and unique lighting create the foundation upon which the new neighborhood is built. And East 4th Street also serves as a gateway to the $200 million Euclid Corridor project - the one of a kind Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System that connects Cleveland’s Public Square to Playhouse Square, Cleveland State University and ultimately University Circle.

The $3 million investment leveraged more than $150 million of additional public and private investment along the 425-foot serpentine alley nestled between Prospect and Euclid avenues. The success of this neighborhood that was once considered to be at risk has also helped trigger billions of dollars of investment along Cleveland’s storied “millionaires row” – Euclid Avenue.

More than 220,000 square feet of restaurant and entertainment venues call East 4th Street home including the House of Blues, Pickwick and Frolic (home to the nationally recognized Hilarities night club), Iron Chef Michal Symon’s Lola Restaurant & Bistro and more than 300 units of residential housing.

Developer Ari Maron of MRN Ltd. recognizes the important role that infrastructure plays in advancing economic development. “From the very beginning we knew that for the East 4th Street neighborhood to be a success we had to build it on a new one of a kind street, connect it to our transportation corridors and provide easy access to public transit,” said Maron. “Transit oriented development is the key to urban economic development – access is attractive – it’s what brings people back to our downtowns.”

INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Contd.

CLEVELAND’S PORT GIVES NORTHEAST OHIO AN ADVANTAGE Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

Cleveland is one of a limited number of U.S. cities with a working port, giving the region The Port anticipates that goods shipped to centrally-located Cleveland via the St. Lawrence a prominent place on the global map for companies and industries involved in trade Seaway could deliver products to the nation’s vast mid-section more quickly and cheaper and commerce. – avoiding, for example the cost of gas-guzzling The Port Authority trucks hauling East Coast shipments west. In the past year, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority has dedicated is the 4th largest significant time and effort toward improving the job-creation potential of a metropolitan As part of the Port’s relocation strategy, nearly 1000 area distinctively located on a waterway. Great Lakes port acres of underutilized inner-city land adjacent to or - averaging 12.5 near the new site would be ripe for redevelopment Current plans call for a move of Cleveland’s 80 acre port stretching from the east bank of into an international trade district. the Cuyahoga River to North Coast Harbor to a “to be constructed” 200-acre site north million tons of of East 55th Street. The primary goal of the proposed relocation is to expand shipping cargo per year “This area could serve as a premiere logistical hub capacity. A relocated port will provide better linkage to all modes of transportation for for businesses that would specifically benefit from having improved access to a port,” local businesses seeking to connect with global markets. It will also open up the Wasserman said, “providing tremendous potential to attract new businesses and jobs.” downtown lakefront for public access and exciting development potential. Today, the Port’s activities support 11,000 manufacturing jobs, $570 million in personal Adam Wasserman, the Port’s executive director, believes Cleveland can become incomes, $882 million in business revenues and $200 million in local, state and federal a strong shipping alternative as ports on the East Coast become increasingly revenues. The proposed expansion has tremendous potential for the Port to be even congested. more robust yielding long-term payoffs for northeast Ohio. “Our plan envisions capitalizing on the opportunity presented by overcrowded ship traffic elsewhere,” he said. “We can offer Cleveland as an inland alternative. Northeast Ohio is in the heart of America’s ‘Fourth Coast’ on the Great Lakes.” Kim C. Jones / Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District HELPING COMMUNITIES REDUCE FLOODING Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Cleveland’s earliest sewers are “combined sewers” that carry sewage, industrial waste, and stormwater (from rain and melted snow) in a single pipe. When indoor plumbing was first developed, the pipes from residences were fed into the original storm sewers, which would empty raw sewage directly into area streams and Lake Erie.

Thankfully, treatment plants were eventually built at the end of the pipes to process the sewage before it enters the environment. But numerous “outfalls” — or combined sewer overflows (CSOs) — along the length of the pipes were kept to release the excess water that the sewers cannot fully contain during heavy rains and to help prevent street and basement flooding.

The Northeast Ohio Sewer District (NEORSD) is implementing projects to reduce these overflows, to meet EPA mandates. “Some outfalls Long Term Control Top: Cataract Falls - tallest falls in Cuyahoga County feeds directly into Mill Creek currently overflow 70 to 80 times a Bottom: Easterly Treatment Plant year,” explains Executive Director Plan calls for Julius Ciaccia. “We intend to get construction of 103 that number down to fewer than miles of tunnels and four at each location.” connecting sewers NEORSD is building gigantic throughout 65 storage tunnels to hold the construction projects. overflow during heavy rains until treatment plants can process this water. These tunnels provide relief for overloaded pipes, which can help local communities alleviate sewer backups and flooding problems.

The largest of the area’s CSO-control projects to date is the Mill Creek Tunnel, which can store up to 72 million gallons of overflow from the Mill Creek Interceptor (serving 12 communities including Cleveland, Cuyahoga Heights, and Garfield Heights). Thanks to the Mill Creek Tunnel, annual CSO will be reduced from over 500 million gallons down to 14 million.

NEORSD has to rely exclusively upon customers to fund the federally mandated yet necessary fix, investing $900 million to date in projects that have reduced CSOs. During the next 30 years, the agency estimates it will spend an additional $2 billion on combined sewer improvements and other wastewater improvements. INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Contd.

RENOVATION OF HISTORIC LIFT BRIDGE JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF SPAN UPKEEP Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office

With their unique lines and dramatic presence, Greater Cleveland’s road lift bridges are both practical and captivating.

A lift bridge is one type of movable bridge in which the span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck – a massive elevator of sorts. They have a unique advantage over other moveable bridges as the deck can be built with heavier materials, and as a result they can accommodate heavier loads including rail cargo.

The Columbus Road Lift Bridge was built in 1940 and represents one of the 5 road lift bridges in Cuyahoga County. For decades this bridge has served as a vital economic link connecting the east and west banks of the Flats. The bridge has a 242-foot vertical Columbus Road Lift Bridge lift span to accommodate two lanes of commercial marine traffic in the 220-foot wide navigation channel of the Cuyahoga River. When the span is fully open the bridge Number of Cars that Travel On Downtown Bridges per Day provides a 98-foot clearance above the river.

“A new Columbus Road Lift Bridge will provide a reliable, moveable structure that would enhance roadway connectivity in the Flats, helping to serve local businesses Main Ave Bridge: 45,428 encouraging greater economic activity and smoother traffic flow,” said Cuyahoga Vehicles counted on 11/1/2006 County Engineer Robert Klaiber.

Klaiber’s office is working with the City of Cleveland on an intensive evaluation process to determine how to replace or rehabilitate this tired but crucial bridge. In-depth inspections are underway to analyze the span’s condition and determine what the Hope Memorial Bridge: 21,563 financial requirements will be for the project. Public comment will be solicited before (Lorain Carnegie Bridge) any construction, commences. Maintenance of this span is a complex process but Vehicles counted on 7/21/2000 represents just a fraction of the work the Cuyahoga County Engineer’s office does every day.

The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office plays a critical role in maintaining Northeast Ohio’s transportation needs. They are responsible for the maintenance Veteran Memorial Bridge: 16,708 and reconstruction of more than 239 bridges as well as assisting municipalities with (Detroit Superior Bridge) maintenance of approximately 800 miles of roadways. They regularly inspect culverts Vehicles counted on 6/6/2008 and other bridges in the county and they manage tax map records.

Columbus Road Lift Bridge: 5,961 Vehicles counted on 6/1/2006 RTA PROVIDES IMPROVED CONNECTIONS FOR GROWING CLEVELAND HUBS Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Cleveland’s economy and its future significantly revolve around two vital, growing hubs In the Downtown Central Business District Cleveland also benefits from RTA’s free – Cleveland State University and University Circle. The Greater Cleveland Regional vintage trolley service. The trolley’s operate during the work week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Transit Authority (RTA) provides excellent public transportation options to both. and provide quick, easy access to downtown businesses, neighborhood districts and entertainment destinations. Both areas benefit greatly from RTA’s rail system. Visitors arriving at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport can ride the Red Line directly to the Tower City station downtown University Circle – our community’s cultural gem- is also an area where transit abounds. and then connect to the state-of-the-art HealthLine to either Cleveland State University In addition to all options listed above, visitors can ride the Red Line in from Hopkins or University Circle. Airport, to the University Circle Station on Cedar Avenue, or East 120th Street and Euclid Avenue, where a new station is being planned. This convenient, connective public transportation system is a substantial asset for greater Cleveland, as many other major U.S. cities don’t have such a network. 2008 RTA Service Miles

Cost to build the HealthLine bus-rapid-transit (BRT) service along the Euclid Corridor approximated $200 million, but the project has already generated several billion dollars worth of new construction. Service began in October 2008, with 63-foot articulated hybrid-electric vehicles, a modern streetscape, bus stations, transit-only lanes, a bike lane, and many other amenities on Cleveland’s most famous street. The service has already attracted national and international attention. RTA Bus - 21.9 Million Miles

“We believe the HealthLine will change the way people travel for decades to come,” said Joe Calabrese, RTA CEO and general manager. “We have worked closely with every group along Euclid Avenue – including Cleveland State and University Circle Inc. – to make sure that their future plans meshed with ours. “

The HealthLine is sponsored by two world-class health-care facilities, the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Both are located along Euclid Avenue in the University Circle area. RTA Train - 2.9 Million Miles INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Contd. LAKEFRONT WEST WILL BE PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY, PROVIDE ACCESS TO LAKE City of Cleveland

Imagine an inviting lakefront connecting Cleveland neighborhoods to downtown The second phase of the Lakefront West project has two components including -a lakefront that is equally accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The reconfiguring roadway access between West 28th and West 25th streets to provide a Lakefront West Project will do exactly that. safer environment for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

BUGC partners and stakeholders including the City of Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Today, the northern end of Ohio City is a complex network of neighborhood streets Regional Transit Authority and the Ohio Department of Transportation, along with other and highway ramps providing access to the Main Avenue and Veterans Memorial public partners and neighborhood development corporations, are working together to bridges that stretch across the Cuyahoga River valley. Surrounded by historic and tackle the transformation of the current highway infrastructure that isolates the lakefront new residential development, as well as being the primary link between industry and into a pedestrian-friendly, parkway drive. entertainment businesses in the Flats and the greater Cleveland region, this unique environment causes pedestrian, car and truck movements to mix, sometimes with The Lakefront West Project will be done in two phases along the existing West painful results. Reconfiguring the roadway network will improve safety for all use. Shoreway from Edgewater Park to Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood. Currently in the preliminary engineering stage, construction is expected to begin in 2012. Greening the West Shoreway will involve removing as much concrete as possible from the current roadway configuration primarily by removing the concrete center barrier Enhancing existing access and creating new walkable links between Cleveland’s and the highway shoulders. From Clifton Boulevard to the Main Avenue Bridge, the neighborhoods and the Lake Erie shoreline is the priority of the first phase of the parkway drive will have a landscaped median that will extend the greenscape of Lakefront West project. Edgewater Park. The current highway speed of 50 MPH will be reduced to 35 MPH, which will help encourage pedestrian and biking activity. For bike riders, a new bike path along the north side of the West Shoreway linked to the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway at West 49th Street will provide new recreational access to the Old River Channel area. www.positivelycleveland.com The Plain Dealer December 1, 2008 – Opinion, page A7 Build up our community As a growing chorus in Northeast Ohio urges more regional cooperation, one agency has long practiced intergovernmental efficiencies on big-ticket improvements to our infrastructure. Build Up Greater Cleveland – affiliated with the Greater Cleveland Partnership – is celebrating its 25th year of facilitating more than $6 billion worth of infrastructure improvements in greater Cleveland. Working partners include the Cleveland Engineering Society, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Ohio Department of Transportation, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Engineer’s office and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency. Here are some of the ways Build Up Greater Cleveland has impacted local residents: Number of bridges in Cuyahoga County 239 overseen by the county engineer. $3.2 billion Amount the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will invest during the next 30 years on waste-water treatment $26.5 million improvements and combined sewer overflow controls. Amount the Guyahoga County engineer is expected to have spent in 2008 on bridge improvements. Approximate number of tons 100,000 of sewage sludge removed annually from wastewater at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s treatment plants. National ranking, by size, of 8th Cleveland’s public water supply system. It covers more than 640 square miles.

Number of miles of water $5 billion Estimated amount of private development and lines in Cuyahoga County. improvements occurring along the Greater Cleveland 5,000 Regional Transit Autority’s Euclid Corridor project linking downtown to University Circle

Approximate number of miles of roads and streets managed by the $800Value of projects million that the Cleveland Cuyahoga city of Cleveland County Port Authority has helped finance since 1993 1,300

SOURCES: Build Up Greater Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Partnership © Copyright 2008 THE PLAIN DEALER. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission GREATER CLEVELAND PARTNERSHIP The Higbee Building 100 Public Square, Suite 210 Cleveland, Ohio 44113

www.gcpartnership.com http://gcpartnership.com/phys_impact.aspx