Title VI Statement of Policy

2014 1 NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTIFICATION: GRPC prohibits discrimination in all of its programs, services and activities. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or other protected status. Persons who require assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the MPO at least five (5) business days prior to the any scheduled meeting, event or the end of a public review and comment period. Contact Stephanie Plancich at 228-864-1167 or by email to [email protected] with any requests, questions or comments. NOTATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: This document was prepared and published by Gulf Regional Planning Commission, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in cooperation with or with financial assistance from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Assistance notwithstanding, the contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the official view or policies of the funding agencies. NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW: In compliance with federal regulation 23 CFR 450, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) sought public input on the development of this public participation plan from 10/27/2014 through 12/11/2014. This public comment period also satisfies the FTA public participation requirements of Section 5307 POP notice. Zero comments were received. The TPC adopted this updated public participation plan on 12/11/2014. Contact Stephanie Plancich, Public involvement/Title VI Coordinator with any questions or comments. 2 1. Call the GRPC offices and speak to a staff member 228-864-1167 or 866-847-7986 2. Mail in your comments and questions 1635-G Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi MS 39532 3. Visit the GRPC offices to meet with the staff 1635-G Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi MS 39532 4. Email in your comments and feedback [email protected] or [email protected] 5. Visit the GRPC website and submit comments www.grpc.com or www.get2b-MS.com 6. Attend an upcoming public event or meeting Call or visit website for event calendar YOUR IDEAS CAN CHANGE THE WAY WE MOVE IN OUR COMMUNITY 3 Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 6 MPO Governance .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) ....................................................................................................... 7 Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) ..................................................................................................... 8 Required Language in Publications ................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 2: Public Participation ........................................................................................................................... 11 Public Participation Guiding Principles ............................................................................................................ 11 Be Inclusive ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Be Fiscally Responsible ................................................................................................................................... 12 Be Consistent .................................................................................................................................................. 12 Be Proactive .................................................................................................................................................... 12 Be Visible ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Be Responsive ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Be Creative and Flexible .................................................................................................................................. 13 MPO Plans and Programs................................................................................................................................ 13 MTP - Metropolitan Transportation Plan.................................................................................................... 13 TIP – Transportation Improvement Program .............................................................................................. 14 PPP - Public Participation Plan & Civil Rights Program ............................................................................... 14 UPWP - The Unified Planning Work Program ............................................................................................. 14 Technical Studies ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Modification and Amendment Processes ....................................................................................................... 15 TIP Amendments ......................................................................................................................................... 15 Administrative Modifications to the TIP ..................................................................................................... 16 Incorporating Public Input into Program and Plan Development ................................................................... 17 Chapter 3: Engagement Strategies ..................................................................................................................... 19 10 Engagement Strategies Utilized by GRPC ................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 4: Civil Rights Program .......................................................................................................................... 26 Civil Rights/Title VI Program Overview ........................................................................................................... 29 Program Authorities ........................................................................................................................................ 30 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................... 30 Civil Rights Program Performance Measures ................................................................................................. 31 Identifying the MS Gulf Coast Traditionally Underserved Populations ........................................................... 33 Targeted Participation Strategies .................................................................................................................... 34 4 Chapter 5: Disadvantaged Business (DBE) Program ........................................................................................... 37 Definitions (43 CFR 26.7)................................................................................................................................. 37 Policy Statements............................................................................................................................................ 37 DBE Program Performance Measures ............................................................................................................ 38 Chapter 6: Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Compliance Program ................................................................. 41 ADA Program Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 41 Steps to ADA Compliance ............................................................................................................................... 43 ADA Transition Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 44 Chapter 7: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan ............................................................................................... 51 LEP Four Factor Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 53 Summary of LEP Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 54 Engagement Strategies that Engage the LEP Community ............................................................................... 55 Chapter 8: Environmental Justice (EJ) Program .................................................................................................. 58 When should Environmental Justice be considered?...................................................................................... 58 What constitutes an environmental impact? .................................................................................................. 59 Definitions ......................................................................................................................................................

Load more