Public Participation Plan

2020

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Adoption April 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE OF DOCUMENT AND SERVICES AVAILABILITY ...... 5

INTRODUCTION ...... 7

RPO HISTORY & DYNAMICS ...... 8

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN GOAL ...... 8

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OBJECTIVES ...... 9

STATE & FEDERAL REGULATIONS & REQUIREMENTS ...... 10

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE SUNSHINE ACT ...... 10 PUBLIC LAWS ...... 10 TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT ...... 11 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ...... 12 EXECUTIVE ORDERS ...... 12 Environmental Justice (EJ) ...... 12 ENVIROMENTAL jUSTICE (ej) cONTINUED ...... 29 Limited English Proficiency ...... 29

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES...... 32

OUTREACH EFFORTS ...... 32 North Central Long Range Transportation Plan (LTRP) ...... 34 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ...... 35 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN...... 36 STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ...... 36 PUBLIC MEETINGS ...... 37 SOCIAL MEDIA ...... 38 VISUALIZATION TOOLS ...... 38 RPO WEBSITE ...... 40 RPO NEWSLETTER ...... 40 RADIO/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SHOWS ...... 40 ONLINE SURVEY ...... 40 RPO LOGO ...... 41 DATA REQUESTS ...... 41 EVALUATION ...... 41 CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT ...... 42 CLOSING REMARKS ...... 43

APPENDIX ...... 44

A. UNITED STATES & REGIONAL BACKGROUND POPULATION CHANGE ...... 44 B. LOW INCOME POPULATION ...... 44 C. COMMUTE TO WORK ...... 45 D. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ...... 45 E. AGE BREAKOUTS ...... 46 F. LOCATION TO REVIEW DOCUMENTS ...... 47 G. LOCAL MEDIA INFORMATION ...... 47 H. SAMPLE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT AND ADVERTISEMENT ...... 48 I. INTERESTED PARTIES ...... 50 J. SPECIAL STUDIES: SCOPING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND CORRIDOR STUDIES...... 51 K. RPO VOTING AND EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS ...... 52 L. MAJOR PLAN UPDATES ...... 53 M. NON-DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM ...... 54

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NOTICE OF DOCUMENT AND SERVICES AVAILABILITY

North Central will make every effort to fulfill all reasonable requests for assistance when needed. North Central will also take into consideration the choice of aid or service requested, however North Central may substitute with a demonstrated equally effective means of communication. Furthermore, there are situations when providing a particular aid or service may result in significant difficulty or expense. If this occurs, North Central will provide another aid or service, if possible that does not result in an undue burden. This is accomplished on a case by case basis. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, documents in alternative formats or languages, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity, please contact North Central at (814) 773-3162. If assistance required is for a public meeting, please call five (5) days prior to the meeting event so that special assistance may be accommodated.

North Central RPO will provide translated documents upon request. Also all public plans and documents on our website are available for free translation using Google translation services. https://rpo.ncentral.com/

North Central will not place a surcharge on an individual with a disability or those with limited English proficiency to cover the costs of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy.

For more information on effective communication requirements for Americans with disabilities, please visit: https://www.ada.gov/effective-comm.htm

If you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against, been denied participation in or the benefits of a program or activity administered by North Central or its member agencies, you may complete a Non- Discrimination Complaint form (See Appendix M) or contact the following individuals:

Amy Kessler, Director of Comm. Dev. & Reg. Planning North Central PRP&DC 49 Ridgmont Drive Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 773-3162 [email protected]

James E. Chorney, Executive Director North Central PRP&DC 49 Ridgmont Drive Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 773-3162 [email protected]

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For more information on the Department of Transportation’s standard title VI assurances and non- discrimination provisions please click on the following link.

DOT standard title VI assurances and provisions

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INTRODUCTION

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (North Central) is the designated Local Development District and Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) for the counties of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter. The unique geography of the six county region speaks to the character of its residents as independent, hardworking citizens who have come to expect excellence in the transportation services the RPO provides. At its core, the RPO serves as the transportation planning and program partner to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). One of the most important tools used to accomplish this service is the regional Public Participation Plan (PPP). Creation and adoption of a PPP is not the work of one, but of many. The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission wishes to express its appreciation to the members of the Rural Transportation Planning Committee for their insights and participation toward the successful completion of this public participation plan. Through the outreach efforts identified in this plan, residents of the north central region, regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious creed, or Limited English proficiency will have the same opportunity to provide input on the transportation investment strategies that will shape the region's future.

The contents of this Plan contain references to Federal Regulations and State Guidelines for public participation in the transportation processes, including, but not limited to:

 Code of Federal Regulation Title 23 § 450.316;  Presidential Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice  Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990  Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited-English Proficiency  Commonwealth’s Sunshine Act (Open meetings Law)(65 PA C.S. § 701-716)

This plan describes these Federal and State regulations and guidelines in detail in order to provide a comprehensive background for the outreach activities currently undertaken by the RPO. To find out more about the background of these regulations, continue reading. To find out specifically what outreach methods the RPO uses for public involvement, or find out how you may get involved in the transportation planning process, click here  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES.

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RPO HISTORY & DYNAMICS

North Central, serving as the Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO), guides the overall transportation planning and programming process in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties. The RPO, operating via an agreement with PennDOT collaborates with stakeholders, reviews, and approves the development and implementation of plans and programs for highways, bridges, pedestrian facilities, and transit services. North Central has established the Rural Transportation Planning Committee to act as the authority on all regional transportation planning and programming activities. The Committee consists of the county planners from the six-county region; representatives from PennDOT Districts 2-0, 10- 0, and Central Office; the Federal Highway Administration; public transit; aviation; rail; local municipal officials; pedestrian minded groups; trail oriented groups; private industry; as well as local community groups with an interest in transportation, community and economic development throughout the region. Overall, the committee is charged with establishing policy and prioritizing all major capital projects throughout the region in accordance with the guiding principles for planning and programming, as well as developing the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Region’s Long Range Transportation Plan “Without your involvement we (LRTP). North Central has taken a proactive approach cannot succeed.” With your to the public participation process and environmental involvement we cannot fail.” justice activities to meet or surpass the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Public involvement is vital to good planning. Without public participation, there is a risk that decisions could have unintended negative results. Education and public outreach are a key part of fulfilling the North Central RPO’s responsibility to successfully inform the public about the planning process at the regional, county, municipal, and individual level. Furthermore, the plan seeks to provide greater access for review of documents and plans in all communities, especially in areas where individuals may be limited by their proficiency in the English language.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN GOAL

The goal of this plan is to define a process for providing citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation groups, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, disability rights advocates, and other interested parties with reasonable opportunities to be involved and participate in the transportation planning process.

The North Central RPO is committed to cultivating and maintaining a robust citizen participation process. In order to accomplish this commitment, the RPO will guide the public involvement process by the following principles:

A. It is the citizen’s right and responsibility to be actively involved with the transportation planning process.

B. Citizens should be informed about the needs/concerns and are encouraged to engage in finding solutions.

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C. Early and timely involvement of citizens is necessary to build community agreement on the needs and solutions before courses of action are proposed.

D. Unanimous agreement on the final proposed action is desirable, however this is not always the case. Negotiation/compromise are essential building blocks when constructing an agreement.

E. The means by which the RPO reaches a decision is as essential as the end result.

F. Once the RPO determines a course of action, they will communicate and follow-up with engaged parties to preserve trust built with the community involvement process.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OBJECTIVES The public, in any one area or jurisdiction, may hold a diverse array of views and concerns on issues pertaining to their own specific transportation needs. Conducting public participation involves seeking public input at specific and key points in the decision-making process on issues where such input has a real potential to help shape the final decision or set of actions. To that end, the North Central RPO shall provide for public participation consistent with the following objectives during the development of its short and long- range transportation plans and programs:

Objective 1: Present the public with a means for input, and be responsive to such input. Objective 2: Document any input and any follow-ups and results of that input. Make results publicly available. Objective 3: Raise the level of understanding of the transportation planning process throughout the region through various public outreach activities. Objective 4: Maintain contact with “interested parties” and key stakeholders throughout the transportation planning process. Objective 5: Inform and educate planning committee members, County Commissioners and advisory groups regarding the RPO’s programs. Objective 6: Determine a procedure and performance metrics for evaluating the RPO’s responsiveness to public participation. Objective 7: Seek out and consider the needs of “interested parties” and those traditionally underserved by the existing transportation systems to include those who are low income, minority, or elderly in the transportation planning process. The FAST Act (further defined under “Public Laws”) describes “Interested Parties” as:

• Citizens • Affected Public Agencies and staff • Representatives of Public Transportation Employees • Providers of Freight Transportation Services • Private Providers of Transportation Services • Representatives of Users of Public Transportation • Representatives of Bicycle & Pedestrian Walkways Facilities • Representatives of the Disabled • Other Interested Parties

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STATE & FEDERAL REGULATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Public involvement is not a PRIVILEGE that the North Central RPO extends to a select FEW residents of region. Rather, it is the RIGHT of ALL residents of the region to have a say in the plans, programs, and investments made. The standard has been set with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The state/federal regulations and requirements that guide inclusive participation activities are outlined in further detail below.

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE SUNSHINE ACT

Title 65 PA CS 701-716 is an act requiring public agencies to hold certain meetings and hearings open to the public, and to provide penalties as listed under this act. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Sunshine Act.

The General Assembly of Pennsylvania finds that secrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government. Key points of the Sunshine Act are as follows:

• Official action and deliberation by a quorum of the members of an agency shall take place at a meeting open to the public.

• Written minutes shall be kept of all open meetings of agencies.

• Public notice is not required in the case of an emergency meeting or a conference.

• The board or council has the option to accept all public comment at the beginning of the meeting.

• A person attending a meeting of an agency shall have the right to use recording devices to record all the proceedings.

PUBLIC LAWS

Public participation in the transportation planning and programming process has been a priority for federal, state and local officials since the passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991; its successor, the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21); the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21); and the present day Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). President Obama signed into law the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act of 2015”, commonly called “the FAST Act”, on December 4, 2015. The FAST Act authorizes $305 billion over fiscal years 2016 through 2020 for the USDOT’s highway, highway and motor vehicle safety, public transportation, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials safety, rail, and research, technology and statistics programs. With its enactment, States and local governments may now move forward with critical transportation projects, like new highways and transit routes, with the confidence that they will have a Federal partner over the long term. The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Public Participation and Environmental Justice policies reflect the mandates in current Federal Legislation, the FAST Act. The Transportation Planning Committee approves the use of federal transportation funds within the North Central RPO area and operates under the FAST Act.

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TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, and national origin. Specifically, 42 USC 2000d states that "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

The use of the word "person" is important as the protections guaranteed under Title VI apply to anyone, regardless of whether the individual is lawfully present in the United States or a citizen of a State within the United States. In addition to Title VI, there are other non-discrimination statutes that guarantee legal protection. These statutes include the following: Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, religious creed and national origin), Section 162 (a) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 (23 USC 324) (sex), Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (age), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (disability).

These requirements forge an inclusive Title VI and Non-discrimination Policy. Therefore, all recipients of Federal aid are required to certify, and the USDOT must ensure, non-discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, North Central will comply with Title VI and the additional non-discrimination requirements. It is important to also understand that these non- discrimination requirements are applicable to all PennDOT programs, whether they are receiving federal financial assistance or not.

As noted above, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 originally banned discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. North Central's Title VI policy includes other federal and Commonwealth non- discrimination authorities which prohibit discrimination based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious creed, disability, limited English proficiency, and low income.

There are many forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, or national origin that can limit the opportunity of an individual to gain equal access to services and programs. For example, in operating a federally assisted program, a recipient cannot, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or through contractual means:

• Deny program services, aids, or benefits;

• Provide a different service, aid, or benefit, or provide them in a manner different than they are provided to others; or

• Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any services, aid, or benefit.

Also it's important to understand that Title VI and the additional Non-discrimination requirements are applicable to Federal programs as well as to programs receiving federal financial assistance due to the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987.

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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), is a civil rights law that forbids discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life to include jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public, as well services, programs, and activities. For example, public entities are required to make programs accessible to individuals with disabilities including conducting meetings and hearings in ADA-compliant buildings. Reasonable accommodations must be provided to ensure communications are equally effective for persons with disabilities in order to participate in meetings, planning and programming activities.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (EJ) Presidential Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice states the following:

Section 1–1. Implementation.

1–101. Agency Responsibilities. To the greatest extent practicable, permitted by law, and consistent with the principles set forth in the report on the National Performance Review, each Federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the United States and its territories and possessions, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands."

In Federal Highway Administration Order 5610.2(a) states four fundamental Environmental Justice principles:

 Identifying and evaluating environmental, public health and interrelated social and economic effects of DOT programs, policies, and activities.

• Proposing measures to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate disproportionately high and adverse environmental and public health effects and interrelated social and economic effects, and providing offsetting benefits and opportunities to enhance communities, neighborhoods, and individuals affected by DOT programs, policies, and activities, where permitted by law and consistent with the Executive Order.

• Considering alternatives to proposed programs, policies, and activities, where such alternatives would result in avoiding and/or minimizing disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental impacts, consistent with the Executive Order.

• Eliciting public involvement opportunities and considering the results thereof, including soliciting input from affected minority and low-income populations in considering alternatives.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/ej_at_dot/orders/order_56102a/index.cfm

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For the purposes of long-range transportation planning, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Rural Transportation Planning Organizations (RPOs) must address EJ in the process of developing and advancing transportation programs and projects.

Of central importance to the continued implementation of EJ principles within USDOT is its 1997 internal EJ Order, which establishes procedures and guidance for the Department and its Offices of Administration (OAs) to implement Executive Order 12898. The USDOT Order is intended to ensure a consistent approach toward achieving EJ within the Department and to guarantee that all USDOT components fully consider and incorporate, as appropriate, EJ principles in existing programs, policies, and activities. The Order also reaffirms USDOT's commitment to ensuring that non- discrimination is an integral part of its programs, policies, and activities.

Executive Order 12898 and the accompanying Presidential Memorandum underscore the importance of utilizing existing laws-including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Title VI-to ensure that all persons live in a safe and healthy environment. Specifically, Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Consistent with Title VI and the E.O., the USDOT Order emphasizes the importance of ensuring that programs or activities funded by USDOT which affect human health or the environment do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The USDOT Order also emphasizes that EJ principles apply to planning and programming activities and that requirements, such as NEPA, be administered so as to identify the risk of disproportionately high and adverse effects early in the development of the program, policy, or activity so that positive corrective action can be taken.

The USDOT Order also provides for data collection and research, as needed, to provide information to comply with Executive Order 12898.

To ensure that the North Central RPO meets the principles laid out by the Federal Highway Administration, US census block group data is gathered and an Environmental Justice mapping analysis is conducted utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in order to determine where minority and low-income populations may exist. Projects are then overlaid onto this map and project specific analysis is completed to determine the “benefits and burdens” on how transportation investments are affecting the region’s minority and low- income populations. Furthermore, as plans and programs are being updated, the RPO advertises and provides “additional access” to the communities that have higher concentrations of low-income or minority populations. One example of providing “additional access” is printing the document or plan and placing them in local libraries serving communities with higher concentrations of low-income or minority populations. The RPO then works with libraries and special interests advocacy groups to promote access and input into the plan, and follows-up throughout the comment period to ensure any input is captured.

On the following pages are regionally mapped demographics by census block group levels with the factors associated with Environmental Justice. The first two maps in this series titled “Concentrations of Minority populations” and “Concentrations of Poverty Populations. The gradient mapping was conducted utilizing natural breaks with those areas with numbers higher than the regional average identified. ” Each represent an attempt by the RPO to further analyze census data related to low income and minority populations. These maps depict block groups that may have a higher number of minority households and a higher number of households in poverty.

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Utilizing this mapping, the RPO will have heightened outreach efforts take place in these areas, as is explained in subsequent sections of this plan.

One thing to keep in mind when reviewing the data and maps is that the North Central region is home to three (3) federal prisons, one facility in McKean County and two in Clearfield County. The RPO recognizes these areas and works to better understand the data and the presence of these institutions when considering where to focus its heightened outreach activities.

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Concentrations of Minority Populations:

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Concentrations of Poverty Populations

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“Poor” Bridge Asset Conditions in areas with a Concentration of Minority Populations

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“Poor” Bridge Asset Conditions in areas with a Concentration of Poverty Populations

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“Poor” Pavement Condition in areas with a Concentration of Minority Populations

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“Poor” Pavement Conditions in areas with a Concentration of Poverty Populations

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Pedestrian Crashes in areas with a Concentration of Minority Populations

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Pedestrian Crashes in areas with a Concentration of Poverty Populations

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Bicycle Crashes in areas with a Concentration of Minority Populations

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Bicycle Crashes in areas with a Concentration of Poverty Populations

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Concentrations of Female Head of Household with Child Populations

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Concentrations of persons with a Disability

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Concentrations of carless households

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Concentrations of Persons Age 65 Years and Above

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ENVIROMENTAL JUSTICE (EJ) CONTINUED Environment Justice only relates to low-income and minority populations. Traditionally underserved populations are defined as follows:

• Minority: Persons that are composed of several different race categories: Black, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, Other, and Two or More races. Hispanics are also considered a minority, though Hispanic, or Latino, is defined by the US Census Bureau as an ethnicity rather than a race. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/ej_at_dot/orders/order_56102a/index.cfm

• Low Income: A “person” whose median household income is at or below the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines Click on the link below for more detail. https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines However, the North Central RPO considers the needs of other underserved populations just as important as traditional populations. These other populations are listed below.

• Elderly: Any persons over the age of 65.

• People with Disabilities: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a qualified individual with a disability is a person that 1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; 2) has a record of impairment; or 3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

• Limited English Proficiency: People who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English may be considered limited English proficient.

 Carless Households: Households that either cannot afford to own a vehicle or choose not to own a vehicle.

 Female head of household with Child: A single woman in charge of a household with child or children that she is responsible for.

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY “Limited English Proficient” or “LEP” persons are those individuals who do not speak English as their primary language, and who also have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand the English language. The key similarity among LEP persons is their inability to communicate effectively in the English language, regardless of their native tongue. People who are multi-lingual, those that speak one or more other languages in addition to being proficient in English, are not considered to be Limited English Proficient. North Central is committed to improving services to LEP individuals throughout the region. A periodic review of LEP related outreach activities will continue to be conducted, and any improvements based upon that review will be made. Furthermore, the RPO will continue to monitor such activities using the following four factor analysis. These factors include:

Factor 1. The determination of the number and proportion of LEP persons served or encountered in the service area.

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Factor 2. The determination of the frequency with which LEP individuals come into contact with the RPO’s plans and programs, activities, and services.

Factor 3. The determination of the importance the RPO’s plans and programs, activities, and services have upon LEP persons.

Factor 4. The Determination of the resources available to the recipients, and the costs associated with providing those and additional resources.

Evidence of compliance with the organizations translation obligations under “safe harbor” includes providing written translations of vital documents for each eligible LEP language group that constitutes 5% or 1,000, whichever is less, of the population of persons eligible to be served or likely to be affected or encountered. This safe harbor provision applies to the translation of written documents only. It does not affect the requirement to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals through competent oral interpreters where oral language services are needed and are reasonable.

Since none of the region’s language groups meet the required 5% or 1,000 person’s threshold; written translation of vital documents is not required. However, the North Central RPO will provide translated documents upon request. All public plans are available for translation on our website using Google translation services.

The map on the following page gives spatial representation of the total number of Limited English Proficient individuals by Census block group, regardless of the language spoken.

The map depicts block groups that have a higher number of LEP individuals using “natural breaks”. This represents the average number of LEP individuals per block group in the region.

Reminder: North Central region is home to three (3) federal prisons, one facility in McKean County and two in Clearfield County. The RPO recognizes these areas and works to better understand the data and the presence of these institutions when considering where to focus its heightened outreach activities.

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Concentrations of Limited English Speaking Household Populations

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

As we consider some of the unique characteristics of the region, it is important that the RPO actively engage in different methods of outreach. The RPO will continuously stay in front of new public engagement opportunities, especially those opportunities related to emerging technology such as social media. At the same time, traditional methods that some have grown to rely upon will also be employed. Appendix K describes methods to be considered in further detail for specific plans and programs.

OUTREACH EFFORTS

It is important to keep in mind that there are various instances that call for specific types of outreach activities. For example, news flyers and emails are distributed to municipal officials via the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) for certain information pertinent to the work they do. The RPO communicates and works directly with the county planners on distributing pertinent information to interested municipalities as well.

Additionally, the RPO has developed a comprehensive listing of Human Service and transit providers throughout the region as part of the Coordinated Human Service Plan. Relevant information is regularly shared with these providers for their input on transit related and other important activities. Involvement procedures for special studies may require different means of outreach. For example, some plans may require individualized public involvement strategies. North Central relies on PennDOT to develop and implement public participation strategies for individual highway and bridge TIP projects. Any time relevant information updates are made available by the Department on a project specific basis, North Central distributes the material to the RPO email list as well as the county planner who further distributes the material to those in the affected area. North Central, through consultant selection and the Request for Proposal/Qualification (RFP/RFQ) process and document, stresses public participation “early and often” in every planning program and project. North Central will continue to make this an integral part of any new RFP/RFQ and any new development process, and will place stronger focus on monitoring sub recipient compliance.

These efforts have been successful, but there is room for improvement to increase public participation and project awareness. The following strategies have been implemented since the last update to this plan:

 PennDOT Connects is a revitalized process in regards to transportation project planning and development. It’s about engaging with Boroughs, Townships, and concerned residents, and including their input as a project is being considered for inclusion in a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) or the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). PennDOT Connects is a shared understanding of what could go into a local transportation project that would add to a community’s safety, modes of getting around, and community appearance, or planned growth. Under this program, PennDOT wants communities to have the opportunity to be engaged early in the planning process so there is a greater understanding of the potential benefits and burdens of transportation decisions in their communities.

• Communication of the benefits of public participation with those whom have participated.

• People may continue to think that their input does not make a difference; however, North Central has shown otherwise. This does not mean that each public comment results in a project, but that

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input has been logged and will be considered in future project planning. Particular attention and analysis will be paid to the State Transportation Commission survey results as projects are developed.

• North Central, through its RPO committee, has discussed how it has directly and actively sought to communicate with citizens, particularly those of a minority and/or low income population.

 North Central has had limited success in engaging with minority and low-income populations. To improve efforts in the Environmental Justice arena, the RPO will continue to target “Avenues of Outreach.” Future examples include:

• Working with the regional housing authorities to hold meetings and events at their facilities when appropriate.

 Utilizing existing communication channels that school districts have with parents and students to direct them to surveys and links that may increase public participation.

• Working with CareerLinks to distribute information.

• Tailoring the public input process to use adaptive or innovative approaches that overcome linguistic, institutional, cultural, economic, historical or other potential barriers to effective participation in the decision making process.

• Developing a database of contact information for under-served populations by identifying community leaders in these under-served populations and adding them to the mailing list.

• Developing a database to track each type of outreach effort used and the “success” of each outreach effort.

• Working with community groups to publicize events and activities.

• Conducting an analysis to determine the extent to which Limited English Proficiency should be addressed.

• Continuing to work with individuals fluent in multiple languages spoken in the region to review document translation services ahead of open comment periods.

• When documents are placed in the public, a cover memo on the draft document will accompany it explaining what it is and its importance, along with a comment sheet asking people to list their name and comments.

The tables on the following pages outline the RPO’s approach to availability and comment opportunities for the Long Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and Public Participation Plan.

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NORTH CENTRAL LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (LTRP) North Central Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

Strategy Public Participation Tool

Via website (Executive Summary & Full Document), County Planning Commission Offices, North Central Office, Public Transit Offices, County Document Availability Commissioners Offices, District 2-0 & District 10-0 Offices, and all public libraries that fall within census tracts that contain a high proportion of minority and/or low income populations.

Comment Thirty (30) calendar day’s Public Comment period. Public Meeting. Written Period/Opportunities comments accepted.

Public Meeting One meeting prior to recommending adoption by the North Central RPO.

Press announcements publicized in the Bradford Era, Clearfield Progress, Potter Press Release & Leader Enterprise, DuBois-Courier Express, Punxsutawney Spirit, Kane Public Service Republican, Ridgway Record, St. Marys Daily Press, and aired on Local Radio Announcements Stations.

Initial Notice Thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Public Comment Period ending. Period/Type

Public Meeting Notice Ten (10) calendar days prior to meeting and the Public Comment Period. Period / Type

Amendment Notice Five (5) calendar days prior to the Public Comment Period ending. Period/Type

If the final Plan differs significantly from the version that was made available for Opportunity for public comment by the RPO and raises new material issues that interested additional comment parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public involvement efforts, then an additional comment period of 5 days will be issued by the RPO.

Evaluation Technique Number of participants at meetings, number of comments received.

During the LRTP update county/local plans will be utilized in conjunction with Comprehensive Plan other local input to identify transportation-related. issues and concerns of the Review local communities

Visualization Power Point Presentations, Maps, Handouts, PennDOT One Map Techniques

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TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Strategy Public Involvement Tool Via website (Executive Summary & Full Document), County Planning Document Commission Offices, North Central Office, Public Transit Offices, County Availability Commissioners Offices, PennDOT District 2-0 & District 10-0 Offices, and all public libraries that fall within census tracts that contain a high proportion of minority and/or low income populations. Comment Period / Thirty (30) calendar days public comment period. Public Meeting, written Opportunities comments accepted. Public Meeting One meeting prior to recommending adoption by the North Central RPO. Press announcements publicized in the Bradford Era, Clearfield Progress, Press Release & Potter Leader Enterprise, DuBois-Courier Express, Punxsutawney Spirit, Public Service Kane Republican, Ridgway Record, St. Marys Daily Press, and aired on Local Announcements Radio Stations Initial Notice Thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Public Comment Period ending. Period/Type Public Meeting Notice Ten (10) calendar days prior to meeting and the Public Comment Period. Period / Type Five (5) calendar days prior to the Public Comment Period ending. An amendment is a TIP revision that adds a new project, deletes an existing Amendment Notice project or involves a major change to an existing project included in a TIP that Period/Type meets the guidelines identified in our FY 21-24 Procedures for TIP revisions. https://rpo.ncentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Final-Draft-NCRPO- 2021-STIP-TIP-MOU-18FEB2020.pdf If the final Plan differs significantly from the version that was made available for public comment by the RPO and raises new material issues that interested Opportunity for parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public involvement additional comment efforts, then an additional comment period of 10 days will be issued by the RPO. Evaluation Technique Number of participants at meetings, number of comments received. Visualization Power Point Presentations, Maps, Handouts, PennDOT One Map Techniques

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN Public Participation Plan (PPP)

Strategy Public Participation Tool Via website, County Planning Commission Offices, North Central Office, Public Transit Offices, County Commissioners Offices, District 2-0 & District Document Availability 10-0 Offices, and all public libraries that fall within census tracts that contain a high proportion of minority and/or low income populations. Comment Period/ 45 day Public comment period. Public meeting, written comments accepted Opportunity Public Meeting One meeting prior to recommending adoption by the North Central RPO Press announcements publicized in the Bradford Era, Clearfield Progress, Press Release & Public Potter Leader Enterprise, DuBois-Courier Express, Punxsutawney Spirit, Service Announcements Kane Republican, Ridgway Record, St. Marys Daily Press, and aired on Local Radio Stations

Initial Notice Minimum public comment period of 45 calendar days prior to meeting and Period/Type the public comment period

Amendment Notice Minimum public comment period of 45 calendar days

If the final Plan differs significantly from the version that was made available for public comment by the RPO and raises new material issues Opportunity for that interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public additional comment involvement efforts, then an additional comment period of 10 days will be issued by the RPO. Evaluation Techniques Number of participants at meetings, number of comments received

STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission (STC) was established by PA State Law, Act 120 of 1970, which also created the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).The STC determines and evaluates the condition and performance of Pennsylvania’s transportation system in order to effectively assess the resources required to preserve, restore, extend and expand transportation facilities and services. The STC is also actively focused on the conservation of Pennsylvania’s communities and economic development. In addition, State law requires PennDOT to prepare an update to Pennsylvania’s Twelve Year Transportation Program every two years for submission to the STC. The Transportation Program must be multimodal and fiscally-constrained. The Pennsylvania STC is a 15-member body, chaired by the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) The STC serves as the Board of Directors to PennDOT. The STC is charged with the high-level evaluation of Pennsylvania's transportation system and provides policy driven direction with respect to the development of the Twelve Year Transportation Program. Additional and current information can be found on the STC website at talkpatransportation.com The North Central RPO works closely with the PennDOT and STC to help promote and encourage public participation through the STC online engagement tool.

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PUBLIC MEETINGS

In order to maximize participation, public meetings will be held at a variety of times and at a variety of venues as appropriate. Topic or geographically-specific meetings should be held at locations convenient to the group targeted for participation. However, if a convenient location is not available, the North Central RPO, given advance notice, has the ability to set up video conferencing from multiple locations throughout the region. Additionally, with advanced notice webinar services may be employed to help assist those who may not be able to make a meeting in person, but may still have input on a plan or program.

North Central now has capability of Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) and Virtual Public Meetings (VPM). VPI and VPM will provide the public another avenue to participate in meetings. In case a situation would prevent North Central from convening an in-person public meeting, North Central has the option to host virtual public meetings. i.e. (Town halls, webinars, video conferencing, web conferencing, listening sessions, etc.) North Central currently uses “Zoom Video Communications”. It provides remote conferencing services that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, telephone, and mobile collaboration. As technology makes advances, North Central will evaluate those technologies for future implementation in our programs.

North Central encourages municipalities and state agencies to coordinate their outreach plans, when possible, with North Central workshops and meetings to consolidate public participation activities.

For RPO meetings, members and alternates are sent meeting notification, agendas, and appropriate documents at least one week prior to the actual meeting date, except in the case of special circumstances. RPO agendas and meeting minutes are emailed and/or mailed to all committee members, county planning staff and others as requested. Meeting dates are also posted on the North Central Transportation website. (Click on link) https://rpo.ncentral.com/calendar/

• RPO meetings are held at 49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA. The Facility is ADA compliant and accessible by public transportation.

• Where possible, special meetings will be held in places that are convenient to alternate transportation modes.

• Reasonable assistance, if required, will be made available upon request at least five calendar days prior to the event. All public meeting notices and advertisements shall state the following, “If you require assistance to attend or participate in a meeting or need additional information please contact North Central five days prior to the meeting event so that assistance may be accommodated.”

• North Central will include language in its public notices and advertisements relating to non- discrimination and avenues of redress if an individual feels they have been discriminated against. All public meeting notices and advertisements shall state the following, “Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you feel you have been denied participation in, denied benefits of, been subject to discrimination in regard to this project development, or otherwise discriminated against because of race, ethnic or socioeconomic status you may contact James E. Chorney, Executive Director, North Central.”

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• Identify alternative meeting sites, such as churches, schools, public libraries, and senior centers to reach traditionally underserved populations.

In terms of public meetings, all public sign-in sheets must include the following disclaimer: “This information is a public record and may be subject to public inspection and duplication if not protected by federal or state law.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

The RPO will utilize appropriate social media avenues such as its Twitter account (@NorthCentralRPO) and Facebook @NCPRPDC – (https://www.facebook.com/NCPRPDC/) to post pertinent information and notices on a frequent basis. This also affords the public another opportunity to provide input to the RPO’s planning process.

VISUALIZATION TOOLS

PennDOT’s TIP Visualization Map provides the public with an informational portal for learning about and viewing improvements to state highways and bridges, as well as to aviation, public transit, and rail freight modes of transportation.

The TIP Visualization Map is a web- based GIS mapping application for highway and bridge projects on the Commonwealth’s Twelve Year Plan (TYP) and Regional Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs). Users can map and obtain information for highway and bridge projects on various geographical levels, including PennDOT Engineering District, County, Legislative District, Planning Partner, and Address.

https://gis.penndot.gov/paprojects/TipVisMap.aspx

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PennDOT’s One Map portal provides access to PennDOT project data as well as other state agency data related to transportation project development. Similar to the TIP Visualization Map, One Map is a web-based GIS mapping application that allows users to search for projects using criteria such as Location, Planning Partner, Legislative District, PennDOT engineering district, and Highway Occupancy Permits (HOPs). Projects can also be mapped individually by MPMS Project ID number or by Bridge key.

https://gis.penndot.gov/OneMap PennDOT’s PA Transportation Projects portal demonstrates Pennsylvanians’ investments in the transportation network serving them. Users can see active construction projects that are underway, or being bid on in the Construction Projects section. The Act 89 Progress section indicates the status of project commitments made possible by the state’s transportation funding plan that was signed into law in November 2013. The Four & Twelve Year Plans section shows highway, bridge, transit and aviation projects identified on the State’s current Transportation Improvement Program as well as the Twelve Year Plan.

https://gis.penndot.gov/paprojects/PAProjects.aspx

Additional visualization tools are being developed by the RPO, specific to the North Central region, and may be found at http://data-northcentral.opendata.arcgis.com/

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RPO WEBSITE

The RPO will maintain an Internet based website with a clearly visible logo. The website will be updated and maintained to provide the most current information available. Other transportation agencies, transportation related businesses, local governments, and interested groups will be encouraged to provide a link to the RPO website on their organization’s website. The web site will, at a minimum, contain the following information:

1. Contact information (mailing address, phone, fax, email, and Social Media) 2. Current RPO and advisory committee memberships 3. Meeting materials 4. Completed work products and publications 5. Links to related agencies 6. Opportunities for the Public to Get Involved 7. Link to the RPO quarterly newsletter 8. ADA Compliant / web-reader friendly 9. Website translation features 10. Vital documents made into web content

RPO NEWSLETTER

The RPO will commit to publishing and distributing a newsletter that lists the relevant news and events taking place in the transportation program. The newsletter shall be distributed via email to the RPO members, and a copy of the newsletter will be made available on the RPO website. Additionally, there will be a link on the RPO website that allows interested parties to sign up to receive an email of the publication. If email access is not available, North Central will mail a hard copy of the newsletter out if requested.

RADIO/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SHOWS

In addition to soliciting input from the use of radio public service announcements, the RPO staff will take part in public affairs interviews to highlight regional plans and events when deemed appropriate.

ONLINE SURVEY

Online surveys are a tool that offer a variety of templates to utilize when generating a survey. Included features are easy question creation and custom branding to help identify a survey with a particular project or organization. Then, responses are gathered through links on websites, email, and Twitter feeds. After that the data is collected and can be sorted by cross tabs and filters. Next the information is reported with the option of different formats, such as charts and graphs that are also accessible via a mobile app/device. Finally, the online interface/display is compliant for accessibility by persons with visual disabilities. Some of the different survey formats we use and/or considering are “Surveymonkey”, “Survey123”, and “Metroquest”.

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RPO LOGO

A logo representing the RPO is used to identify products, plans, Publications, and activities of the RPO. The logo helps the public become familiar with the different activities of the RPO by providing a means of recognizing RPO products.

DATA REQUESTS

In order to advance public involvement activities while also using limited staff resources efficiently, the North Central RPO will make information available to interested parties on a regular basis through the various processes and activities outlined in this Public Participation Plan and Appendices. When the RPO receives special requests for an analysis that is not considered as part of the planning process, or other special data or information, the agency will determine the reasonableness of the request. Determining reasonableness will depend on factors such as the preparation time and costs to respond to a request, the relevancy to the transportation planning process and the agency mission. Such requests will be determined on an individual basis. All requests shall be in writing and identify or describe the records sought with sufficient specificity to enable the RPO to ascertain what is being requested. All requests shall include the name and address to which the RPO should address its response.

EVALUATION

The Performance Measures pictured below is a sample snapshot of the matrix that the RPO uses to capture public input through various methods. North Central tracks input to more effectively target measures and to guide performance of the most effective outreach methods, along with gaining an understanding of the plans and programs that the public find most pertinent. North Central will evaluate the number of translation request services received for each document placed in the public to further help evaluate the need for such services in the future. Similarly, the RPO will also track the requests of persons with disabilities during public comment periods or for any other planning purposes for evaluation purposes. North Central will evaluate and update as necessary the PPP on a five (5) year cycle concurrent with the Long Range Transportation Plan update cycle.

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2020 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

PERFORMANCE TITLE DESCRIPTION SOURCE

Website Hits # of Hits on ncentral.com/trans website Google Analytics

Website Hits 2 Stat Counter # of Hits on ncentral.com/trans website Stat Counter

Speaking Engagements # of speaking engagements attended by Staff Staff LEP Encounters # of LEP citizens encountered Staff

Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) # of DBE Contracts Staff Public Service Announcements # of PSA's sent out Staff Public Attendance at Meetings # of Citizens attending Staff Surveys # of Survey Responses Survey Results Bidders List # of Consulting Firms on NC RPO Bidders List Staff Brochures # of Brochures Distributed Staff Social Media (Twitter) # of Followers Twitter Social Media Facebook # of registrations Facebook

Email # of Emails Sent File Other Uncategorized Staff Mailing List Mailing List Staff CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT

Want to be involved in the North Central RPO activities? Public forums, public meetings and special presentations are periodically arranged for interested civic groups. Be sure to frequently check the North Central website for meeting topics and dates. We will maintain a mailing list and develop a newsletter to be posted to the website and sent to any and all individuals that are interested in receiving the newsletter via email. Meeting announcements are publicized in the Bradford Era, Clearfield Progress, Potter Leader Enterprise, DuBois-Courier Express, Punxsutawney Spirit, Kane Republican, Ridgway Record, St. Marys Daily Press, and aired on local radio stations. The RPO currently meets quarterly, on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am, at the North Central Offices (49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA). Please confirm all meetings with the North Central staff or via the website under the calendar tab (https://rpo.ncentral.com/). All meetings are open to the public and a public comment period is available at all meetings.

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CLOSING REMARKS

Public involvement is more than an agency requirement and a means of fulfilling a statutory obligation. Developing an effective public involvement program is a strategic effort that requires assembling a selection of techniques to meet the needs of a given transportation plan, program, or project. Public participation is paramount to good transportation decision making. The fundamental objective of a public involvement program is to ensure that the concerns and issues made are not only identified but shared with the appropriate stakeholders, vetted and explored by decision-makers. Public participation activities provide more value when they are open, relevant, timely, and appropriate for the intended goal of the public involvement process. Providing a balanced approach with representation of all stakeholders and including measures to seek out and consider the needs of all stakeholders, especially those that are traditionally underserved by past and current transportation programs, facilities, or services, shall be the goal that the RPO strives to achieve.

The North Central Pennsylvania region, along with its residents, is unique. That uniqueness, from its landscape to its residents, is a point of pride and something that sets this region apart. The RPO that serves this region must continue to recognize this, and encourage citizens to involve themselves in the process of shaping the region through its programs. Our public involvement activities must strive to mirror the unique nature of the region and its people.

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APPENDIX

A. UNITED STATES & REGIONAL BACKGROUND POPULATION CHANGE As the nation welcomes the new year, the U.S. Census Bureau projects the U.S. population will be 330,222,422 on Jan. 1, 2020. The nation starts the new decade with an increase of 1,991,085 people, or 0.61%, from New Year’s Day 2019. Since Census Day (April 1) 2010, the population has grown by 21,476,884 or 6.96%. According to the 2010 census, the North Central region was home to 224,780 Pennsylvania residents. 2015 estimates showed the regional population around 220,000. July 2019 estimates reflect the region at 215,280 residents. The region has continued the trend of population decrease over the past nine years. The regional population decrease is approximately 4% since 2010. The region has continued its population rate of decline between the years 2010 and 2019, which is a 1% decrease every 2 years (on average). As in previous years, Cameron County has experienced the sharpest decline of the past 5 years, losing an estimated 11.7% of its population between 2010 and 2019. Clearfield County saw the slowest rate of decline at just 2.7%. As of the 2010 census, Clearfield County is still the region’s largest with a total population of 81,642, while Cameron County, due in part to its small size and large areas of designated state lands, is not only the regions smallest but also the state’s least populated county with just 5,085 residents according to the last census.*Source: https://www.census.gov/

B. LOW INCOME POPULATION

The Federal Highway Administration defines “Low Income” for transportation planning purposes as a household income at or below the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guideline. 2020 estimate is $26,200 a year for a family of 4. As the family size increases, so too does the poverty guideline. The guidelines are a simplification of the poverty thresholds used for administrative purposes. As seen in the graph below, the estimated medium household income for the counties within the region are well above the poverty guideline. Conversely, when compared to the statewide median household income, no county in the region is within $9,700. More information on federal poverty guidelines may be found at https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

Per Capita Median Household Per Capita Median Household Location Income 2017 Income 2017 Income 2018 Income 2018 Cameron $25,716 $40,402 $24,933 $41,485

Clearfield $21,650 $45,188 $22,568 $47,270

Elk $25,753 $49,876 $27,163 $51,112

Jefferson $22,929 $45,342 $23,895 $46,818

McKean $24,303 $45,866 $24,868 $46,953

Potter $22,929 $41,406 $23,213 $42,821

North Central $23,873 $44,680 $24,440 $46,076

Pennsylvania $31,476 $56,951 $56,225 $60,905

*Sources: https://www.census.gov

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C. COMMUTE TO WORK

As is the case in most rural regions, residents of north central Pennsylvania are less likely to depend on public transit services for commute to work when compared to urban centers. Availability of consistent transit services to remote areas, coupled with the desire to retain the flexibility of coming and going when one pleases means that the majority of workers in the region are commuting to work in personal vehicles. As seen in the chart below, the daily commute to employment that individuals in the region are spending an average of 45 minutes per day in their vehicles. For a five day work week, an individual spends almost four hours in their vehicles. These numbers highlight the heavy dependency that working individuals in the region have on a robust and dependable roadway network. It should also be noted that distances associated with these commute times, in general, reflect a longer mileage commute due to the lack of any heavy congestion issues in a rural region. Because of this dependency on our road network, gathering input from individuals has become a priority for the North Central RPO. North 1 way commute Cameron Clearfield Elk Jefferson McKean Potter Central Pennsylvania Average

Minutes 18 25 19 23 21 25 22 27

Source: http://quickfacts.census.gov

D. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

The table to the right depicts percentage of residents by county whom have graduated high High school Bachelor’s degree or school or attained higher education below a Graduate or higher, higher, percent of percent of persons persons 25 years + Bachelor’s degree and the second set of columns 25 years + depicts residents whom have graduated high school and attained a bachelor’s degree or higher. Looking % % at the table you can see that only two counties, Elk ‘17 Change ‘17 Change PA 89.9 * 30.1 * and McKean are above the state average, while the rest of the counties are just under the state average Cameron 88.5 15.9 by no more than 3.1%. County * * Clearfield 86.8 * 14.1 County * Analyzing the second column of data, our region has Elk County 92.0 * 18.5 * significantly less residents who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, falling 11.6% short of the state’s Jefferson 89.2 15.8 average. County * * McKean 90.2 * 17.4 * * Due to a change with data sourcing previous data County Potter 88.0 15.0 * sets are not available. Once data is available this County * table will be updated with the next data set and also provide the percentage change up or down to view how our region is progressing.

*Source https://www.census.gov

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E. AGE BREAKOUTS

The table below shows age category breakouts for each county in the region. These numbers are based off 2013 -2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The average median age range by county is around 46 years old, with Cameron County being the highest at 51 years old and McKean being the lowest at 43 years old.

Subject Cameron Clearfield Elk Jefferson McKean Potter County County County County County County Total Total Total Total Total Total Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Total population 4,754 80,539 30,781 44,258 42,070 17,070

AGE

Under 5 years 214 3,732 1,542 2,486 2,083 889 5 to 9 years 235 4,158 1,540 2,581 2,568 993 10 to 14 years 209 4,374 1,815 2,663 2,151 1,058 15 to 19 years 277 4,306 1,791 2,638 2,837 982 20 to 24 years 231 4,889 1,566 2,532 2,713 936 25 to 34 years 420 9,349 3,015 4,996 4,839 1,648 35 to 44 years 457 10,358 3,340 4,484 5,243 1,718 45 to 54 years 676 12,169 4,836 6,066 5,797 2,345 55 to 59 years 409 6,093 2,728 3,451 3,421 1,402 60 to 64 years 442 5,666 2,223 3,245 2,774 1,308 65 to 74 years 666 8,368 3,332 4,659 4,115 2,122 75 to 84 years 310 4,983 2,253 2,752 2,244 1,134 85 years and 208 2,094 800 1,305 1,285 535 over

Median age 50.8 44.2 46.7 43.9 42.5 46.7 (years) *Source: https://www.census.gov/en.html

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F. LOCATION TO REVIEW DOCUMENTS

G. LOCAL MEDIA INFORMATION Newspapers Fax # Radio Stations Fax # Cameron County Echo 814-486-0990 WBRR – 101-1 FM - Bradford 814-368-3180

Clearfield Progress 814-765-5165 WDDH – 97.5 FM – Ridgway 814-772-9750

DuBois Courier Express 814-371-3241 WESB – 1490 AM – Bradford 814-368-3180

Potter Leader Enterprise 814-274-7951 WFRM – 96.7 FM - Coudersport 814-981-4545

Ridgway Record 814-776-1086 WMKX – 105.5 FM – Brookville 814-849-4585

The Bradford Era 814-362-6510 WOWQ – 102.1 FM – DuBois 814-371-7724

Kane Republic 814-837-2227 WPZX – 104.1 FM – Punxsy 814-938-4237

Punxsy Spirit 814-938-3794 WDSN – 106.5 - DuBois 814-375-5262

St Marys Daily Press 814-834-7473 WKEI – 93.9 FM – St Marys 814-772-9750

Jefferson Democrat 814-849-4333 WLEM – 1250 AM – Emporium 877-987-4839

Johnsonburg Press 814-965-2504 WOKW – 102.9 FM – Clearfield 814-765-7038

WHKS – 94.9 FM - Port Allegany 814-642-9491

WQYX – 93.1 - Clearfield 814-765-6333

WKBI – 93.9 FM – St Marys 814-772-9750

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H. SAMPLE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT AND ADVERTISEMENT

SAMPLE PUBLIC SERVICE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

A meeting of the North Central Rural Transportation Planning Committee will be held on Tuesday, May XX, 20XX, at XX:XX a.m. at the North Central Office located at 49 Ridgmont Drive

in Ridgway, PA.

North Central is committed to compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of applicable civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations, and policies. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. With advance notification, accommodations may be provided for those with special needs. If you

have a request or a special need, wish to file a complaint, or desire additional information, please contact North Central at (814)773-3162.

Please visit our web site at http://www.rpo.ncentral.com for more information on the Transportation Planning Program.

“Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you feel you have been denied participation in, denied benefits of, been subject to discrimination in regard to this project development, or otherwise discriminated against because of race, ethnic or socioeconomic status you may contact James Chorney, Executive Director, North Central.”

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SAMPLE LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission and the Rural Transportation Planning Committee have distributed copies of the Draft FFY 20XX-20XX TIP for public review and comment. The document will be available for 30 days at the following locations or by calling (814) 773-3162.

 Cameron Commission & Commissioners Office  Clearfield County Planning Commission & Commissioners Office  Elk County Planning Commission & Commissioners Office  Jefferson County Department of Development and Commissioners Office  McKean County Planning Commission & Commissioners Office  Potter County Cameron County Commissioners Office  CareerLink Offices in Emporium, DuBois, Clearfield, St Marys, Punxsy, Bradford and Coudersport  North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission  http://www.rpo.ncentral.com  Area Transportation Authority Offices  Coudersport Public Library  Bradford Area Public Library  Mount Jewett Memorial Library  Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Library  Osceola Mills Public Library  DuBois Public Library  Kane Chamber of Commerce  PA Route 6 Alliance – Galeton  Oswayo Valley Memorial Library - Shinglehouse A public meeting will be held to receive comments on January XX, 20XX, at XX: XX a.m. at the NCPRPDC office building, Ridgway, PA. If you require special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting or need additional information please contact North Central at (814) 773-3162 five days prior to the meeting event so that special assistance can be accommodated. Written comments and questions may be addressed to “20XX TIP Comments,” c/o NCPRPDC, 49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA 15853. All comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on June XX, 20XX.

The Rural Transportation Planning Committee will officially approve the TIP at a public meeting on Tuesday, February XX, 20XX.

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I. INTERESTED PARTIES

Interested Parties Target Audiences Citizen Elderly Populations Affected Public Agencies and Staff Minority Populations

Representatives of Public Transportation Employees Low Income Populations

Providers of Freight Transportation Services Disabled Populations Private Providers of Transportation Services LEP Populations Representatives of Users of Public Transportation Other

Representatives of Bicycle and Pedestrian Walkway Facilities

Representatives of the Disabled

Elected Local, State and Federal Officials

Local Media Outlets Homeowner, Neighborhood and Residential Associations Civic and Public Interest Groups

Business and Trade Organizations

Chambers of Commerce

Libraries

Faith Based Organizations Community Based Organizations Other Interested Parties

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J. SPECIAL STUDIES: SCOPING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND CORRIDOR STUDIES

Technique Description Promotion Evaluation

Central repository Information Center Provides a central for documents, Located at the North place to find publications and Visits, calls, emails. Central Offices and on North Central other information for the Website information public inspection

Provide timely Enhance the RPO information Number of hits, transportation relevant to the requests, Website specific section region. LRTP, TIP, survey results on the North public input via and downloads. Central Website. survey, etc. TIP Process, LRTP, The Number of General Topics planning and brochures Informational Brochures for informational programming distributed and purposes process, project requested. selection, etc. Coordination of Public Transit- Coordination with Visits, calls, Public Transit-Human Human Service interested parties emails, riders Service Involvement Capital Planning such as ATA activities

Provide a tool to Public Participation Number of survey engage interested Surveys Survey responses parties

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K. RPO VOTING AND EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

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L. MAJOR PLAN UPDATES Previous Update Current Next Adoption Plan Adoption Requirements Adoption date Date Date

Long Range Transportation July 2017 Every 5 years June 2022 June 2027 Plan (LRTP) Transportation

Improvement Program June 2018 Every 2 years June 2022 June 2020 (TIP) December Periodic Public Participation Plan (PPP) June 2020 June 2025 2014 review/update Title VI & Limited English Periodic January 2016 June 2020 June 2025 Proficiency review/update

Coordinated Transit-Human June 2014 Every 5 years June 2020 June 2025 Service Plan

Unified Planning Work February Every 2 years December 2019 December 2021 Program (UPWP) 2018

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The North Central RPO also maintains a current listing (Link below) of Tribal Governments whose ancestors once lived in Pennsylvania. The various Tribes and Nations who may have an interest in the RPO region receive planning-related documents by mail or electronically as appropriate. Link: https://www.paprojectpath.org/penndot-crm

M. NON-DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM

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