Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy and Plan

Every three years, or commensurate with a change in executive leadership, the Agency must certify to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that its programs, services and activities are being conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. These certifications are termed 'assurances' and serve two important purposes. First, they document Agency commitment to nondiscrimination and equitable service to its community. Second, they serve as a legally enforceable agreement by which the Agency may be held liable for breach. Those wishing to view the Agency's Nondiscrimination Assurance may do so by visiting the Agency website or administration offices.

The Agency has established a discrimination complaint procedure and will take prompt and reasonable action to investigate and eliminate discrimination when found. Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or family status in any Agency program, service or activity may file a complaint with the Agency Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator.If possible, the complaint should be submitted in writing and contain the identity of the complainant; the basis for the allegations; and a description of the alleged discrimination with the date of occurrence. If the complaint cannot be submitted in writing, the complainant should contact the Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator for assistance.The Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator will respond to the complaint within thirty (30) calendar days and will take reasonable steps to resolve the matter. Should the Agency be unable to satisfactorily resolve a complaint, the Agency will forward the complaint, along with a record of its disposition to the appropriate FDOT District Office.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and related federal and state laws and regulations forbid discrimination against those who have disabilities. Furthermore, these laws require federal-aid recipients and other government entities to take affirmative steps to reasonably accommodate those with disabilities and ensure that their needs are equitably represented in transportation programs, services and activities.The Agency will make every effort to ensure that its facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to those with disabilities. The Agency will also make every effort to ensure that its advisory committees, public involvement activities and all other programs, services and activities include representation by communities with disabilities and disability service groups.The Agency encourages the public to report any facility, program, service or activity that appears inaccessible to those who are disabled. Furthermore, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in public involvement events or who require special assistance to access facilities, programs, services or activities. Because providing reasonable accommodation may require outside assistance, organization or resources, the Agency asks that requests be made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the need for accommodation.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 13166, and various directives from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Department of Transportation (DOT) require federal-aid recipients to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to programs, services and activities by those who do not speak English proficiently.Using census data, the Agency has determined that LEP individuals speaking English less than well represent approximately 31.2% of the community. Spanish was reported to be the prevalent LEP language with an estimate of 23.8% of the City's population speaking Spanish and English less than well.At a minimum, the Agency commits to:Maintain a list of employees who competently speak the LEP language(s) and who are willing to provide translation and/or interpretation services.Distribute this list to staff that regularly has contact with the public.Provide public notification in the LEP language of the availability of language assistance, free of charge.Public Notices:English — Persons requiring special language services should contact the Agency's Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator.Spanish — Las personas que requieran servicios de traducción deben comunicarse con el Coordinador del No Discrimin de la Agencia.Creole — Moun ki bezwen sèvis lang espesyal yo ta dwe kontakte Koòdonatè ki pa Diskriminasyon.

In order to plan for efficient, effective, safe, equitable and reliable transportation systems, the Agency must have the input of its public. The Agency spends extensive staff and financial resources in furtherance of this goal and strongly encourages the participation of the entire community.The Agency hosts an informative website that advises the public how it can access information and provide input. The Agency also holds public meetings, workshops and other events designed to gather public input on program/project planning and construction.

FHWA regulations require federal-aid recipients to collect racial, ethnic and other similar demographic data on beneficiaries of or those affected by transportation programs, services and activities. The Agency accomplishes this through the use of census data, American Community Survey reports, Environmental Screening Tools (EST), driver and ridership surveys, its community development department and other methods.From time to time, the Agency may find it necessary to request voluntary identification of certain racial, ethnic or other data from those who participate in Agency programs, services or activities. Self-identification of personal data to the Agency will always be voluntary and anonymous. Moreover, the Agency will not release or otherwise use this data in any manner inconsistent with the FHWA regulations.