HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-25 Meeting AgendaPublic Service Committee Meeting Virtual/Teleconference- 5/25/2021- 1:00 PM
PUBLIC SERVICES
1.Discuss R&B Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. (Requested by
Commissioner Sean Frantom)Attachments
2.Motion to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee
held on May 11, 2021.Attachments
3.Motion to adopt Title VI: FTA Compliance and Implementation
for the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program. Attachments
www.augustaga.gov
Public Service Committee Meeting
5/25/2021 1:00 PM
Discuss R&B Hall of Fame Induction ceremony
Department:Augusta Commission
Presenter:Commissioner Sean Frantom
Caption:Discuss R&B Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. (Requested by
Commissioner Sean Frantom)
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Public Service Committee Meeting
5/25/2021 1:00 PM
Minutes
Department:
Presenter:
Caption:Motion to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee
held on May 11, 2021.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Public Service Committee Meeting VirtuaUTeleconference - 5/lll2)Zl
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Hons. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor; Frantom, chairman; Johnson,
Vice Chairman; Sias and Clarke, members.
PUBLIC SERVICES
1. Motion to approve the lst Amendment to the StandardAero lease with ltem
Augusta Regional Airport. Action:
Approved
Motions
ffit:"' Motion Text Made By seconded By
Motion to
^ aDDrove.APProve vtotion passes
4-0.
2. Motion to approve directing planning and
department to draft language, within 90 days,
allow ADUs/tiny homes, and allow planning
determining a permit process for this type
(Requested by Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr.)
Commissioner
John Clarke
Motion
Result
Commissioner
Jordan Johnson Passes
development, and the law Item
amending current zoning to Action:
and development to begin Approved
of affordable housing unit.
Motions
Motion
Type
Approve
Motion Text
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Made By
Commissioner
John Clarke
Seconded By
Commissioner
Jordan Johnson
Motion
Result
Passes
3.
Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 of 4
Item # 2
New Ownership: A.N. 27-15 A request by Aftab Ahmed Malik for a retail ltem
package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Gordon Food Action:
Mart LLC located at2078 Old Savannah Rd. District 2. Super District 9. Approved
Motions
Motion ^ r rn-- Motionl.i"':"" Motion Text Made By Seconded By Resultr ype
Motion to approve.
. Mr. Clarke not Commissioner CommissionerApprove ;;;ir*. sammie Sias Jordan Johnson Passes
Motion Passes 3-0.
4. Request a motion to approve the reimbursement to Item
contractors/construction companies for the overpayment of plan review fees. Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion MotionMvarv' Motion Text Made By Seconded ByType r'rvrrv'rv^r Result
Motion to
^ approve. Commissioner CommissionerApprove Motion Passes Jordan Johnson John clarke rasses
4-0.
5. Motion to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee held on Item
April 27 ,202L Action:
Approved
Motions
*j1"' Motion rext Made By seconded By fffilI ype
Motion to
. approve. Commissioner CommissionerApprove illotion passes Jordan Johnson John clarke Passes
4-0.
6. Discuss and make recommendations for the local redistricting committee Item
process for the 2020 Census Count. (Requested by Commissioner Sammie Action:
Sias) APProved
Motions
Motion Text Made BY Seconded BY
Attachment number 1 \nPage 2 of 4
Item # 2
Motion MotionTYPe Result
Motion to approve the
nominations of Mr. Sias,
Mr. Frantom, Mr.
Johnson and Mr. Hasan
^ to serve as members on Commissioner CommissionerApprove the redistricting Sammie sias ilil;il* Passes
committee as selected by
the Augusta
Commission.
Motion Passes 4-0.
www.augustaga.gov
Attachment number 1 \nPage 3 of 4
Item # 2
Attachment number 1 \nPage 4 of 4
Item # 2
Public Service Committee Meeting
5/25/2021 1:00 PM
Request a Motion to Adopt: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Civil Rights Program
Department:Planning & Development
Presenter:Robert Sherman
Caption:Motion to adopt Title VI: FTA Compliance and Implementation
for the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Program.
Background:Every three (3) years FTA requires an update to the Title VI
Program. The objectives of the updates are: 1) compliance with
federal and state regulations, 2) ensure that the most current
socio/demographic information is being used to identify
minority and low-income populations, 3) promote participation
and meaningful access to transportation planning and
programming.
Analysis:Compliance with the updates is required to retain eligibility for
funding opportunities from state and federal agencies pertaining
to transit and other transportation-related services.
Financial Impact:The Augusta Transit and the Augusta Regional Transportation
Study (ARTS) receives access to millions of dollars annually to
pursue transportation projects, studies, and improvements
typically with an 80/20 match or 100% grant (as was the case
with CARES funding).
Alternatives:AT & ARTS would be ineligible for state and federal funding if
the updated program is not approved.
Recommendation:Motion to adopt the FTA Title VI Civil Rights Program as
presented.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
Fund 547 Cover Memo
Item # 3
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 3
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION TITLE VI CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM
Pursuant to U.S Department of Transportation –
Federal Transit Administration
Prepared by: Augusta Planning and Development Department
Robert Sherman, Director
Augusta Transit Department
535 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901
Phone (706) 821-1796
Updated:
3/31/2021
Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 of 102
Item # 3
2
Table of Contents
Title VI Civil Rights 1964 Program ................................................................................................................. 6
Title VI Policy Statement ........................................................................................................................... 6
Governing Agency ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Title VI Statement of Policy ....................................................................................................................... 6
Title VI program Compliance and Implementation .................................................................................... 10
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Regulations ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Development and Update ....................................................................................................................... 10
Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Implementation ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Overview and Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 11
Analysis Method ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Evaluation is based on: ........................................................................................................................... 11
ARTS MPO Approach ............................................................................................................................... 11
Planning Assessment .............................................................................................................................. 12
Data Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Demographic and Low-Income Analysis ................................................................................................. 25
Needs Assessment .................................................................................................................................. 26
Benefits and Burdens .............................................................................................................................. 27
Benefits and Burdens impact on Title VI Target Population ................................................................... 28
Measures of MTP 2050 ........................................................................................................................... 28
Measures Applied to MTP 2050 .............................................................................................................. 28
Highway and Freeway Analysis ............................................................................................................... 30
Local Roads Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 30
Pedestrian Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 30
Public Transit Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 30
Key Findings ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Complaints and Compliance Review ....................................................................................................... 31
Public Involvement ................................................................................................................................. 31
ARTS Committee Involvement ................................................................................................................ 31
Methodology ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Public Participation Contacts .................................................................................................................. 34
Public Notice ........................................................................................................................................... 35
Documentation ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Marketing Strategies ............................................................................................................................... 36
Monitor of Sub-recipient ........................................................................................................................ 36
Minority Participation ............................................................................................................................. 37
ARTS/MPO – Monitor Report of Title VI Activities ................................................................................. 37
Information Dissemination ..................................................................................................................... 37
List of Public Notice Publications ............................................................................................................ 38
Minority Participation in the Decision Making Process .......................................................................... 39
Minority Representation on Decision Making Bodies ............................................................................ 39
Attachment number 1 \nPage 2 of 102
Item # 3
3
2050 MTP Public Meetings ..................................................................................................................... 41
TIP Public Meetings ................................................................................................................................. 41
ARTS MPO Committee Meetings ............................................................................................................ 42
Augusta Transit (AT) Implementation ......................................................................................................... 45
Overview and Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 45
Requirements for Applicants .................................................................................................................. 45
General Requirements and Guidelines ................................................................................................... 45
Program-Specific Requirements and Guidelines for Recipients Service Large Urbanized Areas ........... 49
Limited English Proficiency Plan ................................................................................................................. 53
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 53
Executive Order 13166 ............................................................................................................................ 53
Plan Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 53
Elements ................................................................................................................................................. 53
Four-Factor Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 54
Safe Harbor Stipulation ........................................................................................................................... 55
Language Assistance Measures .............................................................................................................. 56
Staff Training ........................................................................................................................................... 57
LEP Notifications ..................................................................................................................................... 57
Monitoring and Updating to LEP Plan ..................................................................................................... 58
Dissemination of the AT Limited English Proficiency Plan ...................................................................... 58
LEP Complain Processing ........................................................................................................................ 58
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................ 61
Appendix A: Title VI Program Checklist for All Grantees ........................................................................ 61
Appendix B: Title VI Program Checklist for Recipients Serving Urbanized Areas with Populations of
200,000 People or Greater ..................................................................................................................... 62
Appendix C: FTA FISCAL YEAR 2017 CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES .............................................. 63
Appendix D: MPO Certification ............................................................................................................... 65
Appendix E: AUGUSTA TRANSIT (AT) TITLE VI PUBLIC COMPLAINT PROCESS ........................................ 69
APPENDIX F: TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ............................................................. 71
Appendix G: AUGUSTA TRANSIT’S FARE/SERVICE CHANGE POLICY AND PROCEDURES ........................ 73
APPENDIX H: Augusta Transit Demographic Charts................................................................................ 74
APPENDIX I: Augusta Transit Route Map ................................................................................................ 77
APPENDIX J: Augusta Transit Map in Spanish Panel ........................................................................... 79
Appendix K: ARTS Public Participation Plan ............................................................................................ 80
APPENDIX L: Public Meeting Notices in FY 2020 ..................................................................................... 87
Appendix M: Public Meeting Notices in FY 2021 .................................................................................... 90
Appendix N: Title VI Questionnaires AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA Title VI Compliance
Questionnaire for Local Agencies ........................................................................................................... 92
Appendix N: AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA Title VI Compliance Questionnaire for Planning
Organizations .......................................................................................................................................... 95
Attachment number 1 \nPage 3 of 102
Item # 3
4
TITLE VI
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
COMPLIANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
AUGUSTA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
On behalf of
AUGUSTA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY (ARTS)
Attachment number 1 \nPage 4 of 102
Item # 3
5
(TITLE VI APPROVAL LETTER FROM GDOT HERE)
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Title VI Civil Rights 1964 Program
Pursuant to Federal Regulations of U.S. Department of Transportation
Title VI Policy Statement
Title VI Civil Rights of 1964 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.” Title VI bars
intentional discrimination as well as unintended discrimination impact (i.e., a neutral policy or practice
that has a disparate impact on protected groups).
Governing Agency
Augusta Georgia, as a recipient of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is required to
implement the U.S. Department of Transportation Title VI regulations (49 CFR part 21) and guidelines as
a recipient of FTA and FHWA federal-aid funds in accordance with Circular FTA C 4702.1 B issued October
1, 2012. The City of Augusta is the designated recipient of FTA federal funding for public transportation
service and operations provided by the Augusta Transit Department. The City of Augusta GA through the
Augusta Planning and Development Department (APDD) in partnership with Aiken County Planning and
Development Department functions as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The Augusta
Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) is the MPO serving the Augusta-Richmond, GA, and Aiken, SC
Metropolitan Area including all of Richmond County, the urbanized area in Columbia, Co. GA; Edgefield
and Aiken Co. South Carolina including the Cities of Aiken, North Augusta, New Ellenton, and Burnettown
in South Carolina.
This governing policy and procedures encompass the administration, operations, and implementation of
metropolitan transportation planning, public transportation service, projects, plans, programs and
construction of transportation infrastructure funded in part or wholly funded with federal funds
undertaken within and/or by Augusta, Georgia through the Augusta Planning and Development
Department, the Augusta Transit Department, and the Augusta Engineering Department.
Title VI Statement of Policy
Augusta, Georgia is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in its operations, including its
responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a result, Augusta, Georgia will utilize its
best efforts to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program that
receives federal funds and its related benefits.
Objectives
Towards this end, it is Augusta, Georgia’s objective to:
1. Ensure that the level and quality of services under any program that receives federal funds
are provided without regard to race, color, or national origin;
2. Identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health and
environmental effects, including social and economic effects, of programs and activities on
minority populations and low-income populations;
3. Promote the full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation planning
and program decision making;
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4. Prevent the denial, reduction, or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that
benefit Environmental Justice populations including but not limited to minority populations
and low-income populations;
5. Ensure meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English
proficiency.
Responsibility
All Directors, managers, supervisors, and employees share in the responsibility of making Augusta,
Georgia’s Title VI Program a success. Augusta, Georgia will ensure that third party contractors and/or sub-
recipients receiving federal funds shall adhere to and implement this policy to the fullest extent possible.
Any complaints or questions regarding Augusta, Georgia’s Title VI Program should be directed to the
Augusta, Georgia Administrator’s Office at (706) 821-2400; 535 Telfair Street, Suite 910 Augusta, Georgia
30901.
Notice to Public:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance (42 U.S.C. Section 2000d). Augusta,
Georgia is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in its operations, including the responsibilities of
the Augusta Planning and Development Department to facilitate and implement federal regulations
relative to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning process in support of the Augusta Regional
Transportation Study – MPO to develop the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation
Improvement Program and other required plans and programs and operations, including the
responsibilities of the Augusta Transit.
If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination in any Augusta, Georgia service, program or
activity receiving federal financial assistance, you may file a Complaint in the Augusta, Georgia
Administrator’s Office (Title VI Coordinator) at (706) 821-2400; 535 Telfair Street, Suite 910 Augusta, GA
30901; the Augusta Planning and Development Department at (706) 821-1796, 535 Telfair Street, Suite
300 Augusta, GA 30901; or with the Augusta Transit Department, 2844 Regency Boulevard, Augusta
Georgia 30904. Any complaints or question regarding Augusta, Georgia’s Title VI Program will be directed
to the Office of the Administrator.
Title VI Notification Procedures
Augusta, Georgia, as a condition for receiving financial assistance from the Federal Transportation
Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ensures that:
1. Augusta, Georgia will compile, maintain, and timely submit Title VI information required by the
FTA and FHWA, copies of which will be available to the general public.
2. Augusta, Georgia makes it known to the public that any person or persons alleging discrimination
on the basis of race, color, or national origin as regards the provision of transportation services
and transit related benefits may file a Complaint in the Office of the Administrator of Augusta,
Georgia, with the Augusta Planning and Development Department, the Augusta Transit
Department, or the Federal Transit Administration – Region IV. Any complaint or questions
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regarding Augusta’s Title VI Program will be directed to the Office of the Administrator of Augusta,
Georgia.
3. Informal Complaint - Any member of the general public who feels that his or her rights under Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 have been violated in any manner may first speak informally with
the Administrator of Augusta, Georgia or her/his designated representative in order to see if the
matter can be resolved informally. The Administrator or her/his designated representative will
investigate the complaint and decide on its merits. Complaining parties will receive notification
of the determination of the Administrator. As pertaining to public transit services and operations
of the Augusta Transit Department and/or any sub-recipient of federal funds, all complaints
whether informal or formal are referred to the Office of Administrator and/or designated
representative.
4. Formal Complaint - Any complaining individual who does not feel that his or her concerns have
been resolved informally may then file a formal written complaint in the Office of the
Administrator, 535 Telfair St., Suite 910 Augusta, GA 30901, phone (706) 821-2400. A Formal
Complaint should be submitted no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the last alleged
discriminatory act.
With regard to public transit services and operations of the Augusta Transit Department and/or
any sub-recipient of federal funds, all complaints whether informal or formal are referred to the
Office of Administrator of Augusta, Georgia or her/his designated representative.
The Office of the Administrator of Augusta, Georgia (Title VI Coordinator) or his or her designated
representative will set a mutually agreed-upon time and place for the review process with the
complaining individual or their representatives within thirty (30) working days of filing the
complaint. The complainant may submit documents or other information to be included with the
record and considered in the review process. The complainant will generally be issued a letter of
findings and recommendations from the Office of the Administrators within forty-five (45)
working days after filing a formal complaint. If additional time is required to investigate the
complaint, then all parties will be notified by the Administrator’s Office. Individuals may withdraw
their formal grievance and decide to seek mediation or an informal resolution at any point in the
compliant process.
Procedures to correct any deficiencies found through the complaint will be initiated within a forty-
five (45) day period from the issuance of the final findings of the Administrator. If no deficiencies
are found to exist as a result of the complaint, a written response will be sent to the complainant
within fifteen (15) working days from the completed investigation, detailing the investigation and
the results of that investigation. Any complainant not satisfied with the results of the
investigation may further appeal his or her complaint to the offices of the Federal Transit
Administration, Regional Civil Rights Office, 230 Peachtree St., NW, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30303.
5. Augusta, Georgia, through the Augusta Planning and Development (APDD) and Augusta Transit
Department, will notify the general public of its Title VI responsibilities by posting this statement
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on the physical office bulletin board, Public Transit terminal, transit terminal office and web sites.
The statement will be posted to meet requirements of individuals within the minority populations
as well as persons with limited English proficiency.
This notice and complete contents of this program are available at the following locations:
• The Office of Administrator
• The Augusta Planning and Development Department
• The Augusta Transit Department
• The Augusta Human Resource Department
• Office of Equal Employment Opportunity of Augusta, Georgia
• Augusta Transit Department website; www.augustaga.gov/235/About
• ARTS web site; www.augustaga.gov/680/ARTS-Metropolitan-Planning-Organization
• Aiken County Website
• Aiken County Planning Department
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Title VI program Compliance and Implementation
Introduction
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fourteenth Amendment of the constitution ensures that there is no
discrimination due to race, color, and national origin. The Civil Rights Act “prohibits discrimination by
recipients of Federal financial assistance on the basis of race, color and national origin, including matters
related to language access for limited English proficient (LEP) Persons.” These classes of individual are
protected.
Regulations
The ever-changing landscape of Federal policies plays important roles influencing state and regional
transportation planning. Since the conception of the Federal Aid Road Act in 1916 and every other federal
transportation policy since the past century, new laws continue to influence state and regional
transportation planning decisions. Some of the more notable acts include:
• Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)
• Transportation Equity Act of 21st Century of 1994 (TEA-21)
• Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users of 2005
(SAFETEALU)
• The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21)
Of those listed above, Federal Transit Administration continues to enforce SAFETY-LU for projects funded
in Fiscal Year 2012 and previous years. All of these are also reflected in the Georgia Department of
Transportations’ (GDOT) Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for the fiscal year 2014
– 2017. Both GDOT and ARTS MPO are subject to FHWA and FTA regulations; ARTS MPO is further
required to meet their certification review process. The ARTS MPO transportation planning process seeks
to promote a fair transportation planning process while meeting state and federal requirements required
by Title VI legislation.
Development and Update
ARTS Title VI is created through extensive research of regional transportation planning activities,
documentations, and public participation. The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Unified
Planning Work Program (UPWP), Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), and other planning documents
are investigated in conjunction with demographic data provided by the U.S. Census. ARTS Title VI is
updated periodically in relationship to revisions of regional transportation planning practices. Input from
minorities, residents, and businesses are always welcome and detailed reports are compiled when
developing and updating the ARTS Title VI. The ARTS Public Participation Plan is included in the ARTS Title
VI. The ARTS Title VI document is located on the City of Augusta’s Title VI Program webpage;
www.augustaga.gov/2105/Title-VI-Program .
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Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) Implementation
Overview and Objectives
To implement the required federal guidelines, ARTS conducted extensive research of regional
transportation planning activities, reports, and public participation. As mentioned earlier in this program
document, the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP),
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), and other planning documents are updated periodically in
conjunction with demographic data provided by the U.S. Census. These documents are updated
periodically in relationship to revisions of regional transportation planning practices. Input from minority
populations, residents, and businesses are documented as part of the public participation process. The
ARTS Title VI Program procedure is supplemented by implementation of the Public Participation Plan
which is included in this document.
Analysis Method
ARTS uses the following terms and definitions for specific concepts in regional planning to meet federal
Title VI regulations. These terms and analytical concepts include:
1. Minority Population – Any readily identifiable groups of minority persons who live in geographic
proximity, and if circumstances warrant, geographically dispersed/transient persons who will be
similarly affected by a proposed USDOT program, policy or activity.
2. Low-Income Population – Any readily identifiable groups of low-income person who live in
geographic proximity, and if circumstances warrant, geographically dispersed/transient persons
who will be similarly affected by a proposed USDOT program, policy or activity.
3. Elderly Population – People 65 years and older.
4. Children – People 16 years and younger.
5. Disproportionately high and adverse effect on Minority and Low-Income Population – Adverse
Effect that is primarily on a minority and/or low-income population or they suffer a great adverse
effect than non-minority and/or non-low-income population.
6. Benefits – For specific project, corridor or sub-area, benefits are listed in the purpose and needs
statement.
Evaluation is based on:
1. Identification of impacts
2. Quantitative and qualitative tests on positive and negative impacts
ARTS MPO Approach
ARTS Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
institute the following principles to address Title VI:
• Identify, address, and ensure there are no disproportionate or adverse impacts on regional
demographics, especially minority and low-income populations.
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• Promote and market full and fair participation by all residents and communities in the
planning process.
• Assure benefits from federal transportation programs are received equally in the target
population.
ARTS methodology follows both FTA and FHWA for Title VI Analysis and does so for each individual census
tract.
1. Analysis: Identify Target Population, burdens, and benefits and correlate them to one another
2. Plan: Present mitigation strategies for identified burdens and make Title VI recommendations
3. Public Involvement: Document Public participation methodologies used
4. Implementation: Evaluate the implementation of the Title VI process
Planning Assessment
ARTS MPO is a transparent government agency responsible for the transportation planning for the
Augusta GA., - Aiken, South Carolina Metropolitan Area. The entire planning process, research, and
documentation for all ARTS plans – including but not limited to MTP, UPWP, and TIP – are a matter of
public record. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the region’s growing transportation network and
no one is discriminated against. ARTS has also instituted their Environmental Justice Plan to ensure all
manner of people regardless of their race, age, and national origin, income, mobility, are taken into great
consideration when conducting any planning activity.
Data Analysis
ARTS Title VI data is collected from the US Decennial Census 2010 and American Community Survey 5-
Year 2015-2019 estimates. Where census tracts split the boundary of the ARTS MPO region, a ratio of the
data is taken based off of the proportion within the boundary. Demographic information within the ARTS
MPO region is presented in Table 1: ARTS MPO Population and Table 2: Hispanic Population in ARTS. This
population is also illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, depicting their distribution throughout the ARTS MPO
region.
Table 1: ARTS MPO Population: 2010 to ACS Five Year Estimate (2015-2019)
ARTS 2010 Threshold 2015-2019
Estimates Threshold
Total Population 435,635 100% 467,301 100%
Total Households With Vehicles 174,276 40% 155,797 33.33%
Total Minorities 185,197 42.51% 200,502 42.90%
Total Hispanic 19,822 4.55% 26,126 5.59%
Total Seniors 65 Years and over 53,629 12% 70,161 15.01%
Total Low-Income 115,592 26.53% 73,175 15.65%
Total Households Without Vehicles 11,070 6.35% 10,981 2.35%
Sources: U.S. Decennial Census 2010, U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year Estimate U.S. 2015-2019
Attachment number 1 \nPage 12 of 102
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Table 2: Hispanic Population in ARTS
Table 2: Hispanic Population by Race and Total Population in ARTS: 2010 TO ACS Five Year
Estimate (2015-2019)
Race 2010 Percentage 2015-2019 Percentage
White 8,611 43.44% 17,588 67.32%
Black 1,843 9.30% 2,449 9.37%
American Indian 225 1.14% 305 1.17%
Asian 95 0.48% 406 1.55%
Hawaiian 44 0.22% 8 0.03%
Other 6,916 34.89% 3,322 12.72%
Two or More 2,088 10.53% 2,047 7.84%
Total Hispanic
Population 19,822 100.00% 26,126 100.00%
Sources: U.S. Decennial Census 2010, U.S Census American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates (2015-2019).
Minority population accounts for more than 42.90% of the 2015-2019 estimated total population within
the MPO area while nonminority population accounts for under 57.10%. A majority of the African
Americans and Hispanics reside in Richmond County, Georgia, and Aiken County, South Carolina. Columbia
County Georgia has the majority of the Asian population. Figure 2 presents the distribution of elderly
within the MPO boundary, with a majority of them being located in Aiken South Carolina.
ARTS racial diversity is found mainly in the urban cores of Aiken and Augusta. According to the U.S Census
Bureau, people who identify themselves as “Hispanic”, “Latino”, or “Spanish” may be of any race. For this
reason, this is why Fort Gordon is illustrated as having a high Hispanic population simply because it
includes all race demographics. ARTS demographics are predominantly made up of minorities with very
few census tracts containing a white majority, except in Columbia and Aiken Counties. Augusta Transit
and Best Friends Express routes are planned to ensure all racial and Hispanic demographics have access
to their services.
English is the prevailing language in ARTS. There are only a very few census tracts that have populations
that speak languages other than English. A maximum of 3% of the population in specific census tracts
within ARTS speak a language other than English. These and other census tracts with less than 8.2% English
speaking populations are considered Limited English Proficiency population for the ARTS MPO area and
are depicted in Figure 6. The highest Limited English Proficiency population group is reflective in the
Hispanic population as many of them are in Richmond, Aiken, and Columbia County.
Demand Response service in Columbia and Richmond County is a valuable resource provided to residents
within and outside the ARTS MPO area. Columbia County Public Transit operates Monday through Friday
and provides curb-to-curb demand response services for all Columbia County residents. Richmond County
Transit provides the same services for all of Richmond County residents living in rural areas. Paratransit
services provided by Augusta Transit and Best Friends Express services require are offered to seniors and
individuals with disabilities.
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Figure 1: Map of Hispanic/ Latino Population by Census Tract
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Figure 2: Map of 65 Years and Older Population by Census Tract
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Figure 3: Map of Total Population Per Acre by Census Tract
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Figure 4: Map of Total Employees Per Acre by Census Tract
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Figure 5: Map of Zero-Vehicle Households by Census Tract
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Figure 6: Map of Limited English Proficiency by Census Tract
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Demographic and Low-Income Analysis
Data for the demographics and low-income analysis – Table 3 - 5 – is derived from the U.S. Decennial
Census 2010 and American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates (ACS) 2015-2019 estimates.
Table 3: ARTS Population by Age and Gender
2010 Percentage 2015-2019 Estimate Percentage
Total Population 435,635 100% 467,301 100%
Age
Under 5 30,000 7% 29,926 6.40%
5 to 19 91,702 21% 91,639 19.61%
20 to 64 260,303 60% 275,575 58.97%
65 and over 53,629 12% 70,161 15.01%
Gender
Male 210,608 48% 225,404 48.24%
Female 225,027 52% 241,897 51.76%
Sources: U.S. Decennial Census 2010, U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year Estimate (2015-2019)
Table 4: Target Area Population Composition: 2010 to ACS Five Year Estimates (2015-2019)
2010
In MPO Percentage in MPO Four Counties Percentage
White 250,438 57.49% 301,773 58.98%
Black 155,473 35.69% 176,456 34.49%
American Indian 1,532 0.35% 1,827 0.36%
Asian 9,180 2.11% 9,516 1.86%
Hawaiian 633 0.15% 673 0.13%
Other Race 7,588 1.74% 9,279 1.81%
Two or More Races 10,792 2.48% 12,162 2.38%
Total Hispanic* 19,822 4.55% 23,620 4.62%
Total Population 435,635 100.00% 511,686 100.00% 2015-2019 Estimates
In MPO Percentage in MPO Four Counties Percentage
White 266,800 57.09% 321,398 58.67%
Black 168,750 36.11% 190,586 34.79%
American Indian 1,206 0.26% 1615 0.29%
Asian 10,703 2.29% 11,306 2.06%
Hawaiian 511 0.11% 526 0.10%
Other 5,381 1.15% 6,153 1.12%
Two or More 13,950 2.99% 16,201 2.96%
Total Hispanic or Latino* 26,126 5.59% 31,259 5.71%
Total Population 467,301 100.00% 547,785 100%
Sources: U.S. Decennial Census 2010, U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year Estimate (2015-2019)
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Table 5: Countywide Location, Gender, and Age: 2010 to ACS Five Year Estimate to (2015-2019)
Census 2010 2015-2019 Estimates
Columbia Richmond Aiken Edgefield Columbia Richmond Aiken Edgefield
*Urban 65% 80% 43% 2% 61% 80% 43% 2%
*Rural 35% 20% 57% 98% 39% 20% 57% 98%
Male 49% 48% 48% 53% 48.94%
48.35%
48.26%
53.32%
Under 5 7% 7% 7% 6% 7.37% 6.61% 6.17% 3.33%
Children 5 - 17 24% 21% 21% 18% 26.44% 24.32% 23.05% 16.95%
Adults 18
- 64 62% 63% 61% 68% 61.44% 64.01% 59.64% 67.31%
Seniors 65+ 7% 9% 11% 8% 12.11% 11.66% 17.29% 15.73%
Female 51% 52% 52% 47% 51.05%
51.64%
51.73%
46.67%
Under 5 6% 7% 6% 6% 8.53% 4.52% 5.37% 4.16%
Children 5
- 17 22% 19% 19% 19% 18.44% 15.69% 15.23% 15.73%
Adults 18
- 64 63% 62% 61% 62% 61.19% 62.63% 59.31% 58.69%
Seniors 65+ 9% 13% 15% 14% 20.82% 10.50% 20.08% 21.40%
Source: Urban and Rural Designation as Percentage of Total Population taken from 2010 Decennial Census, US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019
Needs Assessment
ARTS Low-Income Transportation needs include the following:
1. Public Transit in ARTS has developed incrementally, leaving some areas distant from any access
or availability.
• Bus stops are located at inconvenient spots along major arterial and collector roads away
from the neighborhood, commercial, or residential centers.
• Recreation centers, parks, shopping venues, and employment centers are outside any transit
stops.
2. Employers, Neighborhood Organizations, Civic Leaders, and others require incentives to assist in
transportation improvements.
• Presenting to local speaker bureaus, civic leagues, neighborhood organizations, and churches
while gathering information from them.
• Publicizing all research, documents, plans, and projects through the city webpage.
• Creating public and private partnerships with local stakeholders, organizations, and
communities.
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Benefits and Burdens
The ARTS provides a brief description of possible benefits, burdens and mitigation strategies in the
following table.
Table 6: Benefits and Burdens Based on LRTP 2040
Project Type Benefit Burden Mitigation
New road Enhance travel
conditions
Increased noise pollution,
affects existing neighborhoods
Design ROW standards
for minimum impact
Complete Street Policy
Provides alternative
routes, and reduces
traffic on major streets
Construction delays in existing
neighborhoods Context-sensitive design
in neighborhoods
Local road
improvements
Promote system
preservation Improve
safety and travel
conditions
Diverts traffic during
construction causing heavy
traffic and dangerous
conditions on local streets
Build curbs and
sidewalks rather than
shoulders
Fixed route service
Extend accessibility to
transit in the EJ
population
Reliable financial / funding
resource
Improve transit
frequency when possible
Reduce reliance on
motor vehicles and
maintain air quality
Increase mobility to EJ
population
Install bus shelters that
comply with ADA policy
Para-Transit/Rural
Transportation
Provides service for
people with mobility
limitations
Problems with ride reservation
and cancelation
Provide appropriate
training and improve
reservation policy
Service provided county
wide including the
outside target area
Riders are sensitive to driver's
comments and behavior
Pedestrian
Improvements
Improve safety and
alternative modes of
transportation
Complete Streets Policy
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Benefits and Burdens impact on Title VI Target Population
ARTS MTP is financially constrained as required by state and federal regulations. Table 7 and Table 8 shows
expected revenue and costs based on the previous MTP’s three-tier Financial Plan for the state of Georgia
and South Carolina.
Table 7: Georgia Expected Revenue and Costs
Georgia
Time Period/ Tier Projects Estimate Maintenance Estimate Subtotal Estimate
FY 2021 to FY 2024 3/4yrs $140,208, 201 $28,418,771 $168,626,970
FY 2025 to FY 2034 -10yrs $375, 935,660 $76,198, 318 $452,133,979
FY 2035 to FY 2050 15 yrs $685, 000, 324 $138,842, 569 $823,842, 894
Total $1,201,144,185 $243,459, 658 $1,444, 603, 843
Source: ARTS Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050, Chapter 6 Financial Plan, 2020
Table 8: South Carolina Expected Revenue and Costs
South Carolina
Year Projects
Estimates
(Guide share)
State
Infrastructure
Bank
TAP Resurfacing
/Preservation/Operation
Total Estimate
2021-2021 -1yr $14,040,000 $4,000,000 $541,064 $27,651,856 $46,232,920
2025-2035 - 10yrs $43,566,435 $12,412,089 $1,678,940 $85,804,331 $143,461,793
2036-2050 -
15yrs
$76,982,141 $21,932,233 $2,966,698 $151,616,745 $253,497,815
Total $134,588,577 $38,344,324 $5,186,700 $265,072,930 $443,192,530
Source: ARTS Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050, Chapter 6 Financial Plan, 2020
The ARTS MTP 2050 recommendations including the Transportation Improvement Programs, contained
within the plan are used to evaluate the benefits and burdens and the impact it has on the target
population. It is the impact of specific projects and plans that will determine any disproportionate adverse
impacts on the ARTS population along with assessing the benefits that have been distributed evenly.
Measures of MTP 2050
The following are ARTS measures used to evaluate the impact of a projects on target and non-target areas.
Implementation of the recommendations in the MTP and specific TIP projects are not evaluated, only the
resulting benefits and burdens.
Highway and Freeway construction in EJ target and non-target areas
• Local Road traffic counts and infrastructure improvements in EJ target and non-target areas
• Pedestrian Improvements in EJ target and non-target areas
• Public Transit accessibility in EJ target and non-target areas
Measures Applied to MTP 2050
ARTS MTP 2050 is a bi-state plan providing planning, financial, and physical resources to four counties and
assisting them in their efforts to ensure all residents have access to the same transportation services. Title
VI Analysis is for all four counties within the MPO’s jurisdiction and is based on the measures listed above.
The following table documents the funding allocation based on the same measures:
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Table 9: ARTS MTP Project Measures -Georgia and South Carolina
Georgia Total Projected Expenditures by Improvement Type
Expenditures by Type
Tier 1
FY 2021-2024
Tier 2
FY 2025-2034
Tier 3
FY 2035-2050 Grand Total
Widening / Capacity Projects $112,994,521 $323,802,626 $588,768,133 $1,025,565,280 41%
Operations Budget $22,981,259 $65,095,354 $118,364,755 $206,441,368 8%
Bridges $3,011,118 $8,375,584 $15,230,038 $26,616,740 1%
Safety studies / defined projects $1,638,900 $1,353,410 $474,331 $3,466,641 0.1%
Safety Lump Sum $9,680,227 $30,708,481 $57,824,727 $98,213,435 4%
Ped/Bike Lump Sum $13,196,470 $37,522,836 $68,228,411 $118,947,717 5%
Transit Lump Sum $18,951,466 $50,766,290 $90,463,156 $160,180,912 6%
Available for other transit
improvements
$6,067,039 $18,415,929 $35,338,035 $59,821,003 2%
Maintenance Lump Sum $108,454,079 $282,095,632 $401,981,295 $792,531,006 32%
Total Funding $296,975,079 $818,136,142 $1,376,672,882 $2,491,784,103 100%
Source: ARTS Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050, Chapter 6 Financial Plan, 2020
South Carolina Total Projected Expenditures by Improvement Type
Expenditures by Type
Tier 1
FY 2021-2024
Tier 2
FY 2025-2034
Tier 3
FY 2035-2050 Grand Total
Widening / Capacity Projects $14,585,828 $39,123,534 $79,604,882 $133,314,244 22%
Operations Budget $6,515,003 $17,475,179 $35,556,847 $59,547,029 10%
Bridges $1,736,408 $4,657,564 $9,476,772 $15,870,744 3%
Safety studies / defined projects $660,700 $319,425 $1,634,025 $2,614,150 0.4%
Safety Lump Sum $2,548,182 $8,287,752 $15,879,049 $26,714,983 5%
Ped/Bike Lump Sum $2,083,690 $5,589,076 $11,372,126 $19,044,892 3.2%
Transit Lump Sum $6,432,813 $14,145,594 $25,594,948 $46,173,355 8%
Available for other transit
improvements
$165,538 $3,553,147 $10,416,785 $14,135,470 2%
Maintenance Lump Sum $29,431,811 $82,178,880 $170,525,032 $282,135,723 47%
Total Funding $64,159,974 $175,330,152 $360,060,466 $599,550,592 100%
Source: ARTS Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050, Chapter 6 Financial Plan, 2020
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Highway and Freeway Analysis
New construction and future improvements to both the I-20 and I-520 will help all residents within the
MPO area as well as those outside. Enhancements to I-520 with the assistance of Federal funds will assist
in developing a stronger link to minorities and low-income people living in the southern portions of
Richmond County. Future HOV lanes, additional lanes, and access points to the highways and freeways
will help improve vehicular circulation and make local roads safer for pedestrians and non-commuting
travelers. This will also reduce the travel time through improved traffic conditions along federal highways
for distance commuters between Columbia and Atlanta, while simultaneously refining linkages between
Aiken and Richmond County, and improving access to major employers and healthcare in the region.
Local Roads Analysis
Maintenance, expansion, and creation of new local roads will benefit minorities and low-income residents
throughout the ARTS area by providing better access to alternative travel routes, improved traffic
conditions, and reduced travel time. People living in West Columbia County outside the MPO boundary
will be able to drive into the urban areas of Columbia County in less time than before the improvements
were made to local roads. Currently, people living outside Columbia County’s portion of ARTS must travel
fifteen miles to access government facilities, central business district, and other urban amenities. People
living in Aiken County outside the ARTS must travel even further – an average of 20 miles – to access the
government and business facilities of North Augusta and Augusta. People in Richmond County are able to
access a variety of alternative and improved local routes and reduced congestion within the County while
also accessing surrounding counties in less time. Improvements to local roads in these counties will
facilitate better access for minorities and low-income people who live outside the ARTS.
Pedestrian Analysis
ARTS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, documents the various
pedestrian-oriented transportation developments occurring throughout the area. Many residents of all
races, ages, incomes, and disabilities now have access to greater avenues for walking, cycling, and
recreation. Aiken County continues to promote Safety Routes to School by expanding it to other schools
throughout the County, while Augusta promotes its Age-Friendly designation by GA AARP through
walkability surveys in neighborhoods throughout the County. Columbia County is ensuring pedestrian
safety by insisting on sidewalks in any new construction and road improvement projects.
Public Transit Analysis
Best Friends Express in Aiken County, South Carolina and Augusta Transit in Richmond County, Georgia
continue to provide public transportation for residents throughout their area. Both constantly seek new
opportunities to expand their service to other minority and low-income neighborhoods so even more
people may have access to public transportation. Columbia County continues to promote its non-fixed
route service through marketing, where people of all income levels can make reservations from the
comfort of their home and be delivered to the destination of their choosing.
Key Findings
ARTS continued efforts to ensure there is no discrimination within its planning area are based on some
of the findings the analyses presented. The Metropolitan Transportation Plans various transportation
modes are documented below.
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1. The highway system consisting of I-520 and I-20 which bisect the counties in the region primarily
between Columbia and Richmond County in Georgia and Aiken County in South Carolina, benefits
all four counties areas.
Minority and low-income populations are located outside each of the four counties’ urban cores
but all within the ARTS boundary. Age and racial demographics are equally distributed throughout
the metropolitan area. Constant maintenance, improvements, and expansion of the two highways
are critical for the ARTS MPO area. Each of the counties is anticipating population and
employment growth while more and more commuters continue to travel along these two
highways. The addition of HOV lanes, expansion of existing system, installation of an additional
access point, and other necessary improvements to the highway network will provide greater
safety for elderly and slow drivers while allowing others to travel more freely.
2. Public transportation in the ARTS areas is always attempting to expand into additional minority
and low-income neighborhoods.
17% of public transit funding allocation is improving operational service, in the ARTS MTP 2050
Plan. Richmond County’s 9 fixed bus routes and Aiken County’s 3 fixed-bus routes continue to
provide minority and low-income residents with the public transit needs while seeking to expand
into other neighborhoods. Columbia County’s rural transportation on-demand route currently is
not assisted by the ARTS, it is a self-sustaining system implemented by the county as an
independent means to addressing their population. In Richmond County, public transportation
providers are planning to expand their marketing initiatives in an effort to increase ridership and
will eventually be linked to park and ride facilities throughout the ARTS area.
Complaints and Compliance Review
Currently, there are no complaints and/or lawsuits on file with either the ARTS, Augusta Transit, or Best
Friends Express. All complaints and lawsuits are a matter of public record and none are found nor were
any recently filed. ARTS has not been subject to any civil rights compliance reviews.
Public Involvement
Input from the public is an important part of the ARTS’ transportation planning process. Transportation
presentations to local neighborhood organizations, speaker bureaus, and other community venues, the
ARTS staff have collected a wide range of information from the public. ARTS has acquired online pooling
to collect information from the public. This has been instrumental in collecting and compiling data at
public meetings highlighting transportation issues to be addressed in the Metropolitan Transportation
Plan. Findings from these numerous grassroots public participation events are documented and should
be incorporated into the ARTS Title VI Plan.
ARTS Committee Involvement
The ARTS is composed of four committees: Test Network Sub-Committee (TNSC), Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC), Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), and Policy Committee (PC). The TNSC is
composed of transportation planning professionals and engineers in ARTS MPO who brings technical
matters to the TCC. The CAC and TCC evaluate plans, programs, and initiatives presented to them by ARTS
staff and make their recommendations to the PC. The PC is the governing body of ARTS and votes on
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whether to approve or reject such plans, programs and recommendations. The following tables below
provide a summary of the racial composition of the counties from which the members are drawn from.
Table 10 provides a breakdown of race composition for each of the county areas in the MPO boundary.
Table 11, provides a breakdown of race composition for each of the county areas based on the entire
population. Table 12 provides a summary of ARTS committee voting members by gender and race.
Table 10: Racial Composition of the Four Counties within ARTS Area
Racial Composition of the Four Counties by Census Tract Boundary within the ARTS MPO Area
Richmond Columbia Aiken Edgefield In MPO Percentage in MPO
White 74,934 96,859 93,989 1,018 266,799 57%
Black 113,946 20,778 33,786 239 168,749 36%
American Indian 538 366 300 2 1206 0.30%
Asian 3,809 5,394 1,498 2 10,703 2%
Hawaiian 434 0 77 0 511 0.10%
Other 2,913 1,510 948 9 5,381 1%
Two or More 5,278 5,185 3,453 33 13,950 3%
Total Hispanic or Latino* 9,937 8,631 7,497 61 26,126 6%
Total Population 201,852 130,092 134,053 1,304 467,301 100%
Source: American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019
Table 11: Racial Composition of the Four Counties
Countywide Racial Composition Of the Four Counties By Census Tract Boundary
Richmond Columbia Aiken Edgefield Four Counties Percentage
White 74,934 111,355 118,946 16,163 321,398 59%
Black 113,946 25,127 42,002 9,511 190,586 35%
American Indian 538 421 549 107 1,615 0.30%
Asian 3,809 5,846 1,570 81 113,06 2%
Hawaiian 434 0 80 12 526 0.09
Other 2,913 1,635 1,043 562 6,153 1%
Two or More 5,278 6,321 4,111 491 16,201 3%
Total Hispanic or Latino* 9,937 10,094 9,622 1,606 31,259 6%
Total Population 201,852 150,705 168,301 26,927 547,785 100%
Source: American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019
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Table 12: ARTS Committee Demographics
Committee Demographic Count
Technical Coordinating Committee
White, Male 16
Black, Male 0
Other, Male 1
White, Female 3
Black, Female 1
Other, Female 0
Total 21
Committee Demographic Count
Citizens Advisory Committee
White, Male 5
Black, Male 1
White, Female Vacant
Black, Female 1
Other, Male 1
Hispanic, Male 1
Total 9
Committee Demographic Count
Policy Committee
White, Male 15
Black, Male 2
White, Female 1
Black, Female 1
Total 19
Committee Demographic Count
Test Network SubCommittee
White, Male 9
White, Female 2
Black, Male 0
Black, Female 0
Vacant 1
Total 12
Source: ARTS
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) consists of twelve local citizens appointed by the governing body
of each jurisdiction. Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken County all have four members on the CAC. Each
member represents the public and provides the public’s concerns on transportation issues. The TCC is
comprised of key transportation personnel from the counties within ARTS and it also provides
recommendations to the PC. FHWA, DOT, Lower Savannah Council of Government and Central Savannah
River Area Regional Commission are some of the non-voting members on both the CAC and TCC ensuring
they are kept up-to-date with regional transportation issues.
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ARTS Committee Meetings for the Fiscal Year 2019 to the Fiscal Year 2021
June 3, 2021 PC
May 12, 2021 TCC, CAC
February 25, 2021 PC
January 28, 2021 TCC, CAC
December 3, 2020 PC
October 3, 2020 TCC
November 12, 2020 TCC, CAC
September 3, 2020 PC
August 12, 2020 TCC, CAC
June 4, 2020 PC
May 13, 2020 TCC, CAC
March 5, 2020 PC
February 12, 2020 TCC, CAC
December 5, 2019 PC
November 13, 2019 TCC, CAC
September 5, 2019 PC
August 14, 2019 TCC, CAC
Methodology
The CAC works in conjunction with TCC reviewing various planning documents presented to them
including but not limited to the Metropolitan Transportations Plan, Congestion Management Process,
Unified Planning Work Program, and Title VI as well as any others prepared by ARTS. These documents
are presented to them for comments and recommendations to the PC. ARTS staff is permitted sometimes
to incorporate their comments into the plans, programs, and initiatives before presenting to PC.
Public involvement is conducted by the ARTS staff by attending civic organizations, neighborhood
association meetings, and other community venues where the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and
Transportation Improvement Programs are presented and all comments are welcome. At certain public
meetings, wireless polling is conducted and results of the surveys are presented at the very same venues,
showing each comment and input is taken seriously into the planning process.
The ARTS adopted Public Participation Plan guides efforts to involve the public in the planning process
and to provide information about transportation planning activities. It includes notification procedures
for public hearings and meetings, as well as public notification and information dissemination processes
for specific ARTS products such as the Transportation Improvement Program.
Public Participation Contacts
A contact list is maintained by the ARTS for the entire area, consisting of neighborhood organizations,
faith-based organizations, stakeholders, public leaders, and many more. This list is used to keep people
informed through the ARTS News Letter, make reservations for presentations, and gather information
from an organized and structured public participation process. All meetings held by CAC, TCC, and PC are
open to the public. The meeting agendas are posted online as well as distributed to interested citizens,
neighborhood organizations, and stakeholders.
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Public notices are included during the public involvement process for Metropolitan Transportation Plan,
Transportation Improvement Plan, and Special Transportation Projects. Plan documents are placed in over
thirty locations throughout the region for access to the public. These locations include public facilities,
libraries, community centers, and government buildings.
Public Notice
All public participation events from speaker bureaus to public meetings are posted on the website and/
or distributed through flyers and bill drops inviting the public to attend a community meeting near them.
The following is a list of locations ARTS has reserved for public meetings and speaker bureaus, each
encouraging the local residents and businesses to participate in the transportation planning process in
their area. Notifications for all public events and community meetings including public hearings are
conducted through written publications in The Augusta Chronicle, The Aiken Standard, Columbia County
News-Times as well as The Metro Courier and The Urban Pro Weekly. All information concerning ARTS is
also made available through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter/Instagram in conjunction
with the city and ARTS independent webpages.
Speaker Bureaus
• Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church
• Columbia County Exchange Club at Snelling Center
• Augusta Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Council
• Augusta Exchange Club at First Baptist Church
• Augusta Canal Authority at Enterprise Mill
• Aiken Chamber of Commerce
• Merchants Association of Columbia County
• Sierra Club at Unitarian Universalist Church
• Wheel Movement- Richmond County, GA
• Friends of Our Greenway-North Augusta, SC
• Augusta Transit Citizen Advisory Committee
Table 13: ARTS Public Review/ Comment Meeting Venues
Public Meeting Venues
Hephzibah City Hall Warren Road Community Center Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building
2530 Highway 88 300 Warren Road 535 Telfair Street, 1ST Floor
Hephzibah, GA 30815 Augusta, GA 30907 Augusta, GA 30901
Liberty Community Center Oak Point Community Center Augusta Transit- Transfer Facility
1040 Newmantown Road 703 East Boundary 1546 Broad Street
Grovetown, GA 30813 Augusta, GA 30901 Augusta, GA 30904
Sand Hills Community Center North Augusta Community Center Evans Government Complex, Auditorium
2540 Wheeler Road 495 Brookside Avenue 630 Ronald Reagan Drive
Augusta, GA 30904 North Augusta, SC 29841 Evans, GA 30809
Carrie J. Mays Family Life Center Odell Weeks Activity Center Aiken County Government Center
1014 Eleventh Avenue 1700 Whiskey Road 1930 University Pkwy, 1st Floor
Augusta, GA 30901 Aiken, SC 29803 Aiken, SC 29801
First Baptist Church of Evans Smith Hazel Recreation Center Zoom.com.
515 N. Belair Road 400 Kershaw Street NE https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9946694292
Evans, GA 30809 Aiken, SC 29801
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Documentation
The ARTS Public Participation Plan located in the Attachment lists all the documentation strategies
implemented by the MPO. All documents are a matter of public record and available on the city’s webpage
as well as the ARTS webpage. ARTS publicizes seven (7) days prior to MPO planning meetings.
Marketing Strategies
1. Press Releases – Used to announce upcoming meetings and activities and to provide information
on specific issues related to transportation planning.
2. Print Display Ads – Used to advertise public meetings and review and comment periods for
transportation plans and projects. Display ads are published in area newspapers and distributed
at public facilities throughout the ARTS area.
3. Direct Mailings – Used to advertise public meetings and review and comment periods for
transportation plans and projects, or to provide information to a targeted area.
4. ARTS Newsletter – A quarterly publication used to provide information on transportation issues,
projects, documents, contacts and resources.
5. ARTS Website – Used to display general information about ARTS, copies of major ARTS
transportation documents, committee meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, project updates,
and the ARTS Newsletter. The website is also used to advertise public meetings and review and
comment periods for transportation plans and projects.
6. Speaking Engagements – The MPO shall make staff available to speak to civic groups,
neighborhood associations, and other interested parties about ARTS transportation planning and
projects.
7. ARTS Committee Meetings – The ARTS committee meetings will be a regularly-scheduled forum
for the discussion of, and updates on regional transportation needs, plans, programs and
activities.
8. ARTS Public Meetings – ARTS public meetings will be held in conjunction with the update of the
MTP and the TIP, and the development of any special studies related to regional transportation
issues.
9. Comment Cards – Comment cards will be distributed at public meetings to obtain feedback on
regional transportation needs, plans, programs, and activities.
10. Surveys – Surveys will be used to obtain information from the general public and other
stakeholders.
11. Visualization Techniques – The MPO will use GIS maps, sketches, drawings, and similar tools at
public meetings to both convey information and elicit public input about transportation plans and
projects.
Monitor of Sub-recipient
Each jurisdiction within the ARTS boundary is encouraged to participate in federally funded programs
dedicated to transportation. Furthermore, they are also subject to review by the MPOs for Title VI
compliance, ensuring there is no discrimination. From Metropolitan Transportation Plan projects to
Transportation Improvement Programs seeking federal and state funds, each jurisdiction must show
Augusta Regional Transportation Study that they are not discriminating and the projects will ensure all
burden and benefits are evenly distributed. ARTS Policy Council makes the decisions, taking into account
public input from the Citizen Advisory Council and professional consultation from the Technical
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Coordinating Committee. These committees monitor all programs and projects for Title VI and all manner
of transportation related projects, programs and policies.
Minority Participation
Planning activities conducted by ARTS rely heavily on public involvement, mainly from the minorities,
neighborhood organizations, faith-based centers, speaker bureaus, and community meetings. Recent
community meetings for the update to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan included minorities at every
meeting voicing their support for the Augusta Transit and Best Friends Express the need for more routes,
alternative means of public transportation such as light rail, and many other views on particular road
projects. The same input is gathered from speaker bureau meetings and community events.
ARTS/MPO – Monitor Report of Title VI Activities
A close working relationship has been established between the Augusta Planning and Development
Department and Augusta Transit. The Augusta Transit Department does not maintain a planning staff of
its own. The Augusta Planning & Development Department (APDD) provides public transportation
planning and F TA grant administrative compliance assistance to Augusta Transit. It also allows the
Augusta Planning & Development Department to coordinate the planning activities with the
administration of the FTA grant program. For example, as part of the assistance provided to Augusta
Transit in complying with FTA grant program requirements, the APDD provides technical assistance
needed to update Title VI submission assist with ADA compliance.
The Augusta Planning & Development Department, recently, completed the data analysis update to
monitor benefits and burdens of the MPO transportation planning process and Augusta Transit’s service
with respect to minority communities. Public Transportation services to these communities are evaluated
by the following service standards:
• Each census tract in the service area with a minority population that is equal to or more total
percentage of all minorities in the service area is monitored;
• An inventory is made of the transit service provided to these areas;
• An assessment is made of the performance of each route operating in each minority area;
• The performance of service provided in minority areas is compared to system policy standards.
Information Dissemination
An adopted Public Participation Plan guides effort to involve the public in ARTS planning process and to
provide information about transportation planning activities. It includes notification procedures for public
hearings and meetings, as well as public notification and information dissemination processes for specific
ARTS products such as the Transportation Improvement Program.
In addition to the Public Participation Plan, the Citizen Advisory Committee (described in more detail
below) has become an important mechanism for obtaining both citizen input and providing information
to the public about current ARTS activities. Citizens Advisory Committee members have become proactive
in encouraging public involvement in transportation planning. Members have begun distributing ARTS
documents in their neighborhoods, meetings with other citizen groups to discuss transportation issues,
attending public meetings and hearings, and encouraging others to participate as well. Since the Citizen
Advisory Committee members represent a cross-section of area residents, including minority residents,
their actions have become an important aspect of citizen participation in the ARTS process.
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Notifications procedures for public meetings, public hearings, and public review of certain ARTS products
include purchased notices in local newspapers, news releases to local media, and direct mail notifications
of interested individuals, direct mail notifications to 17 neighborhood association in Richmond County,
and posting of notices in 37 public places. Purchased notices are placed in The Augusta Chronicle, The
Aiken Standard and Columbia County News-Times, the local general circulation newspapers, and in The
Metro Courier and The Urban Pro Weekly primarily minority-oriented newspapers.
List of Public Notice Publications
• Augusta Planning and Development Department
• Aiken County Planning and Development Department
• Columbia County Development Services
• City of Aiken Planning Department
• North Augusta Planning and Economic Development
• Augusta Engineering Department
• Columbia County Engineering Services Department
• North Augusta Department of Energy and Public Works
• City of Aiken Public Works and Engineering
• Aiken County Engineering
• Augusta Traffic Engineers
• Burnettown Town Hall
• GA DOT Augusta Area Engineering’s Office
• SC DOT Area Engineer
• Grovetown City Hall
• Fort Gordon
• August Transit
• Best Friends Express
• Columbia County Public Transit
• Richmond County Transit
• All Public Libraries in Columbia, Aiken, and Richmond County
• Hephzibah City Hall
• Blythe City Hall
• Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG)
• Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission (CSRA-RC)
It is impossible to list all instances of media involvement in disseminating information about
transportation planning-related activities. All media involvement, other than the purchased notices, is
voluntary non-purchased activity, usually as part of news reporting. The activity is rather extensive as
evidenced by the list of transportation-related newspapers. Coverage by the electronic media is not as
well quantified but is also extensive.
Media coverage is difficult to estimate accurately. Circulation and audience figures for some local media
provide an estimate. The urbanized area population in 2010 was estimated over 300,000. The daily
circulation of the Augusta Chronicle, the newspaper with the largest daily circulation, is approximately
80,000. The weekly circulation of The Metro Courier is approximately 10,000. It is estimated that all
Augusta radio stations have an average-quarter hour listening audience in excess of 50,000 persons or
slightly more than 17% of the urbanized area population. However, this represents the maximum
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audience, not the audience of the station covering transportation planning and activities. Radio stations
that do cover transportation planning meetings and activities draw approximately 50% of the total
audience. Local minority-oriented radio stations like all radio stations are utilized only to the extent of
receiving press releases concerning transportation planning meetings and activities.
Notification of members of the MPO Policy Committee, Technical Coordinating Committee, and Citizens
Advisory Committee remain the same. Agendas are mailed to all members at least one week prior to a
meeting.
ARTS also has its own independent webpage in conjunction with the Columbia County and Augusta’s city
webpages. This page is maintained and updated by ARTS Staff through the IT-GIS Department of the City
of Augusta. Social media also plays a very important role in public notifications as ARTS also has its own
Facebook and Twitter pages so people are kept informed and up to date on regional transportation
planning activities.
Minority Participation in the Decision-Making Process
The Augusta Regional Transportation Study MPO Policy Committee, as described below in the Minority
Representation on Decision Making Bodies Section of this Title VI Program, has approval authority for
ARTS public transportation planning matters. Citizens’ participation and more specifically minority
participation in ARTS public transportation planning is through members in the ARTS Technical
Coordinating Committee and Citizen Advisory Committee and through involvement in ARTS public
transportation planning activities.
Efforts to encourage minority participation in public transportation planning activities include:
• Purchase notices in the minority oriented newspaper
• Press releases to minority oriented media for public meetings, hearings, and announcements of
document availability;
• Speaker Bureau presentation and Community meetings throughout the ARTS area
• Locating public hearing and public meetings at accessible facilities located in or near minority
neighborhoods; i.e. The Augusta Richmond County Civic Center and the Municipal Building; and
• Public hearing and meeting notices are mailed to 17 neighborhood associations, at least six of
which represent neighborhoods consisting primarily of minority residents.
In addition to the efforts described above to involve minorities in public transportation planning, the
Augusta Transit Department organized a Transit Advisory Committee that meets monthly to discuss public
transit issues. This committee will be made up of 10 representatives from each district with a total of 10
members. ARTS planning staff assists the AT with technical support on the committees’ activities.
Minority Representation on Decision Making Bodies
The Augusta Regional Transportation Study operates under a five committee structure; a Policy
Committee responsible for overall direction and conclusions of ARTS; a Citizen Advisory Committee
designed to prove the ARTS process with general citizen input; a Technical Coordinating Committee that
conducts the technical analysis necessary to maintain ARTS; a Test Network Subcommittee that provide
detail information on their jurisdiction transportation efforts; and a South Carolina Policy Sub-Committee
that is responsible for ensuring that the South Carolina portion of ARTS is kept up-to-date.
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The Policy Committee is responsible for the establishment of policy and overall guidance of ARTS. In
carrying out its responsibilities, it receives recommendations and in turn, makes the decision that actually
sets transportation priorities. Its membership consists of the elected representatives of each of the
governmental units in the ARTS area. The Policy Committee has eighteen (19) members: fifteen (15) White
males, one (2) Black males, one (1) Black Female and one (1) White females.
The Citizen Advisory Committee provides for public involvement in the ARTS process. The membership is
structure so that all portions of the study area are represented. It serves as a sounding board for and a
generator of community interest. It provides a balance to the technical input provided by the Technical
Coordinating Committee. The Citizen Advisory Committee has nine (9) members; five (5) White males,
one (1) Black male, one (1) Hispanic male, one (1) Black female, one Other race male (1), Five (5) Vacant.
The Technical Coordinating Committee is the group that conducts the technical review of planning studies
relating to the transportation system in the ARTS area. Its membership is composed of key staff member
of participating government jurisdiction in the ARTS process. The Technical Coordinating Committee has
Twenty-one (21) members: sixteen (16) White males, three (3) White females, one (1) Other Race male,
and one (1) Black female.
Technical Test Network Subcommittee (TTNS) meets quarterly and is composed of local project sponsors
and representatives who provide detailed information on their jurisdiction transportation efforts. This
committee is established to inform ARTS regarding specific project costs, schedule, and description. The
information is passed onto the TCC and CAC for further processing. The Technical Test Network
Subcommittee has twenty-three (23) members.
The South Carolina Policy Subcommittee serves in an advisory capacity to the ARTS Policy Committee and
is responsible for ensuring that the South Carolina portion of ARTS is kept up-to-date. The South Carolina
Subcommittee is comprised of local elected officials (voting members), and federal, state, and local
appointed personnel (nonvoting members) representing the South Carolina part of the study area. The
South Carolina Policy Subcommittee has twenty (20) members.
The Transit Citizen Advisory Committee (TCAC) acts as a representative body for the citizens of Augusta,
Georgia, and serves in an advisory capacity to the Augusta Transit Department. They are a positive catalyst
between Augusta Transit, the community, and the Augusta Commission. The TCAC provides comments on
transportation, plans, programs, and respective transit studies and will assist Augusta Transit in publicizing
transportation projects and plans to neighborhoods and provide feedback, to the department. The
following table is a list of their meet members and demographic.
Augusta Planning and Development Department regularly attends TCAC meetings to provide updates on
the MTP, TIP, and public transit planning activities. TCAC meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at
4:00 p.m. and consists of twelve (12) members: four (4) black males, one (1) white female, and seven (7)
vacancies. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Augusta Transit holds its regularly scheduled TCAC meetings
through virtual zoom meetings.
Public involvement during the period covered by this Title VI Update is through formal as well as informal
public and committee meetings on the following dates. ARTS takes an active role with local media –
interviews, articles, and press releases – ensuring the public is always notified of public meetings. This was
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done in coordination with social media – Facebook and Twitter – each meeting is initiated through a
comprehensive media broadcast notifying residents and businesses in all four counties of these events.
2050 MTP Public Meetings
In FY 2020, public meetings were held between Tuesday, August 8th, 2019, and Thursday, October 10th,
2019 in which the public was invited to review and comment on the ARTS 2050 Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (MTP).
FY 2020
Location Date Time
Aiken County Government Complex
August 8th, 2019 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Sandlapper Room
1930 University Parkway
Aiken, SC 29801
TW Josey High School
August 8th, 2019 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Media Center
1701 15th Street
Augusta GA 30901
First Baptist Church of Augusta
October 10th, 2019 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
3500 Walton Way Ext
Augusta GA 30909
Columbia County Government Center
October 10th, 2019 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Auditorium, Building A
630 Ronald Reagan Drive
Evans, GA 30809
TIP Public Meetings
In FY 2021, virtual public meetings were held between Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 to Thursday, January
14th, 2021. The purpose of the Virtual Public Meetings was to allow the public to review and comment
on the ARTS MPO draft Georgia FY 2021-2024 and South Carolina FY 2021-2027 TIP.
FY 2021
Location Date Time
Virtual Zoom Public Meeting
January 12th, 2021 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
January 13th, 2021 12:00pm to 1:00pm
January 13th, 2021 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
January 14th, 2021 12:00pm to 1:00pm
January 14th, 2021 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
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TIP Public Notice
Announcements were posted on the website and nine local newspapers:
1. Augusta Chronicle
2. The North Augusta Star
3. Aiken Standard
4. Metro Spirit
5. Bienvenidos
6. Columbia Co News Time
7. Urban Pro Weekly
8. The Signal – Fort Gordon Newspaper
9. Globe/ aka Signal Newspaper
ARTS MPO Committee Meetings
All ARTS Committee Meetings are held at Room 215, Second Floor Committee Room Municipal Building,
Augusta, Georgia. Since the COV-19 pandemic in FY 2020, the majority of the ARTS Committee Meetings
have been held through Zoom meetings.
Policy Committee
September 3, 2020, December 3, 2020 February 25, 2021 June 3, 2021
Technical Coordinating Committee
August 12, 2020, November 12, 2020 January 28, 2021 May 12, 2021
Citizen Advisory Committee
August 12, 2020, November 12, 2020 January 28, 2021 May 12, 2021
Test Network Subcommittee
Test Network Subcommittee Meetings are called on an as-needed basis.
Joint ARTS MPO Committee Meetings
August 12, 2020, November 12, 2020 January 28, 2021 May 12, 2021
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TITLE VI
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
COMPLIANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION
FOR
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AND OPERATIONS
AUGUSTA TRANSIT DEPARTMENT
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Augusta Transit (AT) Implementation
Overview and Objectives
Augusta Transit (hereinafter “AT”), as a department of the City of Augusta, Georgia is responding to
applicable chapters of Circular FTA C 4702.1A, dated May 13, 2007.
The City of Augusta, Georgia, through its operation and management of AT, makes every effort to ensure
that transportation services are provided at a consistent level and quality to everyone without regard to
race, color, or national origin. Through its planning process, the City has reviewed social and economic
effects of programs and activities on minority populations and low-income populations and has targeted
service to the extent possible to these areas.
Through public hearings and various other meetings, as well as through presentations to public groups,
the City has promoted full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation decision-
making. On occasion, members of the minority and low-income population have called or visited AT’s
office in order to request service maps and make recommendations as to pockets of the population that
could be better served. As a result, routes have been modified to include those pockets of low-income
residents while maintaining an effective and on-time transit route.
The City has made all possible efforts to prevent the denial, reduction, or delay in benefits related to
programs and activities that benefit minority populations or low-income populations, particularly in
service to disabled riders. AT’s staff includes a full-time ADA Coordinator who assists riders with
identifying and obtaining the most practical services available.
Though limited in meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English Proficiency,
AT uses the local media, especially the Spanish-English newspaper El-Augustino, to apprise customers of
changes in transportation programs and services. At El-Augustin notices and advertisements about
changes, forums, or meetings are translated into Spanish. According to the 2010 Census, only 2.35% of
the population served by the transit system is of Hispanic origin. To the extent that funds and resources
permit, AT has had route brochures and system maps translated into Spanish. The City of Augusta’s
homepage, www.augustaga.gov, includes a link for translating all the site’s pages into Korean, Italian,
French, Japanese, German, and Spanish.
Through its Title VI Plan and signed Assurances, the City will abide by DOT Order 5610.2, Environmental
Justice, and DOT Limited English Proficiency, 70 FR 74087. All third-party contractors will also be required
to comply with the guidance of the circulars. Further, the City and its third-party contractors at any tier
of a project will provide services without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex or age, and will
prohibit discrimination in employment or business opportunity.
Requirements for Applicants
1. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE TITLE VI ASSURANCES
The City of Augusta, Georgia, has submitted all required annual certifications and assurances to
the Federal Transit Administration.
General Requirements and Guidelines
1. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE AN ANNUAL TITLE VI CERTIFICATION AND ASSURANCE
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The City of Augusta, Georgia, annually submits certifications and assurances to FTA as a part of its
application process. Further, the City requires compliance with the assurances and certifications
from each of its third-party contractors.
2. REQUIREMENT TO DEVELOP TITLE VI COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
The City of Augusta, Georgia, has developed Title VI Complaint Procedures in compliance with 49
CFR Section 21.9(b). They are attached as a part of the Title VI plan.
3. REQUIREMENT TO RECORD TITLE VI INVESTIGATIONS, COMPLAINTS, AND LAWSUITS
Currently, there is no investigation being conducted against the City of Augusta, Georgia, by one
individual as it regards Title VI complaints, lawsuits, or discrimination. Should such investigations
occur, the City has set up a complaint process whereby individuals may file a formal written
complaint with the Office of the City Administrator. A copy of the complaint process is attached
hereto as (Attachment E). Pursuant to Title VI, the City will maintain a list of active investigations
of allegations about discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. This list shall include
the filing date of the investigation, lawsuit, or complaint; a summary of the allegation(s); the
status of the investigation, lawsuit, or complaint; and actions taken by the recipient or sub-
recipient in response to the investigation, lawsuit, or complaint.
4. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICENCY PERSONS
The City of Augusta, Georgia, through AT, is continuing to work on methods to ensure that
individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP) have meaningful access to public
transportation and to the benefits, services, information, and other important parts of City
programs and activities. As stated in Chapter II of this response, AT arranges to have
advertisements and notices published in El-Augustino, a local Hispanic newspaper. As evidenced
by the demographic information attached to this Title VI plan, just 2.35% of the population in the
AT service area is of Hispanic origin. To the extent that funds and resources permit, AT intends to
translate route brochures and update its website for easier access by people with Limited English
Proficiency. The Augusta Regional Transportation Study, a colorful pamphlet about the AT’s work
with local planning agencies, has been available in Spanish since June 2008. Another colorful
publication, Augusta Transit System Map, which has information in Spanish as well as English, has
been available since December 2008. Both publications are offered without charge at AT’s
headquarters and terminals. As has been stated, the City of Augusta’s homepage includes a link
for translating all its departments’ web pages, AT’s included, into Korean, Italian, French,
Japanese, German, and Spanish. Our Administrative staff maintains access to bilingual
(English/Spanish) interpreters. Upon request by Limited English Proficiency persons contacting
AT, bilingual interpreters can be made available to answer questions.
5. REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY BENEFICIARIES OF PROTECTION UNDER TITLE VI
In order to comply with 49 CFR Section 21.9(d), information to the public regarding their Title VI
obligations and the protections against discrimination afforded to them by Title VI is provided by
Augusta Transit. Information is disseminated to the public through public notices and posting on
Augusta Transit’s website.
6. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION UPON REQUEST
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The City of Augusta, Georgia, acknowledges that at the discretion of FTA, information other than
that contained in Circular FTA C4702.1A may be requested in writing from recipients or sub-
recipients to investigate complaints of discrimination or to resolve concerns about possible
noncompliance with Title VI.
7. REQUIREMENT TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT A TITLE VI PROGRAM
a. Summary of public outreach and the involvement activities undertaken since the last submission
and a description of steps taken to ensure that minority and low-income people had meaningful
access to these activities.
Since the last Title VI submission, AT has been involved in numerous activities to ensure
involvement of minority and low-income individuals. AT is involved with and committed to the
community and its citizens by the giving of time and expertise to the following organizations:
Georgia Transit Association (GTA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Citizens
Advisory Committee (CAC), Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), Mayor’s Council on
Homelessness, CSRA Partnership for Community Health, Walton Community Seniors Advisory
Council, Human Service Coordination Group, Walton Options Training Program, and the
Department of Family and Children Services.
b. A copy of the agency’s plan for providing language assistance for persons with Limited English
Proficiency that was based on the DOT Limited English Proficiency Guidance or a copy of the
agency’s alternative framework for providing language assistance.
As stated in Chapter II of this response, AT arranges to have advertisements and notices published
in El-Augustino, a local Hispanic newspaper. As evidenced by the demographic information
attached to this Title VI plan, just 2.35% of the population in the AT service area is of Hispanic
origin. To the extent that funds and resources permit, AT intends to translate route brochures.
As previously mentioned, The Augusta Regional Transportation Study and Augusta Transit System
Map are two colorful publications that have been freely available, with information in Spanish,
since their introduction in 2008; and the City of Augusta’s homepage includes a link for translating
all its departments’ web pages, AT’s included, into Korean, Italian, French, Japanese, German, and
Spanish for the benefit of Limited English Proficiency persons. Our Administrative staff maintains
access to bilingual (English/Spanish) interpreters. Upon request, bilingual interpreters can be
made available to answer questions.
Although it is not cost-efficient to develop a full Limited English Proficiency plan based on the
service area and limited resources of the transit system, the absence of such a plan will not
eliminate the City’s and Transit Department’s dedication to ensure that Limited English
Proficiency persons have meaningful access to services and activities. As indicated above,
schedules and brochures have been and will be developed to meet the needs of Limited English
Proficiency participants, and outreach will be continued through the media, El-Augustino
included.
c. A copy of the agency procedures for tracking and investigating Title VI complaints.
See attached Transit Title VI Policy and Complaint Process (Attachment E).
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d. A list of any Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits filed with the agency since the time of
the last submission. This list should include only those investigations, complaints, or lawsuits that
pertain to the agency submitting the report, not necessarily the larger agency or department of
which the entity is a part.
No Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits have been filed with the agency since the time
of the last submission.
e. A copy of the agency’s notice to the public that it complies with Title VI and instructions to the
public on how to file a discrimination complaint. See attached notice (Attachment E)
8. GUIDANCE ON CONDUCTING AN ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Not applicable to this project.
9. GUIDANCE ON PROMOTING INCLUSIVE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
a. Coordinating with individuals, institutions, or organizations and implementing community-based
public involvement strategies to reach out to members in the affected minority and/or low-
income communities.
Since the last Title VI submission, AT has been involved in numerous activities to ensure the
involvement of minority and low-income individuals. AT is involved with and committed to the
community and its citizens by the giving of time and expertise to the following organizations:
Georgia Transit Association (GTA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Citizens
Advisory Committee (CAC), Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), Mayor’s Council on
Homelessness, CSRA Partnership for Community Health, Walton Community Seniors Advisory
Council, Human Service Coordination Group, Walton Options Training Program, and the
Department of Family and Children Services.
b. Providing opportunities for public participation through means other than written
communication, such as personal interviews or the use of audio or video recording devices to
capture oral comments.
In order to integrate, into community outreach activities, considerations expressed in the DOT
Order on Environmental Justice, and the DOT Limited English Proficiency Guidance, recipients and
sub-recipients should seek out and consider the viewpoints of minority, low-income, and Limited
English Proficiency populations in the course of conducting public outreach and involvement
activities. An agency’s public participation strategy shall offer early and continuous opportunities
for the public to be involved in the identification of social, economic, and environmental impacts
of proposed transportation decisions.
c. Using locations, facilities, and meeting times that are convenient and accessible to low-income
and minority communities.
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Efforts to involve minority and low-income people in public involvement activities can include
both comprehensive measures, such as placing public notices at all stations and in all vehicles,
and measures targeted to overcome linguistic, institutional, cultural, economic, historical, or
other barriers that may prevent minority and low-income people and populations from effectively
participating in a recipient’s decision-making process.
d. Using different meeting sizes or formats, or varying the type and number of news media used to
announce public participation opportunities, so that communications are tailored to the
particular community or population.
AT advertises in local media when public hearings or other events are held. It advertises in the
minority-owned and -operated Metro Courier, a weekly newspaper targeting the local black
community, and also advertises in El-Augustino, although it is published infrequently. It should
be noted, as evidenced by the demographic information attached to this Title VI plan, that 2.35%
of the population in the area served by AT is of Hispanic origin.
e. Implementing DOT’s policy guidance concerning recipients’ responsibilities to LIMITED ENGLISH
PROFICIENCY persons to overcome barriers to public participation.
As mentioned above, it is not cost-efficient to develop a full Limited English Proficiency plan,
because of the Transit Department’s service area and limited resources. Still, the absence of such
a plan will not eliminate AT’s dedication to ensure that Limited English Proficiency persons enjoy
meaningful access to public transportation and to City programs or activities. It should be noted,
as evidenced by the demographic information attached to this Title VI plan, that 2.35% of the
population in AT’s service area is Hispanic.
Program-Specific Requirements and Guidelines for Recipients Service Large Urbanized Areas
1. REQUIREMENT TO COLLECT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
The City of Augusta, Georgia, has selected Option A for this portion of the Title VI plan. Attached are
demographic and service profile maps depicting 2010 census tract data for Richmond County,
Georgia, and for any surrounding areas being served by AT. These maps were prepared using GIS
technology. Included is a base map of the service area that shows each Census tract. Information
regarding traffic analysis zones, major streets and highways, and major activity centers or transit trip
are not applicable to this project.
Augusta Transit’s fixed transit facilities consist of a headquarters, a transfer terminal, and a major
transfer point. On Oct 22, 2020, Augusta Transit relocated to a new office main headquarters and bus
maintenance facility. The new facility is located at 2844 Regency Blvd, Augusta, GA 30904.
The fixed-route service is called Augusta Transit and the ADA service is known as AT Paratransit. The
paratransit service is available to persons certified as eligible for ADA service. The paratransit service
is operated within a ¾ mile radius of each fixed route. As such, its service area is not separately
identified on the transit service overlay.
Census tract areas are shaded and include percentages of minority and low-income populations in
which the transit routes currently travel. A Population/Racial Distribution Chart is also included by
the census tract and the total number and percentage of low-income people within each zone or tract.
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2. REQUIREMENT TO SET SYSTEMWIDE SERVICE STANDARDS
a. Effective Practices to Fulfill the Service Standard Requirement: The City of Augusta, Georgia,
through its Public Transit Department, has developed the following service standards:
i. Vehicle Load - The load factor policy for AT is defined as follows: a load factor exceeding 1:1.5
recorded at any point along the routes will be the basis for increasing service.
ii. Vehicle Headway - Service on each of the routes operated by AT varies in response to the load
factor policy described above or in response to other factors warranting an adjustment in
service. AT operates some routes with a 40-minute headway, a route with a 60-minute
headway, a route with a 70-minute headway, and some routes with 80 minutes’ headway. In
addition, there are two routes whose headway is 40 minutes during peak hours and 80
minutes during other times.
iii. On-Time Performance - Currently, on-time performance is monitored visually through
supervisory ride checks and observations at the terminal or checkpoints. Plans are in place to
purchase AVL equipment to assist in determining on-time performance. Vehicles are
currently equipped with 800 MHz radios so that the drivers can be in constant contact with
the base station should performance problems arise, i.e. breakdowns, traffic problems, or
other issues that could cause a driver to vary from the published schedule.
iv. Distribution of Transit Amenities - At the current time, AT offers more than 600 bus stop signs
at various locations throughout the service area. There is a transfer facility with heating and
air conditioning, restrooms, and an information booth. At the other main transfer point, AT
constructed a 20-foot-by30foot shelter and placed several benches for passengers’
convenience. Information materials (i.e., schedules and system maps) are provided to the
public at no cost.
v. Service Availability - The Augusta Transit system sets its schedules so as to maximize
convenience to riders and thereby increase ridership. Schedules are reviewed through
periodic evaluations of the routes and by staff members’ serving on various committees and
meeting with members of the general public (including low-income, minority, disabled and
elderly persons).
Currently, the system provides service routes to public agencies, post-secondary educational
institutions, shopping areas, and local hospitals. As to on-demand response for ADA service,
the area within three-quarters of one mile of a route is considered to be within the route’s
service area.
The Augusta Transit system is part of the larger Augusta, Georgia, an urban system as
designated by the Census tract. Consequently, the AT system receives no operational dollars
from FTA and must rely on the limited funding from local county sources.
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3. REQUIREMENT TO SET SYSTEM-WIDE SERVICE POLICIES
AT is of the opinion its system-wide service policies guard against service design and operational
policies that have disparate impacts on passengers.
a. Effective Practices to Fulfill the Service-Policy Requirement.
i. Vehicle assignment - Twenty-five buses are currently available to provide service on AT’s 9
fixed routes. The buses are identically equipped and are assigned to routes based on
ridership. Eight buses are available to provide on-demand service to customers certified as
eligible for ADA service.
ii. Transit security - Staff and drivers are always alert to possible security or criminal threats.
Plans are to purchase surveillance equipment on all AT’s vehicles and to improve the security
and surveillance at all AT’s facilities. The technology is to be developed without regard to
race, color, and national origin.
4. REQUIREMENT TO EVALUATE SERVICE AND FARE CHANGES
The City of Augusta, through AT, chose Option B – a locally developed procedure for the evaluation of
service and fare changes. A copy of the criteria developed is attached, and defines a major service change
as one that affects 20% or more of the total system ridership. Service changes are conducted without
discriminatory impact. During the development of this policy, the effect of service and fare changes on
minority and low-income persons was considered. Maps were developed for view during public hearings,
and census tract data were considered as a part of the process. On March 2, 2009, prices for fares and
transfers were uniformly raised for all customers regardless of race, color, and national origin. This
increase was reported by the local print and broadcast media and is documented on AT’s website. It was
the first fare increase since 2001. There haven’t been any increases in fares since 2009.
5. REQUIREMENT TO MONITOR TRANSIT SERVICE
The City of Augusta, Georgia, through AT, has selected Option D – Locally Developed Alternative – to meet
this portion of the Title VI plan. In reviewing the routing options, the funds available, and the census tract
information, transit service was monitored to assure that “no person or group of persons were
discriminated against with regard to the routing, scheduling, or quality of service of transportation service
furnished as a part of the project on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Frequency of service, age
and quality of vehicles assigned to routes, quality of stations serving different routes, and location of
routes were not determined on the basis of race, color, or national origin.”
6. REQUIREMENT TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT A TITLE VI PROGRAM
The City of Augusta, Georgia, through AT, has prepared and will submit this Title VI program to the regional
FTA civil rights officer. It is the opinion of the City and AT that this plan contains all of the required
information, such as:
a. A copy of the agency’s demographic analysis of its beneficiaries.
b. Copies of system-wide service standards and system-wide service policies adopted by the agency.
Service changes and fare changes criteria and documentation.
c. Information regarding service monitoring.
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CHAPTER VI:
NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS PROJECT
CHAPTER VII:
NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS PROJECT
CHAPTER VIII: COMPLIANCE REVIEWS
AT resolved all findings during its last triennial review. No Title VI findings were noted.
CHAPTER IX: COMPLAINTS
AT has not had any Title VI complaints reported to date.
CHAPTER X: EFFECTING COMPLIANCE
The City of Augusta, Georgia, has cleared all the AT’s Triennial issues from 2012 and has not been notified
of any further compliance issues to date.
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Limited English Proficiency Plan
Introduction
The purpose of this Limited English Proficiency policy guidance is to clarify the responsibilities of recipients
of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and assist them in
fulfilling their responsibilities to Limited English Proficient (hereinafter “LEP”) persons, pursuant to Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and implementing regulations. It was prepared in accordance with Title
VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq., and its implementing regulations provide that no
person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin under any
program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
Executive Order 13166
Executive Order 13166 “ Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency was
signed into law by President William J. Clinton on August 11, 2000,” reprinted at 65 FR 50121 (August 16,
2000), directs each Federal agency that is subjected to the requirements of Title VI to publish guidance
for its respective recipients clarifying that obligation. Executive Order 13166 further directs that all such
guidance for its respective recipients clarifying that obligation. Executive Order 13166 further directs that
all such guidance documents be consistent with the compliance standards and framework detailed in the
Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) Policy Guidance with the compliance standards and framework titled
Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. The purpose of this order was
to ensure that people who had very limited ability to read, write, and speak English were provided the
necessary assistance so they may access the same service as those who knew English proficiently. This
order was geared to safeguard the use of federal funds. Each Federal agency is required to follow Title VI
stipulations; any agency receiving federal funds is equally required to follow them as well. U.S.
Department of Transportation’s publication of Policy Guidance Concerning Recipients’ Responsibilities to
Limited English Proficient Persons ensures people are not excluded from DOT assistance programs and
activities simply due to communication.
Plan Summary
Augusta, Georgia has developed this Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP) to help identify reasonable
steps to provide language assistance for LEP persons seeking meaningful access to Augusta Transit
services as required by Executive Order 13166. A Limited English Proficiency person is one who does not
speak English as their primary language and who has a limited ability to read, write, or understand English.
Elements
The essential elements of a Limited English Proficiency Plan are as follow:
1. Identification of LEP persons
2. Identification of Language Assistance
3. Training Staff
4. Notices to LEP persons
This plan details procedures on how to identify a person who may need language assistance, the ways in
which assistance may be provided, training staff, how to notify LEP persons that assistance is available,
and information for future plan updates.
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Four-Factor Analysis
The first two elements – Identification of LEP Persons, and Language Assistance - are conducted through
a four-factor analysis. While determining the extent of the obligation to provide LEP services in the
development of its plan, Augusta, Georgia through Augusta Transit Department and Augusta Planning and
Development Department conducted the four-factor LEP analysis as it applies to public transit and
metropolitan transportation planning relative to guidance under the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The four-factor analysis includes:
1. Identification of the number or proportion of LEP persons eligible in the AT service area who may
be served or likely to encounter ARTS metropolitan transportation planning process and an AT
program, activity, or service;
2. The frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with ARTS, metropolitan transportation
planning process, and an AT service.
3. The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided by the AT to the LEP
population;
4. The resources available to the AT and overall cost to provide LEP assistance.
A brief description of these considerations for the ARTS metropolitan transportation planning process and
AT services is provided in the following sections.
ARTS uses the four-factor analysis to identify the number of LEP persons, frequency of LEP persons utilizing
the program, nature of the program, and availability and cost of resources. Data is compiled using 2010.
1st Factor: Number or proportions of LEP persons in ARTS
Table 14: Countywide LEP Population in ARTS MPO area
Columbia Richmond Aiken Edgefield
Speak Only English 109,932 85% 176,108 87% 117,828 88% 1,195 92%
Speak English Only or Speak English “Very Well" 6,841 5% 8,399 4% 4,903 4% 26 2%
Speak English “Less than "Very Well 5,210 4% 3,580 2% 3,332 2% 22 2%
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019
2nd Factor: Frequency of LEP person contact with ARTS
While the number of LEP persons in the ARTS area is relatively low, the frequency of how often they will
utilize public transportation services in the region may increase. They will facilitate the requirements to
develop appropriate strategies necessary to meet their langue needs. It is this small yet growing number
of LEP persons in the ARTS area who will make the most use of public transportation and ARTS staff will
be prepared and ensure they receive the same quality services as everyone else in the region.
3rd Factor: Nature or importance of the program for LEP persons
Public input during various phases of the Metropolitan Transportation planning process and TIP. From
public meetings regarding Transportation Improvement Programs to attending local speaker bureau and
civic organization meetings, meeting local residents directly and exchanging information with them about
local transportation issues helps ARTS understand and plan for their needs. Presentations, handouts, and
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personal conversations are conducted with the public to show ARTS’s commitment to the growing
regional transportation network.
4th Factor: Availability of resources and overall costs
LEP plan is primarily funded through FTA Section 5303 program, assisting local and regional transportation
agencies with resources necessary to meet the needs of LEP persons. Assistance through these programs
comes in the form of the following initiatives for ARTS:
• Provide translation on an as-needed basis.
• Coordination with Board of Education to assist in data collection and analysis of LEP persons in
the ARTS area.
• GIS analysis of LEP persons in the ARTS area and their use of transportation in urbanized and rural
areas.
• Publication of ARTS documents in multiple languages upon request by the public.
Safe Harbor Stipulation
This stipulation of Title VI provides recipients of federal funds an absolute certainty means of verifying
their compliance to Limited English Proficiency requirements through written translation. Safe Harbor is
met when agencies provide a written translation of all vital documents for any language for groups of
people that consist of 5% or 1,000 – whichever is less – of the people serviced by the agency. Not providing
all translation does not constitute a breach of the safe harbor, simply a guideline in the event they seek
to ensure absolute compliance. Oral communication can also be conducted in situations where extensive
writing proves overburden to the agency.
AT implementation of the four-factor analysis relative to public transit services and operations:
1. Number and Proportion of (LEP) Persons Served or Encountered in the Service Area Population.
The Augusta Transit (AT), has examined the information posted from the U.S. Census Bureau’s
report of 2010 on Richmond County, Georgia. As can be seen from the table at the end of this
analysis, the area then had and may still have 181,028 persons altogether, including 2,896 persons
(1.6% of the total population) who said they spoke English “less than very well”. Of these LEP
persons, a population of 11,168 were estimated as Limited-English persons, while a population of
3,334 were counted as persons who spoke a language other than English; German, French,
Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Gujarathi, Vietnamese, Japanese, Persian, Thai, or Portuguese.
2. Frequency in which LEP Persons Come into Contact with the Program:
AT has never had a request for an interpreter. Supervisors report having little to no contact with
LEP individuals who make themselves known by requesting assistance. Of the few requesting
assistance, most are Hispanics. Supervisors say they have been able to handle questions by
pointing to or writing down schedule information. Two supervisors have reported helping an LEP
Asian Indian gentleman by phoning his wife or a friend, both of whom could function as an
interpreter.
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3. Nature or Importance of the Program
The parts of Richmond County served by AT including hospitals, schools, stores, libraries, parks,
community centers, recreation facilities, government buildings, and numerous businesses (e.g.,
hotels) where LEP individuals may work. The Hispanic community (5,560 persons or 3% of the
total population) constitutes the largest non-English group. (According to census tracts, Hispanics
make up 2.17% of the population where AT provides route service.) AT ha reached out to LEP
members of this group by printing brochures and maps in Spanish and by advertising in El-
Augustino, the area’s monthly Hispanic newspaper.
4. Resources Available and Cost:
To assess the available resources, Augusta Georgia through AT has identified and contacted local
individuals who are willing and able to interpret or translate for LEP Hispanics, and has learned of
their fees. AT is exploring the feasibility of using the telephonic interpreting services of Language
Line (www. Languageline.com) to assist non-Hispanic LEP persons, and has contacted the East
Central Georgia Regional Library about assembling a list of local organizations that can help with
reaching and assisting current and potential LEP riders.
How to Identify an LEP Person Who Needs Language Assistance?
Below are tools to help identify persons who may need language assistance:
1. Examine records request for language assistance from past meetings and events to
anticipate the possible need for assistance at upcoming meetings;
2. When AT-sponsored workshops or conferences are held, set up a sign-in sheet table, have
a staff member greet, and briefly speak to each attendee. To informally gage the
attendee’s ability to speak and understand English, ask a question that requires a full-
sentence reply.
3. Have the Census Bureau’s “I Speak Cards” at the workshop or conference sign-in sheet
table. While staff may not be able to provide translation assistance at this meeting, cards
are an excellent tool to identify language needs for future meetings. Also, have the cards
available at the AT Customer Service Area; and
4. Survey drivers and other first-line staff on an annual basis at the beginning of each fiscal
year regarding their experience of having any direct or indirect contact with LEP
individuals.
Language Assistance Measures
Augusta Georgia through AT and APDD has or will implement the following LEP procedures. The creation
of these steps are based on the very low percentage of persons speaking other languages or not speaking
English at least “well”, and the lack of resources available in the AT and ARTS service area:
1. Census Bureau’s “ Speak Cards” are to be located at the Customers Service window in the Transit
Facility at all times.
2. When an interpreter is needed, in person or on the telephone, and the staff has exhausted the
above options, staff will first attempt to determine what language is required. Staff shall use the
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telephone interpreter service- Language Line Service at http: //www.languageline.com. On the
Language Line home page, the staff will select the Need an Interpreter Now link and follow the
directions to receive and access the code.
Staff Training
This plan is part of each ARTS staff member’s library, serving as a resource for Title VI requirements and
policies currently in place. Certain staff members are proficient in other languages while others will be
provided the necessary training so they too may interact with the public more directly. This document is
made available both as a hard copy and online as a digital one so they may access it anywhere. The public
may also obtain a copy of this for their reference in any language they require.
Training topics are listed below:
1. Understanding the Title VI policy and LEP responsibilities;
2. What language assistance services the AT offers;
3. Use of LEP “ I Speak Cards”;
4. How to use the Language Line interpretation and translation services;
5. Documentation of language assistance request;
6. How to handle a Title VI and / or LEP complaint (See Attachment E).
LEP Notifications
Augusta Georgia through ARTS regularly publicizes a local newsletter throughout the year in a variety of
languages primarily but not limited to Spanish to ensure LEP persons are kept up to date on local
transportation planning projects. ARTS and AT also publicizes notices and reviews of reports and
publications through a variety of media outlets informing LEP persons of public transportation services
and MPO transportation planning meetings. These initiatives include the following:
• Signs in Spanish and Asian (Korean) Languages on buses and at transit stations
• Local newspapers, news outlets, television and radio stations
• Neighborhood and faith-based organizations as well as stakeholder groups
• Presentations in schools, civic leagues, and speaker bureaus
The following are few options that ARTS and AT will incorporate when and /or if the need arises for LEP
outreach:
1. If the staff knows that they will be presenting a topic that could be of potential importance to an
LEP person or if staff will be hosting a meeting or a workshop in a geographic location with a
known concentration of LEP persons, meeting notices, flyers, advertisements, and agendas will
be printed in an alternative language, based on known LEP population in the area.
2. When running a general public meeting notice, staff will insert the clause, based on the LEP
population and when relevant, that translates into “A (insert alternative Language) translator will
be available”. For example: “Un traductor del idioma español estará disponible” This means “A
Spanish translator will be available”.
3. Key printed materials, including but not limited to maps and (schedules in the future) will be
translated and made available at the AT Transit Center, in the Office of Augusta Planning and
Development Department, and in public places listed in ARTS public participation plan, onboard
vehicles and in communities when a specific and concentrated LEP population is identified.
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Continued efforts to reach out to the public will be implemented as funding become more available.
Monitoring and Updating to LEP Plan
The LEP Plan is monitored and updated along with the ARTS Participation Plan both of which are subject
to review by the ARTS Technical Coordinating Committee and Citizen Advisory Committee. Both plans are
also guiding public outreach tools as part of the ARTS MTP and TIP. All documents are available to the
public in the primary LEP languages, Spanish and Asian (Korean), upon request.
At a minimum, AT will follow the Title VI Program update schedule for the LEP Plan. Each update should
examine all plan components such as:
1. How many LEP persons were encountered?
2. Were their needs met?
3. What is the current LEP population in Augusta Georgia and ARTS MPO area?
4. Has there been a change in the types of languages where translation services are needed?
5. Is there still a need for continued language assistance for previously identified projects, plans,
programs, and services? Are there other programs that should be included?
6. Have AT’s available resources, such as technology, staff, and financial costs changed?
7. Has Augusta Georgia fulfilled the goals of the LEP Plan?
8. Were any complaints received?
Dissemination of the AT Limited English Proficiency Plan
Augusta Georgia through the APDD and AT will include the LEP plan on its websites (www.augustaga.gov)
together with its Title IV Policy and Complaint Procedures. August Georgia’s Notice of Rights under Title
VI to the public posted in public places including Offices of APDD, AT, transit transfer facility, on all AT
vehicles, and in selected printed materials also refers to the LEP Plan’s availability.
Any person, including social service, nonprofit, and law enforcement agencies, and other community
partners with internet access will be able to access the plan. Copies of the LEP Plan will be provided, on
request, to any person(s) requesting the document via phone, in person, by mail or email. LEP person(s)
may obtain copies/translations of the plan upon request. Any questions or comments regarding this plan
should be directed to the Augusta Transit Department and Augusta Planning and Development
Department.
LEP Complain Processing
The public is also permitted to use the Title VI Complaint forms for any violations they feel may have been
made against them in regards to this LEP Plan. Title VI Complaint Form is provided in the Appendix as well
as online.
S1601: LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME
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Subject
Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia
Total Percent Percent of specified language speakers
Speak English only or speak English "very well"
Percent speak English only or speak English "very well"
Speak English less than "very well" Percent speak English less than "very well"
Estimate Margin of Error Estimate Margin of Error Estimate Margin of Error Estimate Margin of Error Estimate Margin of Error Estimate Margin of Error
Population 5 years and over 183,124 +/-83 (X) (X) 179,790 +/-519 98.20% +/-0.3 3,334 +/-511 1.80% +/-0.3
Speak only English 171,956 +/-899 93.90% +/-0.5 (X) (X) (X) (X) (X) (X) (X) (X)
Speak a language other than English
11,168 +/-901 6.10% +/-0.5 7,834 +/-807 70.10% +/-4.1 3,334 +/-511 29.90% +/-4.1
SPEAK A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH
Spanish 5,341 +/-605 2.90% +/-0.3 3,715 +/-514 69.60% +/-6.8 1,626 +/-424 30.40% +/-6.8
5 to 17 years old 708 +/-243 0.40% +/-0.1 530 +/-243 74.90% +/-16.5 178 +/-112 25.10% +/-16.5 18 to 64 years old 4,267 +/-470 2.30% +/-0.3 2,923 +/-371 68.50% +/-7.2 1,344 +/-376 31.50% +/-7.2
65 years old and over 366 +/-101 0.20% +/-0.1 262 +/-115 71.60% +/-19.8 104 +/-69 28.40% +/-19.8
Other Indo-European languages
2,619 +/-622 1.40% +/-0.3 2,097 +/-484 80.10% +/-6.1 522 +/-225 19.90% +/-6.1
5 to 17 years old 180 +/-143 0.10% +/-0.1 157 +/-137 87.20% +/-22.7 23 +/-38 12.80% +/-22.7 18 to 64 years old 1,828 +/-469 1.00% +/-0.3 1,660 +/-436 90.80% +/-4.8 168 +/-96 9.20% +/-4.8
65 years old and over 611 +/-193 0.30% +/-0.1 280 +/-104 45.80% +/-16.8 331 +/-173 54.20% +/-16.8
Asian and Pacific Island languages
2,542 +/-330 1.40% +/-0.2 1,465 +/-301 57.60% +/-8.7 1,077 +/-245 42.40% +/-8.7
5 to 17 years old 141 +/-117 0.10% +/-0.1 99 +/-91 70.20% +/-44.8 42 +/-71 29.80% +/-44.8 18 to 64 years old 2,022 +/-331 1.10% +/-0.2 1,255 +/-278 62.10% +/-9.2 767 +/-217 37.90% +/-9.2
65 years old and over 379 +/-60 0.20% +/-0.1 111 +/-55 29.30% +/-14.7 268 +/-77 70.70% +/-14.7
Other languages 666 +/-250 0.40% +/-0.1 557 +/-218 83.60% +/-10.7 109 +/-83 16.40% +/-10.7 5 to 17 years old 34 +/-31 0.00% +/-0.1 21 +/-26 61.80% +/-45.0 13 +/-15 38.20% +/-45.0 18 to 64 years old 566 +/-222 0.30% +/-0.1 496 +/-203 87.60% +/-7.8 70 +/-49 12.40% +/-7.8
65 years old and over 66 +/-58 0.00% +/-0.1 40 +/-41 60.60% +/-47.5 26 +/-41 39.40% +/-47.5
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CITIZENS 18 YEARS AND OVER
All citizens 18 years old and over
147,460 +/-525 (X) (X) 145,934 +/-561 99.00% +/-0.1 1,526 +/-215 1.00% +/-0.1
Speak only English 140,109 +/-868 95.00% +/-0.4 (X) (X) (X) (X) (X) (X) (X) (X)
Speak a language other than English
7,351 +/-653 5.00% +/-0.4 5,825 +/-640 79.20% +/-3.1 1,526 +/-215 20.80% +/-3.1
Spanish 3,600 +/-404 2.40% +/-0.3 2,983 +/-411 82.90% +/-4.7 617 +/-165 17.10% +/-4.7
Other languages 3,751 +/-500 2.50% +/-0.3 2,842 +/-443 75.80% +/-3.9 909 +/-161 24.20% +/-3.9
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: Title VI Program Checklist for All Grantees
All recipients should submit the following information to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part
of their Title VI Program. Sub-recipients shall submit the information below to their direct recipient.
Provision Circular
Reference
Citation in DOT Title VI
Regulations or reference to the DOT
Order on
Environmental Justice
Reporting Requirement
Title VI Complaint Procedures Chapter IV, part 2 49 CFR 21.9(b) A copy of their procedures for filing a
Title VI complaint
INCLUDED AS ATTACHMENT
Record of Title VI investigations,
complaints, or lawsuits
Chapter IV part 3 48 CFR 21.9(b) A list of any Title VI investigations,
complaints, or lawsuits filed with the agency
since the time of the last submittal
NO INVESTIGATIONS, COMPLAINTS
OR LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN FILED SINCE THE
LAST SUBMITTAL
Access to Services by Persons
with
Limited English Proficiency
Chapter IV, part 4 49 CFR 21.5(b) and the DOT
Limited English
Proficiency Guidelines
Either a copy of the agency’s plan for
providing access to meaningful
activities and programs for persons
with Limited English Proficiency which
was based on the DOT Limited English
Proficiency guidance or a copy of the
agency’s alternative framework for providing
access to activities and programs.
ACTIONS DESCRIBED IN PLAN NARRATIVE
Notifying beneficiaries of
their rights under Title VI
Chapter IV part 5 49 CFR 21.9(d) A notice that it complies with Title VI and
procedures the public may follow to file a
discrimination complaint.
INCLUDED AS ATTACHMENT
Provision Circular
Reference
Citation in DOT Title VI
Regulations or reference to
the DOT
Order on
Environmental Justice
Reporting Requirement
Inclusive public participation Chapter IV part 9 DOT Order 5610 A summary of public outreach and
involvement activities undertaken since
the last submission and a description of
steps taken to ensure that minority persons
had meaningful access to these activities.
ACTIONS DESCRIBED IN PLAN NARRATIVE
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Appendix B: Title VI Program Checklist for Recipients Serving Urbanized Areas with Populations of
200,000 People or Greater
All recipients providing service to geographic areas with 200,000 people or greater should submit the
following information to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of their Title VI Program.
Provision Circular
Reference
Citation Information to be included in the Title VI report
Demographic Data
Collection
Chapter V, Part 1 49 CFR
21.9(b);
Either demographic maps and charts prepared since the
most recent decennial
census, results of customer surveys that include demographic information, or
demographic information on beneficiaries through the
locally developed procedure.
INCLUDED AS ATTACHMENT
Service Standards Chapter V, Part 2 49 CFR
21.5(b)(2);
49 CFR
21.5(b)(7); Attachment
C to 49
CFR 21
System-wide service standards (such as standards for
vehicle load, vehicle headway, distribution of transit
amenities, on-time performance, transit availability, and
transit security).
INCLUDED IN PLAN NARRATIVE
Service Policies Chapter V, Part 3 49 CFR
21.5(b)(2);
49 CFR
21.5(b)(7); Attachment
C to 49
CFR 21
System-wide policies (such as policies for vehicle
assignment or transit security).
INCLUDED IN PLAN NARRATIVE
Equity Evaluation of
Service and Fare
Changes
Chapter V, Part 4 49 CFR
21.5(b)(2);
49CFR
21.5(b)(7); Attachment
C to 49
CFR 21;
An analysis of the impacts on minority and low-income populations of any significant
service and fare changes that occurred since the previous
report was submitted. INCLUDED IN PLAN NARRATIVE
Monitoring Chapter V, Part 5 49 CFR
21.5(b)(2);
49CFR
21.5(b)(7); Attachment
C to 49
CFR 21;
The results of either level of service monitoring, quality of
service monitoring, analysis of customer surveys, or locally
developed monitoring procedure.
INCLUDED IN PLAN NARRATIVE
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Appendix C: FTA FISCAL YEAR 2017 CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES
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Appendix D: MPO Certification
CERTIFICATION OF THE
AUGUSTA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY
Be it known to all, the below signees do hereby endorse and certify the Metropolitan Planning Process for
the Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS), and further certify that the Metropolitan Planning
Process is being conducted in accordance with all applicable requirements of:
I. 23 U.S.C. 134, 49 U.S.C. 5305, and this subpart
o Agreements are in place to address the responsibilities of each MPO for its share of the overall Metropolitan
Planning Area (MPA), where multiple Metropolitan Planning Organizations share geographic portions of a
Transportation Management Area (TMA).
o All major modes of transportation are members of the MPO.
o Any changes to the MPA boundaries were reflected in the Policy Board representation.
o Agreements or memorandums are signed and in place for identification of planning responsibilities among
the MPO, GDOT, public transit operator(s), air quality agency(ies), or other agencies involved in the planning
process.
o Roles and responsibilities are defined for the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP),
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and other related
planning documents.
UPWP
o The UPWP documents detail the activities to be performed with Title 23 and the Federal Transit Act.
o The UPWP activities are developed, selected, and prioritized with input from the State and public transit
agencies.
o The UPWP provides funding for the professional development of MPO staff.
o The final UPWP is submitted in a timely manner to GDOT with authorization occurring before the MPO’s
fiscal year begins.
o Amendments to the UPWP are developed and processed in accordance with procedures outlined in the
MPO’s Participation Plan.
o Planning activities and status reports are submitted quarterly by the MPO to GDOT.
MTP
o The MTP incorporates a minimum 20-year planning horizon.
o The MTP identifies both long-range and short-range strategies and actions leading to the development of
an intermodal transportation system.
o The MTP is fiscally constrained.
o The development of the MTP and the TIP are coordinated with other providers of transportation (e.g.
regional airports, maritime port operators).
o All of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) planning factors were considered in
the planning process.
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o The MTP includes a discussion of types of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas
to carry out these activities in consultation with federal, state and tribal land management and regulatory
agencies.
o The Congestion Management Process (CMP) was developed as part of the MTP in TMA’s.
o The MPO approves the MTP in a timely manner without entering into a planning lapse.
o Amendments to the MTP/STIP/TIP follow the approved Amendment Process.
o The MPO approves MTP amendments in accordance with the procedures outlined in the MPO’s Public
Participation Plan.
o The transit authority’s planning process is coordinated with the MPO’s planning process.
o In non-attainment and maintenance areas the MPO, as well as FHWA and FTA, must make a conformity
determination on any updated or amended MTP in accordance with 40 CFR Part 93.
TIP
o The TIP is updated at least every 4 years, on a schedule compatible with STIP development.
o Each project included in the TIP is consistent with the MTP.
o The MPO, GDOT, SCDOT, and transit operators collaborate on the development of the TIP.
o The TIP contains all projects to be funded under Title 23 U.S.C. and Title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53.
o The TIP is financially constrained by year and revenue estimates reflect reasonable assumptions.
o The MPO TIP is included in the STIP by reference, without modification.
o Amendments to the MTP/STIP/TIP follow the approved Amendment Process.
o In non-attainment and maintenance areas, the MPO as well as the FHWA and FTA must make a conformity
determination on any updated or amended TIP in accordance with 40 CFR Part 93.
Participation Plan
o A 45-day comment period is provided before the Participation Plan process is adopted/revised.
o Transportation plans, programs, and projects provide timely information about transportation issues and
processes to citizens and others who may be affected.
o Opportunities are provided for participation at the local, state, and federal level for environmental
resources and permit agencies where appropriate.
o The public involvement process demonstrates explicit consideration and responsiveness to the public input
received during the planning and program development process.
o The transportation planning process identifies and addresses the needs of those traditionally underserved,
including low-income and minority households.
o The disposition of comments and changes in the final MTP and /or TIP is documented and reported when
significant comments are submitted.
o Additional time is provided if the “final” document is significantly different from the draft originally made
for public review.
o The MPO undertakes a periodic review of the public involvement process to determine if the process is
efficient and provides full and open access for all.
Congestion Management Process (CMP) (applies to Transportation Management Areas)
o In TMA’s, the planning process includes the development of a CMP that provides for effective management
of new and existing transportation facilities through the use of travel demand reduction and operational
management strategies, thus meeting the requirements of 23 CFR Part 500.
o The CMP is fully integrated into the overall metropolitan planning process.
o The CMP has established performance measures.
o The MPO has a process for periodically evaluating the effectiveness of the CMP.
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o The CMP is updated on a periodic basis to reevaluate network strategies and projects.
o The CMP work activities are included in the UPWP.
List of Obligated Projects
o The MPO provides a listing for all projects for which funds are obligated each year, including bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
o The annual listing is made available to the public via the TIP or the MTP.
II. In non-attainment and maintenance areas, sections 174 and 176(c) and (d) of the Clean Air Act, as amended
(42 U.S.C. 7504, 7506(c) and (d)) and 40 CFR part 93
o The MPO’s UPWP incorporates all of the metropolitan transportation-related air quality planning activities
addressing air quality goals, including those not funded by FHWA/FTA.
o Agreements exist to outline the process for cooperative planning within full nonattainment/maintenance
areas that are not designated by the MPO planning area.
o The MPO coordinates the development of the MTP with TIP development and the development of
Transportation Control Measures (TCM) if applicable.
o The MTP includes design concept and scope descriptions of all existing and proposed transportation
facilities in sufficient detail, regardless of funding source, to permit conformity determinations.
o The MPO’s TIP includes all proposed federally and non-federally funded regionally significant transportation
projects, including intermodal facilities.
o If applicable, the MPO ensures priority programming and expeditious implementation of TCMs from the
STIP.
III. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1) and 49 CFR part 21
o The MPO has adopted goals, policies, approaches, and measurements to address Title VI and related
requirements.
o The public involvement process is consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Title VI
assurance execution by the State.
o The MPO has processes, procedures, guidelines, and/or policies that address Title VI, ADA, and DBE.
o The MPO has a documented policy on how Title VI complaints will be handled.
o The MPO has a demographic profile of the metropolitan planning area that includes identification of the
locations of protected populations.
o As appropriate, the planning process identifies/considers/addresses the needs of protected/traditionally
underserved populations (low-income/minority as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau).
IV. 49 U.S.C. 5332, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age in the
employment of business opportunity
o The MPO adheres to all requirements prohibiting discrimination against a person under, a project, program,
or activity receiving financial assistance because of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age.
V. Section 1101(b) of MAP-21 (Pub. L. 112-141) and 49 CFR part 26 regarding the involvement of disadvantaged
business enterprises in USDOT funded projects
o GDOT establishes overall goals for the percentage of work to be performed by DBE’s based on the
projections of the number and types of federal-aid highway contracts to be awarded and the number and
types of DBE’s likely to be available to compete for the contracts.
VI. 23 CFR part 230, regarding the implementation of an equal employment opportunity program on Federal and
Federal-aid highway construction contracts
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o The MPO as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, does not discriminate on employment
opportunities based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;
VII. The provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and 49 CFR parts 27,
37, and 38
o The MPO as required by 49 U.S.C. 5332 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national
origin, sex, or age, and prohibits discrimination in employment or business opportunity, otherwise known
as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, and U.S. DOT regulations,
“Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation—Effectuation of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act,” 49 CFR part 21 at 21.7.
VIII. The Older Americans Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age in
programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance
o The MPO has identified strategies and services to meet the (transportation planning and programming)
needs of older persons’.
IX. Section 324 of title 23 U.S.C. regarding the prohibition of discrimination based on gender
o The MPO adheres to the Act on Equality between women and men and prohibits both direct and indirect
discrimination based on gender.
o The MPO adheres to the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), which protects men and women who perform
substantially equal work in the same establishment from sex-based wage discrimination;
X. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and 49 CFR part 27 regarding discrimination
against individuals with disabilities.
o The MPO adheres to Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits
employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the private sector, and in state
and local governments.
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Appendix E: AUGUSTA TRANSIT (AT) TITLE VI PUBLIC COMPLAINT PROCESS
If you believe that you have been excluded from participation in, been denied the benefits of, or been
subjected to discrimination under any Augusta, Georgia service, program, or activity receiving federal
financial assistance, including, but not limited to, service, projects, or activities provided by or
administered by the Augusta Planning and Development Department, the Augusta Transit Department,
the Augusta Engineering Department, you may file an official Title VI Complaint with the Office of The
Administrator of Augusta, Georgia and/or the designated representative, (hereafter “Title VI
Coordinator”). The following steps describe the procedures to file a complaint and how Augusta, Georgia
will respond.
1. The complaint must be submitted to the Title VI Coordinator no later than thirty (30) working days
after the date of the alleged discrimination.
2. A Title VI Complaint Form can be obtained by calling (706) 821-1721, (706) 821-1796 or by
downloading the form from these websites at www.augustaga.gov.;
http://www.augustaga.gov/290/Planning-and Development; and www.augustaga.gov/arts
3. Please provide the following information on the complaint form or you may submit a signed written
statement that contains all of the following written information:
• Your name, address and how to contact you (phone number, email address, etc.);
• The basis of the alleged discrimination complaint (race, color, or national origin);
• How, why, when, and where you believe you were excluded from participation in, were
denied the benefits of, or were subjected to discrimination. If the alleged incident occurred
on the bus, give date, time of day, and bus number if available;
• Include the location, names, and contact information of any witnesses;
• Indicate whether you have filed the complainant with Federal Transit Administration; and
• You must sign your letter of complaint.
If you, as the complainant, are unable to read and/or write a complaint, the Title VI Coordinator will assist
you with the complaint. Augusta, Georgia is committed to providing open access to its services to persons
with limited ability to speak or understand English; if requested by complainant, the Title VI Coordinator
will provide language translation services.
4. The complaint shall be sent to any of the following address:
Office of the Administrator
535 Telfair Street, Suite 910, Augusta, GA 30901
Augusta Transit Department
2844 Regency Blvd, Augusta, GA 30904
Augusta Planning and Development Department
535 Telfair Street, Suite 300, Augusta, GA 30901
5. All complaints will be investigated promptly. Reasonable measures will be undertaken to preserve
any information that is confidential. The Title VI Coordinator will review every complaint, and when
necessary, begin the investigation process. At a minimum the investigating will:
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• Identify and review all relevant documents, practices and procedures;
• Identify and interview persons with knowledge of the alleged discrimination, that is, the
person making the complaint; witnesses or anyone identified by the Complainant; anyone
who may have been subject to similar activity, or anyone with relevant information.
6. Upon completion of the investigation, the Title VI Coordinator will complete a final report for Augusta,
Georgia. The investigation process and final report should take no longer than ninety (90) days after
receipt of the complaint. If a Title VI violation is found to exist, remedial steps as appropriate and
necessary will be taken immediately. The Complainant will also receive a copy of the final report
together with any remedial steps.
If no violation is found and the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, he or she may contact the
Federal Transit Administration, 230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30303 Attention:
Regional Civil Rights Officer, or by calling (404) 865-5628, or web site
http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/title6/civil_rights_5104.html
Complainants may also file their initial Title VI complaint directly to the Federal Transit Administration
no later than 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination.
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APPENDIX F: TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
File # _______
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI provides 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.”
Title VI guarantees fair treatment for all people and provides for AT, to identify and address, as
appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse effects of its programs, policies, and activities on
minority and low-income populations, such as undertaking reasonable steps to ensure that Limited English
Proficient (LEP) persons have meaningful access to the programs, services, and information AT provides.
AT works to ensure nondiscriminatory transportation in support of our mission to provide quality,
dependable, safe, accessible, and affordable transit service, to enhance the social and economic quality
of life for all Augusta-Richmond County citizens. AT’s Title VI Coordinator is responsible for the Civil Rights
Compliance and Monitoring to ensure the non-discriminatory provision of transit services and programs.
Complainant Name _____________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone Numbers_________________________________ ___________________________________
(Home) (Work)
Email Address _________________________________________________________________________
List type of discrimination (please check all that apply):
Race ( ) Color ( ) National Origin ( )
Other ________________________________________________________________________________
Please indicate your race/color, if it is a basis of your complaint__________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Please describe your national origin, if it is a basis of your complaint______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Location where incident occurred_________________________________________________________
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Time and date of incident________________________________________________________________
Name/Position title of the person who allegedly subjected you to Title VI discrimination:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Briefly describe the incident (use a separate sheet, if necessary):_________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did anyone else witness the incident? Yes ( ) No ( )
List witnesses (Use a separate sheet, if necessary)
Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number _____________________________________________________________________
Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number _____________________________________________________________________
Have you filed a complaint about the alleged discrimination with the Federal Transit Administration?
Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, when? _______________________________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________
Date __________________________________________
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Appendix G: AUGUSTA TRANSIT’S FARE/SERVICE CHANGE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The policy of Augusta Transit is to evaluate transit fares and routes every three years or when needed. In
the event there is a need for a change in fares, elimination or reduction of services and that change affects
at least 20% of the ridership, Augusta Transit will schedule a public hearing. The purpose of the public
hearing will be to solicit comments from transit riders and the public regarding the proposed changes.
Augusta Transit’s procedures for informing the public are as follows:
1. Notices of Public Hearings will be published in local newspapers: The Augusta Chronicle, Metro
Courier, and El-Augustino. Notices will also be given to all media outlets for maximum coverage.
2. Notices of Public Hearings will be posted in all transit vehicles and at the Downtown Transfer Facility.
3. Conduct the public meeting.
4. Review and consider comments made at the public hearing.
5. Submit recommendations for fare/service changes to the Public Services Committee for approval.
6. Submit the recommendations by the Public Services Committee to the Full Commission for final
approval.
7. Upon receiving approval from the Full Commission, fare/service changes will be implemented within
30 days after the date of approval
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APPENDIX H: Augusta Transit Demographics Charts
Title VI PLAN
APDD – Internal Use Only
Title VI PLAN
AUGUSTA TRANSIT SERVICE AREA: POPULATION / RACE DISTRIBUTION CHART
2015-2019
Census
Total
Population
Black Pop. Hispanic Pop. Native American
Pop.
Asian Pop. Native Hawaiian Pop. Other Race Pop. Total Minority
Pop.
Tract # # % # % # % # % # % # % # %
1 3916 1347 34.3 148 3.7 0 0 111 2.8 0 0 0 0 1475 37.6
2 2862 1277 44.6 91 3.1 8 0.2 27 0.9 0 0 0 0 1435 50.1
3 1004 535 53.2 109 10.8 10 0.9 0 0 0 0 43 4.2 589 58.6
6 2995 2043 68.2 92 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2043 68.2
7 1045 949 90.8 5 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 968 92.6
9 1290 1178 91.3 35 2.7 0 0 12 0.9 0 0 0 0 1190 92.2
10 2500 896 35.84 90 3.6 0 0 157 6.2 9 0.36 7 0.2 1126 45.0
11 1722 69 4.0 90 5.2 0 0 48 2.7 0 0 0 0 146 8.4
12 5108 2955 57.8 156 3.0 0 0 21 0.4 0 0 60 1.1 3183 62.3
13 1557 899 57.7 88 5.6 6 0.3 1 0.06 0 0 51 3.2 994 63.8
14 1124 1045 92.9 29 2.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 2.1 1076 95.7
15 737 701 95.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.4 704 95.5
16.01 3526 2909 82.5 89 2.5 0 0 68 1.9 0 0 0 0 3041 86.2
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16.02 4220 860 20.3 103 2.4 0 0 29 0.6 12 0.2 0 0 921 21.8
101.01 2671 343 12.8 55 2.0 0 0 34 1.2 0 0 10 0.3 438 16.3
101.04 3816 866 22.7 147 3.8 0 0 754 19.7 0 0 0 0 1718 45.0
101.05 4321 742 17.2 288 6.6 14 0.3 31 0.7 0 0 14 0.3 832 19.2
101.06 4486 1961 43.7 300 6.6 0 0 75 1.6 0 0 31 0.6 2117 47.1
101.07 2142
684
31.9
65
3.0
0
0 147 6.8 0 0
0
0
1004
46.8
APDD – Internal Use Only Title VI PLAN
102.01 4693 619 13.1 193 4.1 0 0 321 6.8 0 0 14 0.2 1046 22.2
102.03 4524 2980 65.8 50 1.1 0 0 188 4.1 0 0 68 1.5 3331 73.6
102.04 16070 9547 59.4 915 5.6 68 0 553 3.4 0 0 273 1.6 10972 68.2
103 5274 4221 80.0 295 5.5 26 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4271 80.9
104.00 3047 2598 85.2 51 1.6 19 0.4 7 0.2 0 0 0 0 2686 88.1
105.04 6733 4731 70.2 276 4.0 0 0.6 26 0.3 0 0 36 0.5 4961 73.6
105.06 4369 2916 66.7 76 1.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3009 68.8
105.07 5944 4849 81.5 10 0.1 40 0.6 79 1.3 0 0 10 0.1 4978 83.7
105.08 3712 2450 66.0 68 1.8 13 0.3 21 0.5 0 0 59 1.5 2689 72.4
AUGUSTA TRANSIT SERVICE AREA: POPULATION / RACE DISTRIBUTION CHART
2015-2019
Census
Total
Populatio
n
Black Pop. Hispanic Pop. Native American
Pop.
Asian Pop. Native Hawaiian
Pop.
Other Race Pop. Total Minority Pop.
Tract # # % # % # % # % # % # % # %
105.9 4577 3059 66.8 112 2.4 0 0
24 0.5 0 0 14 0.3 3276 71.5
105.10 4512 2288 50.7 247 5.4 13 0.2 0 0 0 0 81 1.7 2409 53.3
105.11 3912 2619 66.9 73 1.8 0 0 25 0.6 0 0 33 0.8 2716 69.4
105.12 5203 4269 82.0 102 1.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 1.9 4518 86.8
105.13 3341 2821 84.4 82 2.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 1.1 2886 86.3
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106 5638 5244 93.01 57 1.0 0 0 4 0.07 0 0 11 0.1 5367 95.1
107.06 5527
3115
56.3
198 3.5 0 0 12 0.2 0 0 167 3.0 3530 63.8
107.07 3041 2390 78.5 67
31 1.0 182 5.9 0 0 0 0 2685 88.2
107.08 6288 4803 76.38 694
50 0.7 76 1.2 143 2.2 348 5.5 5672 90.2
107.09 5804 5199 89.57 444 7.6 0 0 29 0.4 0 0 114 1.9 5391 92.8
107.10 6032 3156 52.32 618
131 2.1 94 1.5 221 3.6 511 8.4 4264 70.6
107.11 3855 2454 63.6 292 7.5 0 0 141 3.6 0 0 259 6.7 3001 77.8
107.12 9042 7722 85.4 468 5.1 0 0 181 2.0 0 0 14 0.1 8174 90.4
108 7869 1837 23.3
26 0.3 245 3.1 49 0.6 258 3.2 2903 36.8
109.03 4790 1238 25.8 298 6.2 24 0.5 0 0 0 0 62 1.2 1667 34.8
109.04 3919 1277 32.5 270 6.8 22 0.5 39 0.9 0 0 88 2.2 1695 43.2
109.05 5181 664 12.8 56 1.0 37 0.7 0 0 0 0 39 0.75 925 17.8
109.06 6220 2001 32.1 455 7.3 0 0 47 0.7 0 0 74 1.1 2191 35.2
110 1693 620 36.6 45 2.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 705 41.6
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APPENDIX I: Augusta Transit Route Map
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APPENDIX J: Augusta Transit Map in Spanish Panel
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Appendix K: ARTS Public Participation Plan
A. PURPOSE
The Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) Participation Plan is designed to ensure timely and
meaningful input into the metropolitan transportation planning process. The Participation Plan outlines
the process to involve all interested parties in the regional transportation planning process and the
development and amendment of major transportation studies undertaken as part of ARTS. The overall
objective is to provide a process that is proactive, provides complete information, timely public notice,
full public access to key decisions, and opportunities for early and continuing involvement. The
Participation Plan replaces the ARTS Public Involvement Policy adopted on October 22, 1998. The update
is in response to changes to the metropolitan transportation planning process This Plan fulfills
requirements outlined in the Final Rule for Statewide and Metropolitan Transportation Planning as
published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2007, by the Federal Highway Administration and
Federal Transit Administration. The rules were effective on March 16, 2007. The regulations are a result
of the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59, August 10, 2005).
B. INTRODUCTION
The Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) is the transportation planning process established for
the Augusta GA – Aiken SC urbanized area. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962 established the
requirement for transportation planning in urban areas throughout the country. The Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, adopted
in 1998, and SAFETEA-LU, enacted on August 10, 2005, are the most recent laws extending the federal
requirement for transportation planning.
In keeping with the original federal mandate, the ARTS planning process is cooperative, continuous, and
comprehensive. The ARTS planning process is cooperative because it brings together local elected officials,
state and federal transportation personnel, citizens, and other interested parties to plan and program
transportation projects. ARTS participants continuously evaluate transportation needs and plan for long-
term improvements. The ARTS process is comprehensive because it considers all modes of transportation,
including cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, railroads, bicycles, and pedestrians.
The ARTS area includes the urbanized part of the Augusta region, as defined by the U. S. Bureau of Census,
plus the area expected to become urbanized over the next twenty years. The study area now encompasses
an area that includes all of Richmond County, Georgia, part of Columbia County, Georgia, the Fort Gordon
Military Reservation, part of Aiken County, South Carolina, and part of Edgefield County, South Carolina.
Incorporated places within the study area include the Georgia cities of Augusta, Hephzibah, Blythe and
Grovetown, and the South Carolina cities of Aiken, North Augusta, and Burnettown.
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ARTS Committees
The ARTS planning process is guided by four committees: the Policy Committee (PC), the South Carolina
Policy Subcommittee, the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), and the Citizens Advisory Committee
(CAC). The Policy Committee meets quarterly and is responsible for prioritizing projects and making final
decisions on ARTS planning and programming issues. The committee is comprised of local elected officials,
representatives of the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Transportation, representatives of the
Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, the ARTS Project Director, and the
Chairman of the CAC. The South Carolina Policy Subcommittee serves in an advisory capacity to the Policy
Committee, and is responsible for insuring that the South Carolina portion of ARTS is kept up-to-date. The
South Carolina Subcommittee is comprised of local elected officials (voting members), and federal, state
and local appointed personnel (nonvoting members) representing the South Carolina part of the study
area.
The Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) meets 6-7 times each year, normally in conjunction with the
Citizens Advisory Committee, and is responsible for completing all technical work related to the ARTS
planning process. The TCC maintains all of the required transportation related documentation, and serves
in an advisory capacity to both the Policy Committee and Citizens Advisory Committee. The TCC is
comprised of transportation engineers, planners, and managers from the federal, state, and local levels.
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meets 6-7 times each year, normally in conjunction with the TCC,
and is responsible for providing citizen input on all aspects of the ARTS planning process. The CAC is
comprised of citizens from throughout the urban area. The role of the CAC is crucial to the success of the
ARTS transportation planning process.
ARTS Staff
The Augusta Planning & Development Department (APDD) is the designated Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) for the ARTS. The Director of the APDD is the ARTS Project Director and is responsible
for overall supervision of staff work on the planning process. In addition to staff of the APDD, employees
of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the South Carolina Department of Transportation
(SCDOT), the Aiken County Planning and Development Department (ACPDD), and the Lower Savannah
Council of Governments (LSCOG) are involved in ARTS planning activities. The ACPDD staff is responsible
for planning activities in the Aiken County part of the study area. The LSCOG is responsible for planning
and administrative activities for Aiken County Transit. Planners with GDOT and the SCDOT coordinate
state-level aspects of any studies, assist with technical analysis, and play a major role in the development
and utilization of the ARTS travel demand model.
C. PARTICIPATION STRATEGY
The ARTS Participation Plan encompasses five (5) components: Consultation, Public Access, Public
Outreach and Education, Public Input and Evaluation
i. CONSULTATION
OBJECTIVE: To ensure that major regional transportation documents, including the
Participation Plan, are developed in consultation with the general public and other interested
parties, and reflect existing and future plans for development of the region. This also involves
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efforts to identify and include all interested parties in the transportation planning process.
The following strategies shall be used to achieve this objective:
Consultation Strategies
1. The MPO shall maintain and update a list of stakeholders, and potential stakeholders, for the
purpose of disseminating information about ARTS transportation plans and projects. Special
attention shall be given to include members of potentially underserved groups.
2. The MPO has identified and involved groups that are traditionally underserved in the ARTS
area in the transportation planning process. The ARTS will create and initiate a method
(through census, GIS or other similar means) to identify those communities with high
concentrations of minority, low-income, disabled or elderly populations. In addition, the MPO
will also identify media that serves these communities and maintain a mailing/contact list to
notify these media outlets of all regularly scheduled ARTS committee meetings.
3. The MTP and TIP shall be prepared and / or amended by the MPO in consultation, as
appropriate, with agencies and officials responsible for other planning activities in the study
area. This consultation shall include, as appropriate, contacts with State, local, Indian Tribe
and private agencies responsible for planned growth, economic development, environmental
protection, airport operations, freight movements, land use management, natural resources,
conservation and historic preservation.
During the development of the ARTS MTP and TIP the MPO will compare available plans, maps
and inventories from state and local resource agencies to determine which resource will be
directly or indirectly affected by the plan or program. The consultation process will include
the following steps:
• An initial identification of the resources and responsible agencies likely to be affected
by the plan or program
• A review of available information (plans, maps and inventories) derived from agency
websites
• Consult with the responsible agency or agencies regarding the potential impact of the
plan or program
• Document action taken in the consultation process, including acknowledging the
receipt of comments and suggestions from resource agencies, for inclusion in the
ARTS MTP and TIP.
4. The MTP and TIP shall be prepared by the MPO with due consideration of governmental
agencies and nonprofit organizations (including representatives of the agencies and
organizations) that receive federal assistance from a source other than the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
5. The procedures for processing administrative modifications and amendments to the MTP and
TIP shall be the same as those published by the Georgia Department of Transportation in
December 2009 and included as Appendix G (as amended on March 4, 2010).
ii. PUBLIC ACCESS
OBJECTIVE: To ensure that the general public and other interested parties have timely and
convenient access to agendas, meetings, documents and other information related to the
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regional transportation planning process. The following strategies shall be used to achieve
this objective:
Public Access Strategies
1. All ARTS plans and documents shall be made available for the public to review at the ARTS
office. Copies and summaries of draft documents also will be available for public review in
planning offices and other locations in Richmond, Aiken and Columbia Counties (see Appendix
for locations). Single copies of the current ARTS plans and documents shall be provided free
of charge upon request. Copies of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and
Metropolitan Transportation Plan shall be distributed to all other participating agencies.
2. Updates to and amendments of the MTP and TIP will be available for a 30-day public review
and comment period. A 15-day public review and comment period is allowed in the event of
special circumstances. Special circumstances are limited to instances in which time
constraints would cause the MPO to miss a deadline for approval of a project or projects (As
amended on February 8, 2010).
3. The development of the ARTS Participation Plan, and any future amendments to the plan, will
be subject to a 45-day public review and comment period
4. The MPO shall provide reasonable access to technical and policy information used in the
development of the MTP and TIP.
5. The MPO shall provide, upon request and 48-hour notice, assistance to those with special
needs, at ARTS meetings.
6. Public meetings will be held at convenient and accessible locations and times. All meetings,
public hearings and formal events of the ARTS shall be held in facilities that are accessible by
persons with disabilities. Generally speaking, meetings will be held at public facilities (see
Appendix for locations), on weekday evenings and at locations that are handicapped
accessible and served by public transit.
iii. PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
OBJECTIVE: To use effective tools and techniques to provide information about the regional
transportation plans and issues to the general public and other stakeholders. The desired
outcome is that the public provides meaningful input on a transportation plan or issue based
upon accurate and complete information and the potential impact of alternative actions. The
following strategies shall be used to achieve this objective:
Public Outreach and Education Strategies
1. All ARTS meeting agendas will be distributed at least seven (7) days in advance to all
committee members, area media outlets and other interested parties. Agendas and minutes
of meetings will be posted on the ARTS web site.
2. All public meeting notices and notices or public review and comment periods will be published
at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting date or the start of the review and comment
period. The notices also will be posted on the ARTS web site.
3. The MPO will provide the media with information pertaining to the adoption, revision or
amendment of all MPO plans at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the final action.
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4. Use the following tools and techniques to inform the media, general public and other
interested parties about transportation plans, programs and activities:
a. Press Releases – Used to announce upcoming meetings and activities and to provide
information on specific issues related to transportation planning.
b. Print Display Ads – Used to advertise public meetings and review and comment
periods for transportation plans and projects. Display ads are published in area
newspapers and distributed at public facilities throughout the ARTS area.
c. Fact Sheets and Brochures– Used to provide general information about ARTS plans
and programs, such as the MTP, TIP and Unified Planning Work Program. Fact sheets
available in print and electronic format. Brochures will be used to provide summary
information about ARTS and its transportation planning activities.
d. Direct Mailings – Used to advertise public meetings and review and comment periods
for transportation plans and projects, or to provide information to a targeted area.
e. ARTS Newsletter – A quarterly publication used to provide information on
transportation issues, projects, documents, contacts and resources.
f. ARTS Website – Used to display general information about ARTS, copies of major
ARTS transportation documents, committee meeting schedules, agendas and
minutes, project updates and the ARTS Newsletter. The website is also used to
advertise public meetings and review and comment periods for transportation plans
and projects.
g. Speaking Engagements – The MPO shall make staff available to speak to civic groups,
neighborhood associations and other interested parties about ARTS transportation
planning and projects.
iv. PUBLIC INPUT
OBJECTIVE: To obtain meaningful and diverse input from the general public and other
interested parties on regional transportation needs, plans, programs and activities. Inherent
in this objective is the MPO’s responsibility to provide timely response to public input, to
document the input, and to recommend changes / amendments to plans based on public
comments and suggestions.
Public Input Strategies
1. Identify Interested Parties – An interested party or stakeholder is defined as any person
or group that is affected by a transportation plan, program or project, including those
who may not be aware that they are affected. Stakeholders may include the general
public; environmental; health, neighborhood, citizen and civic organizations; traditionally
underserved communities such as people with disabilities, low income, and racial/ethnic
minorities, as well as affected public agencies.
2. Citizens Advisory Committee – The ARTS Citizens Advisory Committee will continue to be
a source of ongoing input on behalf of the general public. Efforts will be made to ensure
that the committee membership reflects the diverse needs and interests of the region.
3. ARTS Committee Meetings – The ARTS committee meetings will be a regularly-scheduled
forum for the discussion of, and updates on regional transportation needs, plans,
programs and activities.
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4. ARTS Public Meetings – ARTS public meetings will be held in conjunction with the update
of the MTP and the TIP, and the development of any special studies related to regional
transportation issues.
5. Comment Cards – Comment cards will be distributed at public meetings to obtain
feedback on regional transportation needs, plans, programs and activities.
6. Project Steering Committees – Ad-hoc committees will be used as needed to coordinate
and participate in the completion of special regional transportation studies. Committee
members will participate in facilitated meetings / workshops, complete surveys and
provide input during all phases of the study (e.g. needs assessment, background research,
setting goals, objectives and strategies, identifying projects). Project steering committees
have been used effectively on past special studies.
7. Surveys – Surveys will be used to obtain information from the general public and other
stakeholders.
8. Visualization Techniques – The MPO will use GIS maps, sketches, drawings and similar
tools at public meetings to both convey information and elicit public input about
transportation plans and projects.
9. Project Web Pages – Project web pages will be used in conjunction with special studies to
provide information and elicit input on the planning process, project schedule and project
updates. Project web pages may include surveys and comment cards.
v. EVALUATION OF PARTICIPATION PLAN
OBJECTIVE: To continually evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies, tools and techniques
used as part of the Participation Plan. The desired outcomes include increased public
involvement in, and awareness of, the regional transportation planning process, and the use
of tool and techniques that generate increased public input in regional transportation plans
and programs.
Evaluation Strategies – The MPO will use the following mix of quantitative and qualitative
criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of public participation tools and techniques used in the
regional transportation planning process. The table included as Appendix F summarizes how
these criteria apply to the various public participation tools and techniques used by ARTS.
1. Number of phone calls, letters and e-mails received inquiring about specific projects and
scheduled public meetings, or requesting more information about the regional
transportation planning process.
2. Number of people attending public meetings on the MTP, TIP or an ARTS special study
project.
3. Number of issues / concerns expressed by the Citizens Advisory Committee and the
response to, or change resulting from, the issue or concern.
4. Number of newspaper articles / television interviews generated by press releases and
other notices to the media.
5. Number or percent of public meeting attendees indicating how they became aware of the
meeting (e.g. direct mail, newspaper display ad, television, website, word-of-mouth).
6. Number of “hits” on the ARTS website per month, or number of “hits” on a project specific
web page.
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7. Number and type of public comments received regarding the MTP, TIP and special studies
projects.
8. Number and type of plan / project changes resulting from public comments.
D. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF PARTICIPATION PLAN
1. The ARTS Participation Plan shall be adopted by the ARTS Policy Committee only after consultation
with interested parties, a 45-day public review and comment period, and the consideration of any
comments received from the general public and other interested parties.
2. Amendments to the ARTS Participation Plan shall be adopted by the ARTS Policy Committee only
after consultation with interested parties, a 45-day public review and comment period, and the
consideration of any comments received from the general public and other interested parties.
3. Appendices to the Participation Plan include supplemental information, such as comments
received about the Participation Plan and a list of locations where ARTS plans are available for
public review. Updates to the appendices are not subject to the consultation and public review
and comment requirements. Revisions to appendices will be distributed to all ARTS committees,
applicable federal, state and local agencies and other interested parties.
4. The ARTS Participation Plan, and any amendments or updates to the plan, will be made available
at public facilities throughout the study area, and will also be posted on the ARTS Web site.
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APPENDIX L: Public Meeting Notices in FY 2020
FY 2020 Public Notice – English
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FY 2020 Public Notice -Korea
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FY 2020 Public Notice -Spanish
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Appendix M: Public Meeting Notices in FY 2021
FY 2021 Virtual Public Meeting Notice -English
FY 2021 Virtual Public Meeting Notice -Korean
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FY 2021 Virtual Public Meeting Notice -Spanish
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Appendix N: Title VI Questionnaires AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA Title VI Compliance
Questionnaire for Local Agencies
Local Agency: _________________________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________________________________
Name/Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
I. Administration
A. Staff Composition and Program Administration
1. Provide breakdown of your administrative staff by race, color, national origin, sex, and their
positions.
2. How many federally funded projects have you managed during the last two years? Dollar
amount?
3. Have you designated an EEO Officer or Title VI Coordinator? Provide name and time in the
position.
4. Do you have a Title VI Policy, Assurances and Plan in place? Provide proof of public
dissemination of your Title VI policy.
B. Complaint Procedure
1. Do you have a Title VI complaint procedure for external discrimination complaints? If so,
please provide a copy. To what extent is the community aware of it?
2. Have you received any Title VI related complaints during the past two years? If so, how many?
What were the outcomes? Where there any Title VI complaint lodged by beneficiaries or
participants? If so, explain the issues involved.
3. Do you have a Title VI Notice to Public? If so, please provide copy.
C. Training
1. Has your staff received any training (formal or informal) regarding Title VI?
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2. Are you considering scheduling Title VI training sometime soon? If so, when and who will
present it?
II. Planning Activities
A. Public Involvement
1. Are minority members of the community invited to participate in public hearings? How do
you go about doing that?
2. Were accessible location, adequate time, and translation services considered or provided
during the coordination of hearings?
3. Is the Hearing Coordinator keeping records in attendance? Is the information broken down
by race, color, national origin, and sex (by visual identification)?
4. Have planning manuals, directives, guidelines, and policies been reviewed for Title VI
compliance purposes?
III. Consultant Contracts Activities
1. Are Title VI assurances and provisions included on consultant contracts?
2. Are DBE goals being included and met for consultant contracts? If not, what provisions have
been taken to meet them?
3. Have directives, operational procedures, guidelines, and policies been reviewed for Title VI
compliance purposes?
IV. Design/Environmental Activities
1. Are minority members of the community invited to participate in public hearings? How do
you go about doing that?
2. Are accessibility of locations, adequate time, and translation services considered during the
coordination of hearings? Was any other effort made to promote maximum attendance by
those affected by the project, including member of minority communities?
3. Is the Hearing Coordinator keeping records in attendance? Is the information broken down
by race, color, national origin, sex, (by visual identification)?
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4. Have location and design manuals, directives, operational procedures, guidelines, and policies
been reviewed for Title VI compliance purposes?
5. Is statistical data being collected on race, color, national origin, and sex on communities
affected by a construction project?
V. Right of Way Activities
1. Are DBE goals for real estate appraisers being met? If not, what provisions have been taken
to help reach these goals?
2. Is Title VI language being incorporated in all acquisition, negotiation, property management
communications, and contracts?
3. Are Title VI language and assurance statements being included in all surveys for property
owners and tenants after the conclusion of all business?
4. Are all values and communications associated with appraisals conducted in an equitable
fashion?
5. Do deeds, permits, and leases contain Title VI compliance clauses?
6. Is statistical data being gathered on race, color, national origin, and sex for all relocatees?
VI. Construction and Maintenance Activities
1. Are contractor selection procedures been reviewed to determine uniformity in their
application to minority and nonminority contractors?
2. Are minority contractors and subcontractors being informed about contracting opportunities
with your organization?
3. Are construction rules and regulations being applied in an equitable fashion? Have you
received any complaints within the last two years?
4. Are Title VI assurances being included in all contracts, subcontracts, and material supply
agreements?
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Appendix N: AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA Title VI Compliance Questionnaire for Planning
Organizations
MPO/RDC: ____________________________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________________________________
Name/Title: ___________________________________________________________________________
I. Administration
A. Staff Composition and Program Administration
1. Provide breakdown of the administrative staff by position, race, color, gender, and national
origin. Include organizational chart.
2. Provide makeup of the planning organization's Board of Directors by race, color, gender or
national origin. Identify the voting members.
3. Describe the various programs administered by the planning organization and their funding
sources.
4. Does the planning organization have an Affirmative Action Plan with respect to employment?
B. Complaint Procedure
1. Do you have a Title VI complaint procedure? To what extent is the community made aware of
it?
2. Have you received any Title VI related complaints during the past two years? How many?
Outcome? Any Title VI complaint lodged by beneficiaries or participants? Explain issues
involved.
3. Provide copy of your complaint procedure and proof of public dissemination of Title VI policy.
C. Training
1. Has your staff received any training (formal or informal) regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964?
2. Are you considering scheduling Title VI training sometime soon? If so, when and who will
present it?
II. Planning Process
A. Public Involvement
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1. To what extent citizen participation has been provided in the transportation planning
process? Any policy in that regard? Explain.
2. Citizen Advisory Committees: How are the members selected? For how long? What is their
make up in terms of race, color, national origin, sex, and position?
3. Are organizations representing minorities/disadvantaged individuals made aware of planning
processes and offered the opportunity to provide input? How?
4. How are the needs of the minorities/disadvantaged persons addressed during the planning
process?
5. What statistics are kept on beneficiaries of services or programs by race, religion, color, and
sex?
B. Hearings
1. What statistics are kept on public hearings participation by race, religion, color, national
origin, and sex (by visual identification)?
2. Are minority group concerns addressed in a timely manner? Explain process.
3. Are public meeting announcements made available in languages other than English, according
to the affected minority population(s)?
4. Are accessible location (geographically and structurally), appropriate time, and translation
services being planned/provided during public hearings?
C. Procurement of Contracts
1. How are the Request for Proposals (RFP) solicited? What are the requirements for submitting
RFPs?
2. What kind of participation do DBE firms have in the RFP process? Are there goals or are goals
included? Do you meet them?
3. Do you keep record of DBE firms during the RFP process? Provide list.
4. How does the planning organization promote the participation of qualified minority/women
consultants?
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5. How does the planning organization monitor consultant’s adherence with Title VI
requirements?
6. Provide the number, dollar value(s), and type of contract(s) used by the planning organization
during the last two fiscal years. Identify contractors by race, color, national origin, and sex.
7. How many federally funded projects did you manage during the last fiscal year? Provide dollar
amount for each one of them. How much of that money went to consultant contracts? DBEs?
D. Environmental Impact
1. Are minority members of the community invited to participate in public hearings pertaining
to environmental issues? Are you keeping statistics on public hearing participation by race,
color, national origin, and sex? Please present proof.
2. Do you have procedures for the identification of environmental impacts? How do you
approach environmental issues in minority/ disadvantaged communities? Explain.
3. Are those environmental issues discussed with the affected community during public
hearings? Have special provisions such as language interpreters been provided during public
meetings?
4. Are these efforts documented? If so, please provide documentation.
Could you list the major transportation projects planned or executed during the last two years
where social, environmental, economic, or demographic adverse impacts were identified? To
what extent did Title VI issues appear as a consequence of a project? Describe.
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APPENDIX A
The text below, in its entirety, is in all contracts entered into by AUGUSTA GEORGIA. All of the text
except the final section, entitled “Incorporation of Provisions,” should be included in any contract
entered into by any AUGUSTA GEORGIA contractor.
During the performance of this contract, the contractor, for itself, its assignees, and successors in interest
(hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”), agree as follows:
1. Compliance with Regulations
The Contractor shall comply with the Regulations relative to nondiscrimination in federally-assisted
programs of the Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as DOT), Title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 21, as they may be amended from time to time, (hereinafter referred to as
the Regulations), which are herein incorporated by reference and made a part of this contract.
2. Nondiscrimination
The Contractor, with regard to the work performed by it during the contract, shall not discriminate on
the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in the selection and retention of subcontractors,
including procurement of materials and leases of equipment. The Contractor shall not participate
either directly or indirectly in discrimination prohibited by Section 21.5 of the Regulations, including
employment practices when the contract covers a program set forth in Appendix B of the Regulations.
3. Solicitations for Subcontracts, Including Procurement of Materials and Equipment
In all solicitations either by competitive bidding or negotiations made by the Contractor for work to
be performed under a subcontract, including procurement of materials or leases of equipment, each
potential subcontractor or supplier shall be notified by the Contractor of the Contractor’s obligations
under this contract and the Regulations relative to nondiscrimination on the ground of race, color,
sex, or national origin.
4. Information and Reports
The Contractor shall provide all information and reports required by the Regulations or directives
issued pursuant thereto, and shall permit access to its books, records, accounts, other sources of
information and its facilities as may be determined by Augusta Georgia or the Federal Highway
Administration to be pertinent to ascertain compliance with such Regulations, orders, and
instructions. Where any information required of a contractor is in the exclusive possession of another
who fails or refuses to furnish this information, the Contractor shall so certify to Augusta Georgia, or
the Federal Highway Administration as appropriate, and shall set forth what efforts it has made to
obtain the information.
5. Sanctions for Noncompliance
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In the event of the Contractor’s noncompliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of this contract,
Augusta Georgia shall impose such contract sanctions as it or the Federal Highway Administration may
determine to be appropriate, including, but not limited to:
a. Withholding of payments to the Contractor under the contract until the Contractor complies;
and/or
b. Cancellation, termination, or suspension of the contract, in whole or in part.
6. Incorporation of Provisions
The Contractor shall include the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (5) in every subcontract,
including procurement of materials and leases of equipment, unless exempt by the Regulations, or
directives issued pursuant thereto.
The Contractor shall take such action with respect to any subcontractor or procurement as Augusta
Georgia or the Federal Highway Administration may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions
including sanctions for noncompliance: Provided, however, that in the event a Contractor becomes
involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or supplier as a result of such
direction, the Contractor may request Augusta Georgia enter into such litigation to protect the
interests of the state and, in addition, the Contractor may request the United States to enter into such
litigation to protect the interests of the United States.
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APPENDIX B
The following clauses shall be included in any and all deeds affecting or recording the transfer of real
property, structures, or improvements thereon, or interest therein from the United States.
Granting Clause
NOW, THEREFORE, Augusta Georgia—as authorized by law, and upon the condition that the state of
Georgia will accept title to the lands and maintain the project constructed thereon, in accordance with
and in compliance with Title 23, United States Code, the Regulations for the Administration of Federal Aid
for Highways; the policies and procedures prescribed by the Federal Highway Administration of the
Department of Transportation; and all requirements imposed by or pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination
in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as the
Regulations) pertaining to and effectuating the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78
Stat. 252: 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-4)—does hereby remise, release, quitclaim, and convey unto the state
of Georgia all the right, title, and interest of AUGUSTA GEORGIA in and to said land described in Exhibit A
attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Habendum Clause
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD said lands and interests therein unto the state of Georgia, and its successors
forever, subject, however, to the covenants, conditions, restrictions and reservations herein contained as
follows, which will remain in effect for the period during which the real property or structures are used
for a purpose for which the federal financial assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the
provision of similar services or benefits and shall be binding on the state of Georgia, its successors, and
assigns.
The state of Georgia , in consideration of the conveyance of said lands and interests in lands, does hereby
covenant and agree, as a covenant running with the land for itself, its successors and assigns, that (1) no
person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, national origin, age, or religion, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination with regard
to any facility located wholly or in part on, over, or under such lands hereby conveyed*, (2) that the state
of Georgia shall use the lands, and interests in lands so conveyed, in compliance with all requirements
imposed by or pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle
A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination of Federally Assisted Programs of the Department
of Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and as said Regulations may be
amended, (3) that in the event of breach of any of the above mentioned nondiscrimination conditions,
the agency shall have a right to reenter said lands and facilities on said land, and the above described land
and facilities shall thereon revert to and vest in, and become the absolute property of, AUGUSTA GEORGIA
and its assigns as such interest existed prior to this instruction.¹
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APPENDIX C
The following clauses shall be included in all deeds, licenses, leases, permits, or similar instruments
entered into by AUGUSTA GEORGIA pursuant to the provisions of Assurance 7.
The LESSEE, for himself or herself, his or her heirs, personal representatives, successors in interest, and
assigns, as a part of the consideration hereof, does hereby covenant and agree as a covenant running with
the land, that in the event facilities are constructed, maintained, or otherwise operated on the said
property described in this lease, for a purpose for which AUGUSTA GEORGIA program or activity is
extended, or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits, the LESSEE shall
maintain and operate such facilities and services in compliance with all other requirements imposed
pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the
Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of
Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as said Regulations may be
amended.
That in the event of breach of any of the above nondiscrimination covenants, the STATE shall have the
right to terminate the lease, and to reenter and repossess said land and the facilities thereon, and hold
the same as if said lease had never been made or issued.
The following shall be included in all deeds, licenses, leases, permits, or similar agreements entered into
by AUGUSTA GEORGIA pursuant to the provisions of Assurance 7.
The LESSEE, for himself or herself, his or her personal representatives, successors in interest, and assigns,
as a part of the consideration hereof, does hereby covenant, and agree as a covenant running with the
land, that (1) no person, on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin, shall be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the use of said
facilities, (2) that in the construction of any improvements on, over, or under such land and furnishing of
services thereon, no person on the grounds of race, color, sex, and national origin shall be excluded from
participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination, (3) that the LESSEE
shall use the premises in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to Title 49,
Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21,
Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation— Effectuation of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and as said Regulations may be amended.
That in the event of breach of any of the above nondiscrimination covenants, the STATE shall have the
right to terminate the [license, lease, permit, etc.] and to reenter and repossess said land and the facilities
thereon, and hold the same as if said [license, lease, permit, etc.] had never been made or issued.
*[Include in deeds subject to a reverter clause]
That in the event of breach of any of the above nondiscrimination covenants, the STATE shall have the
right to reenter said land and facilities there-on, and the above described lands and facilities shall
thereupon revert to and vest in and become the absolute property of the STATE and its assigns.
____________________
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¹ Reverter Clause and related language to be used only when it is determined that such a clause is necessary in order to
effectuate the purpose of Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Commissioner
One Georgia Center
600 West Peachtree NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 631-1990 Main Office
April 27, 2021
Mr. Udomekong Udoko,
Transit Planner
Augusta MPO
535 Telfair Street, Suite 300
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Dear Mr. Udoko,
The Department has completed its review of the Augusta MPO Title VI Plan, delivered on April 23,
2021, and has determined that the plan meets the requirements established in the Federal
Transit Administration's (FTA) Circular 4702.1B, "Title VI Program Guidelines for Federal Transit
Administration Recipients," effective October 1, 2012.
Should you need assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Michele
Nystrom, Transit Compliance and Asset Manager directly at (404) 631-1235 or at mnystrom@dot.ga.gov
Sincerely,
Kaycee Mertz, AICP
Transit Program Manager
cc: Michele Nystrom, Transit Compliance and Asset Manager
Ashley Finch, Transit Planner, Division of Intermodal
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