Title VI/ADA Coordinator
Jeff Loftus
1635-G POPPS FERRY ROAD, BILOXI MS 39532
PH: 228-864-1167 X211 ~ jol@grpc.com

Title VI Policy Loftus

Title VI Statement of Policy

Gulf Regional Planning Commission (GRPC), the MS Gulf Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to conform with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its amendments. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States, shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Presidential Executive Order 12898 addresses Environmental Justice in minority and low-income populations. Presidential Executive Order 13166 addresses services to those individuals with Limited English Proficiency. The rights of women, the elderly and the disabled are protected under related statutes. These Presidential Executive Orders and the related statutes fall under the umbrella of Title VI.

GRPC is committed to upholding the provisions of Title VI which includes protecting the rights and opportunities of all persons associated with GRPC or affected by its programs. This commitment includes abiding by all applicable laws and regulations that affect GRPC and those organizations, both public and private, which participate and benefit through GRPC’s programs. GRPC will take positive and realistic steps to ensure that all persons and/or firms wishing to participate in its programs are given an equal and equitable opportunity to participate. All sub-recipients and contractors are required to prevent discrimination and ensure nondiscrimination in all of their programs, activities and services.

GRPC’s Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership, direction and policy to ensure compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Any person(s) or firm(s) who feels that they have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such violations to GRPC at:

Gulf Regional Planning Commission (GRPC)
1635-G Popps Ferry Road – Biloxi MS 39532

The MPO further agrees to the following responsibilities with respect to its programs, services and activities:

1. Designate a Title VI/ADA Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day oversight Non-discrimination Program;
2. Issue a policy statement expressing the MPO’s commitment to the nondiscrimination provisions of Title VI;
3. Circulate the non-discrimination policy throughout the MPO membership and provide notice to the general public at www.grpc.com as well as an annual Spanish/English publication in the Sun Herald;
4. Develop a complaint process and attempt to resolve any received complaints of discrimination;
5. Participate in training offered on Title VI and other nondiscrimination requirements;
6. Take affirmative action to correct any identified deficiencies within a reasonable time period;
7. Have a process to collect data on protected persons impacted by MPO plans and programs;
8. Provide at least one annual staff training on Title VI policy and program development;
9. Provide on-going activities that promote non-discrimination compliance for gulf coast jurisdictions; and
10.  Incorporate non-discrimination practices and policies into the GRPC and MPO public involvement program.

THIS ASSURANCE is given in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all federal funds, grants, loans, properties, discounts or other federal assistance under all programs and activities and is binding.

Complaint Forms (English)                                      Formularios de quejas (Espanol)

The MS Gulf Coast MPO’s Title VI Goals Are To:

1. Take action to remove discrimination from the transportation planning process whenever it is discovered and continue to provide equitable access to all planning programs, services and activities.
2. Conduct necessary community analysis to maintain maps that identify protected and traditionally underserved populations within the planning area.
3. Develop partnerships with local agencies and organizations that assist with providing reasonable accommodations.
4. Expand outreach activities to include members of the traditionally underserved populations where and when appropriate.
5. Ensure that our Title VI Coordinator and other essential staff continue to take advantage of non-discrimination training opportunities.
6. Complete and submit an annual Title VI progress report to MDOT and FHWA that is made available on the www.grpc.com website.
7. Make the transportation planning process accessible by publishing and/or advertising activities through a variety of engagement methods.
8. Host MPO meetings and other events at locations accessible for transit users whenever appropriate and possible.

Non-Discrimination Laws and Policies

Gulf Regional Planning Commission is committed to ensuring equal access to all of its programs, services and activities. Minimum standards of accessibility and non-discriminatory behavior are outlined in numerous acts, policies, laws, executive orders and other documents. Click on the links below to learn more about each of the listed programs.

• Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 USC 6101 – 6107)
• Americans with Disabilities Act – 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and 49 CFR parts 27, 37 and 38
• Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI, as amended (42 USC 2000d 1) and 49 CFR part 21
• Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-259 [§557]
• Executive Order 12898 — Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
• Executive Order 13166 – Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
• Federal Transit Administration Circulars
• Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 (23 USC 324)
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (29 U.SC. 794) and 49 CFR part 27