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RESOLUTION R-1920-86: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, ADOPTING A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TITLE VI PROGRAM OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT.
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BACKGROUND: The City of Norman has taken over the operation of public transportation services in the Norman area and has been designated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as eligible to receive federal funds to be used for these public transportation operations. In order to comply with federal regulations and program the FTA funds, the City must develop a Title VI Program to ensure the public equal distribution to, participation in, and enjoyment of the benefits of the City of Norman’s Public Transportation System.
DISCUSSION: On May 22, 2019, the Governor of Oklahoma designated the City to be the direct recipient of federal funds to be used for the provision of public transportation services effective upon the date the FTA formally approves the City eligible to receive such federal funds. On June 20, 2019, the FTA formally designated the City to be the direct recipient of such federal public transportation funds.
The City of Norman is committed to providing transit service to any resident or visitor in the City of Norman that desires to use public transportation. This mission is consistent with Title VI requirements which prohibit recipients of Federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color or national origin in their programs or activities, and it obligates Federal funding agencies to enforce compliance. Title VI also requires recipients to reduce language barriers that may impede access to important services to customers who may not be proficient in English.
The FTA requires that all direct and primary recipients of federal funds document their compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Title VI regulations by submitting a Title VI Program to their FTA regional civil rights officer once every three years or as otherwise directed by the FTA. FTA Circular 4702.1B, as implemented on October 1, 2012, also requires that the Title VI Program be approved by the recipient’s board of directors or appropriate governing entity or officials responsible for policy decisions prior to submission to the FTA.
Resolution R-1920-86 adopts an updated Title VI program that will be submitted to the FTA upon approval of the City Council. The Title VI program includes public notice provisions, establishment of a complaint form and procedures, a public participation plan, a language assistance plan, and other general reporting requirements of the FTA as well as standards and policies for fixed route system-wide service.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of Resolution R-1920-86, adopting the City of Norman’s Transit Title VI Program.