Environmental Justice / Title VI

Environmental Justice is the name given to a series of laws and regulations aimed at preventing discrimination in any programs, policies, and activities that receive federal funds.

The Genesee Transportation Council recognizes that those with the least political power, ability, or even knowledge, may be impacted negatively by transportation decisions.

By being proactive, broadening the conversation on transportation within our region to encompass diverse voices, and identifying the concerns of various groups, GTC believes it can better serve everyone who relies on transportation facilities and services.

Fair Treatment for Everyone (En Espanol)

GTC Statement of Nondiscrimination Policy

The Genesee Transportation Council is committed to ensuring access to all our programs, services, and benefits without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or minority or socioeconomic status.

Nor will GTC tolerate discrimination by its employees or by those who receive federal funds from GTC.

The Genesee Transportation Council prohibits all discriminatory practices which may result in an individual:

Being denied any service, financial aid, or benefit provided under a program to which he or she may be otherwise entitled.
Being held to different standards or requirements for participation.
Experiencing segregation or separate treatment in any part of a program.
Being subject to differences in quality, quantity, or manner in which a benefit is provided.

Further, the Genesee Transportation Council will:

Avoid or reduce harmful human health and environmental effects on all communities.
Ensure full and fair participation by all communities in transportation decisions.
Prevent the denial of, reduction in, or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by all communities.

Legislation and Guidance

The above rights are guaranteed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states:

No person in the United State shall, on the grounds 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 (42 U.S.C. Sec200d).

Subsequent federal regulations have prohibited discrimination according to handicapped status (29 U.S.C. 790); sex/gender (23 U.S.C. 324); age (42 U.S.C. 6101); and English language proficiency (EO 13166).

In addition, Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, 1994, provides:

Each Federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations.

Complaints

The Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its metropolitan transportation planning process on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination under Title VI, you may file a complaint with the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), the host agency of GTC.

Any person who believes that he or she has individually, or as a member of any specific class of persons, been excluded from participation in, been denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any RGRTA service, program, or activity, and believes the discrimination is based upon race, color, or national origin has the right to file a Title VI complaint with RGRTA.

All complaints must be filed in writing with the RGRTA Legal Department within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act or occurrence. Complaint forms may be obtained through the following contacts:

In addition to the Title VI process at RGRTA, Title VI complaints may be filed with the Federal Transit Administration, Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

GTC Title VI Nondiscrimination Implementation Program

To meet its commitment to nondiscrimination and to comply with and exceed the requirements of federal law, the Genesee Transportation Council has instituted a formal program to increase public involvement; provide technical assistance and guidance on nondiscrimination issues to consultants and subcontractors; train our staff in an ongoing, systematic way; and monitor our progress.

Title VI Nondiscrimination Assurance (December 2020)
GTCs commitment to complying with Title VI obligations. Appendix A of the Assurance is attached to all GTC contracts.
Staff Training
GTC staff training is ongoing and is based primarily on materials from the Federal Highway Administrations Office of Civil Rights.
Title VI Nondiscrimination Implementation Plan (December 2012)