PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN - APRIL 2021 - Southwestern Pennsylvania ...
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PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION PLAN
APRIL 2021
Two Chatham Center comments@spcregion.org Voice 412.391.5590
Suite 500 spcregion.org Fax 412.391.9160
112 Washington Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) hereby gives public notice that it is the policy of the Commission to assure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice, and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Title VI and other related statutes require that no person in the United States of America shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which SPC receives federal financial assistance. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by SPC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint with the Commission. Any such complaint must be in writing and filed with SPC’s Title VI Coordinator within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Discrimination Complaint Form, please see our website at: spcregion.org or call 412-391-5590.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
............................................................................................................................
1.1 ABOUT US 1
1.2 HOW CAN I CONTACT SPC? 3
1.3 WHAT IS THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN? 4
1.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOALS 5
SECTION 2: FEDERAL GUIDANCE AND CONSULTATION
............................................................................................................................
2.1 FEDERAL GUIDANCE 9
2.2 CONSULTATION 10
SECTION 3: ACCESS AND INFORMATION FOR ALL
............................................................................................................................
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE 12
3.2 LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY 13
3.3 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)/
SECTION 504/508 COMPLIANCE 15
3.4 TRIBAL CONSULTATION 15
3.5 ELDERLY, NON-CAR HOUSEHOLDS,
AND OTHER TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED 16
3.6 TITLE VI DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS 17
SECTION 4: HOW TO PARTICIPATE
............................................................................................................................
4.1 INFORMATION SHARING, NOTIFICATIONS AND REQUESTS 19
4.2 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 24
4.3 PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENT 35
SECTION 5: EVALUATING OUR STRATEGIES
.................................................................................................................... 37
APPENDICES
A. DEFINITIONS
B. DOCUMENT REVIEW NETWORK
C. LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY RESOURCES
D. TRIBAL LIAISONS
E. TITLE VI DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
F. EVALUATION FORM
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
The Southwestern Pennsylvania
Commission (SPC) is the designated
Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) for the ten-county Southwestern
Pennsylvania region.
Read About Us >
2021 Public Participation Plan | 3
SECTION 1
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 About Us
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is the designated
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the ten-county
Southwestern Pennsylvania region. As the official MPO, we are
responsible for regional transportation planning activities. As
such, we direct the use of state and federal transportation funds —
approximately $23 billion through 2045. We don’t do this alone. We
work with interested parties to ensure our planning and programming
efforts represent the needs of the entire region. How we do that is
documented in this plan, the Public Participation Plan.
Interested parties include citizens, Transportation planning and
affected public agencies, representatives programming consider all transportation
of public transportation employees, modes important to you and the regional
freight shippers, providers of freight system. Transportation planning sets goals and
transportation services, private providers evaluates transportation needs for the entire
of transportation, representatives of users region. Transportation programming chooses
of public transportation, representatives of and allocates funds to projects that meet the
users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle identified needs of the region.
transportation facilities, representatives of
the disabled, and other interested parties.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 1
SECTION 1
Our commitment to these
activities is reflected in our
Mission Statement:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
Visit us at:
is the cooperative forum for regional
spcregion.org collaboration, planning, and public decision-
making. The Commission develops plans
and programs for public investments;
fulfills federal and state requirements for
transportation, economic development, and
local government assistance programs; and
operates with public involvement and trust.
Lawrence
Butler
Armstrong
Beaver
Indiana
Allegheny
Westmoreland Our ten-county region
includes the City of
Washington Pittsburgh and the
counties of Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler,
Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Lawrence, Washington,
Faye�e and Westmoreland.
Greene
2021 Public Participation Plan | 2
SECTION 1
1.2 How Can I
Contact SPC?
You can contact our Public Involvement Specialist for
more information on this Public Participation Plan or our
regional transportation planning activities:
Public Involvement Specialist
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
Two Chatham Center, Suite 500
112 Washington Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3451
Telephone: (412) 391-5590
Fax: (412) 391-9160
Email: comments@spcregion.org
Website: spcregion.org
2021 Public Participation Plan | 3
SECTION 1
1.3 What is the Public Activities outlined in this Public Participation
Plan are also coordinated with statewide
Participation Plan? transportation planning and participation
efforts (Statewide Public Participation Plan).
This document provides an outline of the
tools and techniques we use to inform
The effectiveness of the Public Participation
and engage the public throughout our
Plan is regularly evaluated. When necessary,
transportation planning and programming
the plan is updated, made available for
processes. The plan must comply with
public comment, and adopted. See Section
federal participation plan regulations and
4.2D for more details.
guidelines for metropolitan transportation
planning and programs (See Section
2.1). This guidance helps to ensure that
our Public Participation Plan provides
opportunities and access for all individuals
to provide input on key transportation
planning, policy and investment decisions. This guidance helps to ensure
The document can be referenced at any that our Public Participation
time by the public and other planning Plan provides opportunities
agencies to learn how to participate, see
our methods for sharing information, and
and access for all individuals
identify opportunities to provide input. to provide input on key
transportation planning, policy
and investment decisions.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 4
SECTION 1
1.4 Public Participation Goals
Our overall public participation goal is to educate and communicate
with our region’s residents. We accomplish this overall goal by
executing the five goals outlined below.
Goal 1: Goal 2:
Inform and Educate the Public Reach Out and Build
We provide accessible information to the Connections
public and provide timely public notice. We continue to reach out and connect with
We provide clear, accurate, and relevant the traditionally underserved portions of
information using varied communication the population to invite them to participate.
tools. In addition to informing, we also The traditionally underserved includes
educate the public about the planning minority, non-English speaking, and low-
process and provide supportive policy, income groups. We continue to prioritize
program, and technical information. Finally, diversity in engagement by building new
we enhance the public’s understanding relationships with organizations and
with tools that help them visualize and communities that serve these populations.
relate to our various planning activities. This
allows the public to provide more informed
feedback.
Goal 3:
Engage the Public and
Encourage Continued
Participation
We continuously engage with the public to
encourage meaningful participation. This
process includes:
The Public • Providing various ways to engage and
refers to all communicate with the public
individuals or • Responding to comments and
groups in the questions in a timely manner
SPC region. • Using our network of partners for help
with responses as needed
2021 Public Participation Plan | 5
We inform the public of the decision-making
processes each time we request public
comment on a planning activity.
We present this to the public at the beginning of each planning
activity and throughout the engagement process. We document
all public input.
Communicating with the public is a key assists our staff and committees as they
element to developing our planning goals consider comments. We then use the
and outcomes. We encourage input, documented comments to help develop
respond in a reasonable and timely manner, transportation plans and programs.
and include comments as feedback to Our process of incorporating public
decision-makers to shape the planning input into the transportation planning
process. It is important to note that our process is transparent and consistent
regular meetings are open to the public and with the provisions outlined in this Public
feature a public comment opportunity. Participation Plan.
Goal 4: Goal 5:
Use Public Input to Shape Evaluate Public Participation
Policies, Plans, and Programs Strategies
We inform the public of the decision- We continually monitor the public
making processes each time we request engagement process to sustain best
public comment on a planning activity. We practices in public participation. We use an
present this to the public at the beginning outline for evaluating and improving this
of each planning activity and throughout document and the strategies that guide how
the engagement process. We document we engage the public.
all public input. This documentation
provides a record of all comments and
Our process of incorporating public input into the transportation planning
process is transparent and consistent.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 6 Goal 1: Inform and Educate
the Public
Goal 2: Reach Out and
Build Connections
Goal 3: Engage the Public and
Encourage Continued Participation
Goal 4: Use Public Input to Shape
Policies, Plans, and Programs
Goal 5: Evaluate Public
Participation StrategiesSECTION 2
FEDERAL
GUIDANCE AND
CONSULTATION
Our Public Participation Plan must
comply with federal guidance
associated with transportation
planning and programming.
See How >
2021 Public Participation Plan | 8SECTION 2
SECTION 2
FEDERAL GUIDANCE
AND CONSULTATION
Our Public Participation Plan must comply with federal guidance
associated with transportation planning and programming. We also
consult with interested parties to gather feedback before the plan
is adopted.
2.1 FEDERAL GUIDANCE Below is an excerpt from SAFETEA-LU:
Consideration for public participation The MPO shall develop and use
in the transportation planning and a documented participation plan
programming process was included in that defines a process for providing
legislation as early as 1991 with the passage citizens, affected public agencies,
of the Intermodal Surface Transportation representatives of public transportation
Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and its successor, the employees, freight shippers, providers
Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st of freight transportation services,
Century (TEA-21). The requirement for private providers of transportation,
MPOs to establish a Public Participation representatives of users of public
Plan was identified in 2005 with the passage transportation, representatives of users
of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient of pedestrian walkways and bicycle
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
transportation facilities, representatives
of the disabled, and other interested
Users (SAFETEA-LU).
parties with reasonable opportunities
to be involved in the metropolitan
planning process. (§ 450.316(a) Interested
parties, participation, and consultation)
Recent legislation including the Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century
(MAP-21); and the current Fixing America’s
Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act)
have further refined and expanded
the requirements of MPOs in planning
processes and public participation. SPC
regularly monitors all state and federal
guidance related to MPOs and adjusts
processes and policies accordingly.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 9SECTION 2
2.2 Consultation These interested parties include:
• The Public
In 2007, we developed the first Public
Participation Plan with help from a wide • Affected Public Agencies
range of interested parties. We developed • Representatives of Public
the first draft to begin the dialog, using Transportation Employees
guidance from SAFETEA-LU legislation and
• Freight Shippers
training sponsored by the National Transit
Institute (NTI). • Providers of Freight Transportation
Services
The Public Participation Plan is a dynamic • Private Providers of Transportation
document, and periodic updates ensure • Representatives of Users of Public
that the Plan reflects current conditions and Transportation
practices. For subsequent updates in 2011,
• Representatives of Users of Pedestrian
2012, 2015 and 2021, interested parties
Walkways and Bicycle Transportation
were consulted in updating the Public
Facilities
Participation Plan.
• Representatives of the Disabled
• Other Interested Parties
We used feedback and suggestions from these interested parties to update the final draft Public
Participation Plan. Then we presented it for formal public review and comment as described in
Section 4.
We used feedback and suggestions from these interested parties to update
the final draft Public Participation Plan.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 10SECTION 3
ACCESS AND
INFORMATION
FOR ALL
We seek to increase the number of
participants and meaningful input
throughout the planning process.
See How >
2021 Public Participation Plan | 11SECTION 3
SECTION 3:
ACCESS AND
INFORMATION FOR ALL
We seek to increase the number of participants and meaningful
input throughout the planning process. This includes traditionally
underserved populations. Our priority is to build new relationships
with community organizations to increase the diversity and number of
participants who engage in activities.
3.1 Environmental Justice This Public Participation Plan outlines the
planning process that we use to identify,
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and seek out, and engage Environmental Justice
the 1994 President’s Executive Order on populations. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
Environmental Justice #12898 state that 1964 states the foundation of these efforts:
no person or group shall be excluded from “No person in the United States shall,
participation in, or denied the benefits of, on the basis of race, color, or national
any program or activity utilizing federal origin be excluded from participation
funds. Federal law requires each federal in, be denied the benefits of, or be
agency or organization receiving federal subjected to discrimination under any
funds to identify any disproportionately program receiving Federal financial
high and adverse health or environmental assistance.”
--Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
effects of its programs on minority and
(42 U.S.C. 2000)
low-income populations. This means we
must evaluate our plans and programs
for Environmental Justice sensitivity. This The President’s 1994 Executive Order on
includes expanding our outreach efforts Environmental Justice states:
to low-income, minority, and other “Each Federal agency shall make
disadvantaged populations. achieving environmental justice
part of its mission by identifying
Environmental Justice (EJ) refers to the fair and addressing, as appropriate,
treatment and meaningful involvement disproportionately high and adverse
of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, human health or environmental effects
income, national origin, or educational of its programs, policies, and activities
level with respect to the development, on minority populations and low-
implementation, and enforcement of income populations.”
environmental laws, regulations, --Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in Minority
and policies. Populations & Low-Income Populations, 1994
2021 Public Participation Plan | 12SECTION 3
A. Targeted Outreach Areas regardless of their proficiency in another
Our public outreach process includes Public language. People who are multi-lingual, or
Participation Panels in each of the region’s those that speak one or more languages in
ten counties (see Section 4.2.A). The Panels addition to being proficient in English, are
reflect the diversity of the region and its not LEP.
population to ensure broad participation
and input throughout the planning process. A. LEP Assessment
The following pages describe our public As a recipient of federal financial assistance,
participation and outreach strategies we must reduce language barriers that can
related to Environmental Justice/Limited prevent meaningful access to our programs,
English Proficiency. To provide additional information, and services by LEP individuals.
Environmental Justice/Limited English As part of this effort we complete a “Limited
Proficiency information every two-years we English Proficiency Self-Assessment” or
prepare a Report on Environmental Justice. LEP Assessment, designed to balance four
You can view the Report on Environmental factors:
Justice on our website at spcregion.org, at 1. Demography: number and/or proportion
our offices, or by calling (412) 391-5590. of LEP persons served and languages
spoken in service area.
We use the Report on Environmental 2. Frequency: rate of contact with service
Justice to evaluate access to public or program.
participation opportunities. Our staff
3. Importance: nature and importance of
carefully analyzes the relationship between
program/service/plan to people’s lives.
the region’s populations and its regional
investments, plans, and programs. We 4. Resources: available resources,
identify environmental justice communities including language assistance services.
and target outreach to these areas The number and/or proportion of LEP
through geographic analysis. For example, persons served and languages spoken in
we use geographic analysis of targeted the service area.
outreach areas to be sure we hold public We reviewed US Census Bureau 2010‐2014
meetings at accessible locations within our American Community Survey (ACS) 5‐year
communities. Additionally, we reach out to estimates and found four language groups
organizations that target these communities in our region that meet Department of
and distribute information to them. Justice “safe harbor” thresholds.
3.2 Limited English Regional LEP Estimates:
• 7,495 Spanish or Creole LEP persons
Proficiency
• 5201 Chinese LEP persons
“Limited English Proficient” or “LEP”
persons are those with a limited ability to • 3,238 Italian LEP persons
read, speak, write, or understand English. • 2,068 Indic Languages LEP persons
LEP persons are not able to communicate
effectively in the English language,
2021 Public Participation Plan | 13SECTION 3
You can view a more detailed analysis • Send meeting announcements,
showing LEP populations by county and press releases, and public notices to
municipality (search Limited English organizations that serve LEP and
Proficiency Report) on our website non-English-speaking persons
spcregion.org, at our offices, or by calling (included for reference in Appendix C
(412) 391-5590. and on our website at spcregion.org).
• State in notices that we provide
B. Meaningful Access for assistance related to sight, language, or
LEP Persons hearing with 72 hours advanced notice
We strive to provide LEP populations with for public involvement activities
meaningful access to key transportation (see Section 4.1J).
planning decisions and opportunities to
• State in all vital documents that
become involved in the regional planning
translation is available in Spanish,
processes. We use one or more of the
Italian, Traditional Chinese and
following tools to reasonably accommodate
Indic. Translations are free of charge
LEP individuals:
upon request. We contract with
• Provide translated copies of materials interpretation and translation providers
in Spanish or Creole, Chinese, Italian, for these services without cost to the
Indic Languages and others requesting individual.
if requested. • We can satisfy most service requests
• Work with a third party to provide within ten business days for translation
interpretation and translation during services requested after a completed
public meetings upon request with 72 planning activity.
hours advanced notice. If you request
assistance with less than 72 hours’
notice, we will attempt to resolve
the request with the best available
resources and accommodations.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 14SECTION 3
3.3 Americans with • Provide sign language interpreters
with advanced notice
Disabilities Act (ADA)/ • Record materials to audio/visual media
Section 504/508 • Verbalize information provided
Compliance through visual presentations or
We select locations and provide meeting written materials
materials that do not limit or prohibit • Structure seating to provide visibility
individuals from taking part in the for participants who lip-read
process to provide a positive participation upon request
experience for all individuals. • Mount microphones at
wheelchair height
A. Meaningful Access for
• Provide hand-held microphones
Persons with Disabilities
to participants
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 states that no qualified handicapped • Present meetings through video
person shall, solely by reason of his or teleconferencing to allow off
handicap, be excluded from participation in, site participation
be denied the benefits of, or be subjected • Assess accessibility of information
to discrimination under any program or posted on SPC websites
activity that receive or benefits from federal
financial assistance. Section 508 extends For more information, please see SPC’s
accessibility protections to information and Title VI Program.
communications technology. To comply
with Section 504/508, we may use one or
more of the following tools to reasonably 3.4 Tribal Consultation
accommodate people with disabilities: We consult tribes with ancestral homelands
within our region regarding decisions
• Use locations and times that maximize
that may affect tribal rights and interests
accessibility to transit and van service
regarding transportation planning. We are
• Use locations with the latest in committed to government-to-government
mobility, perception, and access consultation with tribes on actions that
according to ADA standards affect identified tribal rights and issues.
• Provide copies of materials in 14-point Consultation means respectfully and
or larger type with advanced notice effectively communicating in a cooperative
• Provide Braille or raised-print notices process before deciding or acting. Our goal
and materials with advanced notice is to achieve mutually beneficial priorities,
programs, and interests.
We select locations and provide meeting materials that do not limit or
prohibit individuals from taking part in the process.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 15SECTION 3
This consultation may include one or more
of the following:
3.5 Elderly, Non-Car
• Inform all Tribal Liaisons regarding
Households, and other
transportation plan documents Traditionally Underserved
and updates We seek to attract new audiences to our
• Provide documentation, information, meetings—especially low-income, non-
maps, and other visual aids to the car, disabled, and elderly populations.
Tribal Liaisons These groups are considered “traditionally
underserved.” Common barriers to
• Accommodate requests for further
traditionally underserved communities are
detail or information in a reasonable
largely related to accessibility. When we
and timely manner
notify these communities about upcoming
meetings, it may be difficult for them to
You can find a complete list of Tribal Liaisons
attend due to time and transportation
with interests in our region in Appendix D of
constraints. Many members of these
this document.
communities do not have access to a
car. In addition, our elderly population is
one of the largest concentrations in the
United States. Therefore, outreach efforts
to the elderly community are even more
important.
We recognize these challenges and try to
involve and inform members of a broad and
diverse community with proactive outreach
methods. Our Public Involvement Specialist:
• Actively seeks out community
groups with members of traditionally
underserved communities
• Participates in their community
meetings
• Helps to provide information
and resources through in-person
participation
Upon request, we provide reasonable
accommodation regarding requests for
documentation, maps, and resource
materials for members of the public.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 16Upon request, we provide reasonable
accommodation regarding requests for
documentation, maps, and resource materials
for members of the public.
Our CommuteInfo Program can provide information on available
transportation resources to those who need assistance to travel
to public meetings upon request. To find more information
regarding transportation options for public meetings, please
contact us at 1-888-819-6110 or visit commuteinfo.org.
3.6 Title VI Discrimination Additional statutes include, but are
not limited to, Section 504/508 of the
Complaints Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights
Our Title VI Complaint Procedure explains Restoration Act of 1987, and the Americans
the process we use to investigate with Disabilities Act of 1990.
complaints, while treating all complainants
and respondents fairly. This procedure These procedures are part of an
applies to all external complaints relating to administrative process that does not
any program or activity administered by: provide punitive damages or compensation
• SPC or our subrecipients, consultants, for the Complainant. The law prohibits
and contractors intimidation or retaliation of any kind.
and Please see Appendix E for our Title VI
Discrimination Complaint Procedure,
• Filed under Title VI of the Civil
including details on how and where to
Rights Act of 1964 (including its
submit a complaint.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
and Equal Employment Opportunity
components), as well as other related
laws that prohibit discrimination on the
basis of race, color, disability, sex, age,
low income, national origin or Limited
English Proficiency
We seek to attract new audiences to our meetings—especially low-income,
non-car, disabled, and elderly populations. These groups are considered
“traditionally underserved.”
2021 Public Participation Plan | 17SECTION 4
HOW TO
PARTICIPATE
We use a wide range of communication
tools and engagement techniques to
obtain meaningful participation.
See tools and techniques >
2021 Public Participation Plan | 18SECTION 4
SECTION 4:
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
We use a wide range of communication tools and engagement
techniques to obtain meaningful participation. Our Public Participation
Plan outlines these tools and techniques and assists members of the
public, stakeholders, and other interested parties to find the necessary
information to participate in the planning process.
4.1 Information Sharing, B. Interested Parties
To create and implement transportation
Notifications and plans with long lasting benefits, we identify
Requests appropriate stakeholders. An interested
party or stakeholder is any person or
A. Public Involvement Specialist group affected by a transportation plan,
To better serve the needs of a diverse program, or project. In accordance with
regional community and its corresponding the FAST Act, interested parties will include
stakeholders, we have a Public Involvement “citizens, affected public agencies and staff,
Specialist on staff. The Public Involvement representatives of public transportation
Specialist: employees, providers of freight
• Communicates activities to parties transportation services, private providers
interested in the transportation of transportation services, representatives
planning process of users of public transportation,
representatives of bicycle and pedestrian
• Provides resources and educates the
walkways facilities, representatives of the
public in a specific and timely manner
disabled, and other interested parties.
• Acts as a contact for the public Citizens include the general public;
• Responds to comments and inquiries environmental health, neighborhood,
regarding SPC’s programs and policies and civic organizations; and traditionally
underserved communities such as people
• Represents SPC at transportation-based
with disabilities, and/or low-income,
activities in the community
minority, elderly, and Limited English
• Looks for specific opportunities to Proficiency.”
engage a wide variety of individuals,
groups, and interested parties,
including the disabled, elderly, low-
income, minority, and Limited English
Proficiency populations
2021 Public Participation Plan | 19SECTION 4
C. SPC Website (spcregion.org) F. Communications Channels
We utilize our organization’s website to Our communications department provides
regularly update the public with the latest frequent updates to engage the public. We
information regarding our planning efforts use multiple forms of media to increase
and the status of specific plans and projects. public involvement and the following
You can view transportation plans, activities, methods to provide information to those
and archives through our website in looking for it:
conjunction with additional resources. • Create and maintain new forms of
technology and media
D. Contact Lists We use social media platforms such
We maintain up-to-date contact information
as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to
for individuals, stakeholders, the media, and
quickly and easily reach our community
interested organizations and groups. As new
members. These methods enhance
parties become involved in our planning
outreach and we update them as more
and outreach efforts, we expand our lists. To
members of the community access
collect this valuable information, we use the
social media.
following techniques:
• Produce and Distribute Brochures/Fact
• Mail and email list registration at
Sheets/Videos
public meetings
We use brochures, fact sheets and
• Mail and email list registration on videos to inform interested parties
website or via email about SPC and our planning process.
• Working with existing stakeholders You can access current materials at
and professional, civic and community public meetings, by written request,
organizations to suggest potential or on our website. We provide non-
participants or encourage their English language or special format
members to participate versions upon request.
• Conduct Surveys and Focus Groups
E. Speakers Network We collect feedback directly from
SPC is available to provide speakers on the the public through surveys. We also
regional transportation planning process obtain feedback on specific topics
and transportation plans at the request of or transportation plans during focus
civic groups, professional organizations, groups. We provide non-English
neighborhood associations, and other language or special format versions
groups. Our Speakers Network includes upon request.
our staff, with assistance from PennDOT,
regional transit agencies, member planning
agencies, and bicycle/pedestrian and
freight communities.
For more information on SPC’s EJ program, please see
spcregion.org for the most current EJ reports.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 20SECTION 4
G. Regional Document Review We identify opportunities and strategies
that will provide these communities greater
Network
access to the transportation planning
We provide local access to our documents
process. Efforts to involve these groups may
and plans using the following methods:
include, but are not limited to the following:
• We maintain a Regional Document
• Identifying areas in our region with
Review Network of libraries located
concentrations of low-income, minority,
throughout our 10-county region. We
and other potentially disadvantaged
provide notification on how to access
populations
materials for public review during our
public comment periods. We maintain • Identifying organizations that work
an up-to-date listing of recognized directly with these communities
libraries in the SPC region using • Posting notification of meetings,
educationbug.org. public hearings, and open houses
• We also provide notification to our in newspapers, on our website, in
county planning and development newsletters, through contact lists, and
offices in each of our 10 counties, as our partners’ communication networks
well as the City of Pittsburgh. You can • Publishing notification of meetings,
find a list of these locations in Appendix public hearings, public comment
B of this document. periods, and open houses in LEP
• We provide documents for public languages (see Section 3.2)
review online at our website • Issuing guidance to our member
(spcregion.org). governments and providing Census
data for use in ensuring their Public
H. Reaching Minority, Low- Participation Panel appointments are
Income and Other Potentially reflective of the demographic profile of
Disadvantaged Populations their jurisdictions
SPC ensures that low-income, minority, and • Regularly updating our EJ analysis
other potentially disadvantaged populations to ensure that low-income, minority
are correctly identified and subsequently and other potentially disadvantaged
engaged in each step of the transportation populations are correctly identified
planning process. This allows SPC and These steps help to build relationships
its planning partners to appropriately with key leaders and organizations and
weigh the effects of transportation plans ensures the plan/program proposed does
and programs on the populations they not unjustly burden any group. For more
serve. Input from the public and relevant information, please see spcregion.org for
organizations is incorporated at each stage the most current EJ reports.
of the transportation planning process, from
the assessment of regional needs to the
production of the final plan report.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 21SECTION 4
I. Provide Visual Tools J. Publicize SPC Activities
The world is an increasingly more visual We advertise our activities using
place, especially in terms of education various media and social outlets. These
and information. We recognize this and advertisements may include distributing
adapt methods to help citizens understand press releases to the media, posting on
different proposals, impacts, and possible social media, sending meeting invitations,
outcomes related to regional transportation and posting public involvement activities
programs and plans. Visualization on our website. We develop appropriate
techniques used to illustrate these concepts strategies for the scope and timeframe of
may include: the specific project or plan.
• Static and interactive mapping with
Public Notice Policies
a variety of base layers (aerial, street
Reaching out to 2.6 million citizens in 10
map, topographic, etc.) to portray
counties, in a direct, yet cost-effective
various transportation, demographic
manner requires a multi-faceted approach.
and socioeconomic information
To ensure that the public has plenty of
• Photographs, sketches, artist opportunity to participate in the regional
renderings, images, diagrams, charts, planning process, we provide timely
and other graphics notification, complete information, and full
• Scenario planning exercises public access to key decisions.
• Web broadcasts
We publish formal public notices to
• Interactive kiosks
announce the following types of events and
• Interactive data visualization tools such participation opportunities:
as Tableau and ArcGIS Story Maps
• Our annual meeting schedule—
advertised annually
• Special or rescheduled Commission
meetings—advertised 24 hours
in advance
• Comment periods—advertised at
Major Decisions include the adoption least 30 days prior to the date the
or major amendment of the Long-Range Commission schedules a formal act on
Transportation Plan (regional plan), any major decisions (see Section 4.2C)
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), • Meetings related to Public Comment
Air Quality Conformity Determination, or other periods—advertised at least 7 days in
significant transportation plan or program. advance (see Section 4.2C)
2021 Public Participation Plan | 22SECTION 4
We share the public notices for these events • Offer to provide accommodations
using the methods listed below: for people with Limited English
• We use paid legal and/or display Proficiency, people with disabilities,
advertisements. We place one paid and accommodations related to sight,
advertisement in a newspaper of language or hearing
general circulation and one in a • Statement that the public process
newspaper with circulation targeted satisfies the Program of Projects
to minority communities (included for requirements of the Federal Transit
reference in Appendix C and on SPC’s Administration requirements for the
website at spcregion.org). transit agencies within the SPC region
• We also distribute public notices to
other media outlets or organizations
K. Response to Special Requests
We periodically receive special requests to
that serve targeted outreach groups
perform an analysis that isn’t considered
identified in our Environmental
as part of the planning process, or other
Justice and Limited English Proficiency
special data or information. We determine
analyses (included in Appendix C and
the reasonableness of each request by the
on SPC’s website at spcregion.org).
preparation time, costs to respond, and the
• We post the notice on the agency’s relevancy to the transportation planning
website at spcregion.org. process and the agency mission. Then
• We post the notice at SPC’s offices. we respond to all special requests on an
individual basis.
Public notices provide the following
information (where applicable):
• Type or event or activity Reasonableness (as used in this document)
• Subject of event or activity parameters will evolve around the preparation
• Date, time, and location of event time and costs to respond, as well as the
or activity relevancy to the transportation planning
process and the agency mission.
• Start and end dates for public
comment periods
• Contact information (Address,
L. Right to Know Law Requests
The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law,
Telephone Number, email address and/
65 P.S. §67.101 et seq. establishes the
or website)
standards for the provision of access to
• Brief summary of the proposed action, public information held by Commonwealth,
plan, program, or amendment Local, Legislative, and Judicial agencies
• How to access the draft plan in Pennsylvania. Our Right to Know Law
or materials Policy sets forth the guidelines, process,
• Instructions to provide formal and procedures with respect to requests
public comments made for access to our records. You can find
the Right to Know Law Policy on the SPC
website or by calling SPC at (412) 391-5590.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 23SECTION 4
4.2 Public Engagement Panel Roles
Panel members have multiple roles,
Opportunities including to:
We encourage public participation through • Provide input on the regional
a meaningful engagement process. This transportation planning process and
process includes providing various ways to the Commission’s major decisions
engage and communicate with the public
during: • Develop community contacts
and partnerships
• Public Participation Panel Meetings
• Provide two-way information flow with
• Planning Decision Points the public
• SPC Meetings and Public Meetings • Provide local perspectives on impacts
• Commission Meetings of transportation issues affecting
their communities
Traditionally, we have conducted these • Recommend venues and topics for
activities in-person; however, we use public meetings
virtual/online options to accommodate
unforeseen health and safety issues (i.e., The Panels also assist in the formal public
COVID-19 pandemic) and/or provide review and comment periods on major
alternative options for participants. The transportation decisions. The Panel(s) most
following pages outline the methods we use affected by the decision(s) meet to discuss
to gather public input and how the public the decision or issue. They may hold in-
can take a more active role in transportation person or virtual community meetings for
planning. the general public to give broader public
input to major decisions.
A. Public Participation Panels
Public Participation Panels are a key part
Unless there is an emergency requiring the
of our outreach program. Each county in
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
our region has a Panel with a minimum of
to act within a shorter period, we give the
15 members. Together, the Panels include
Panels a minimum of 30 days to review and
more than 300 members throughout
comment on documents and/or information
Southwestern Pennsylvania. County
concerning major decisions. During the 30-
Commissioners appoint Panel members,
day timeframe, the affected Panel(s) hold
intended to reflect the diversity of their
a public meeting to gather local input. Our
area. We work in partnership with the
staff and planning partners are available as
Panels to provide the public with direct,
resources to assist the Panel members.
ongoing access to the regional planning and
The Public Participation Panels Guidebook is
decision‐making processes.
available to all Panel members and outlines
the roles and responsibilities of the Panels
and Panel members.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 24SECTION 4
Public
Engagement
Opportunities
Public
Participation Planning
Panel Decision
Meetings Points SPC
Each county in our Before acting on Meetings Commission
region has a Public major transportation and Public Meetings
Participation Panel planning decisions,
with a minimum SPC provides at least Meetings We hold Commission
30 days for public Meetings quarterly
of 15 members Our regular SPC
review and comment. that are open to the
appointed by County meetings and Public
Information on how public for comment.
Commissioners. Panel Meetings always
to access documents If a person is unable
meetings are held for include opportunities
is provided on our to comment during
them to provide input for public comment.
website and via our a scheduled meeting
on transportation You can find an online
Document Review time, they can submit
planning processes calendar of upcoming
Network. their comments in
and major decisions. public meetings on our
written, verbal, or
website: spcregion.
electronic form.
org/events/.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 25SECTION 4
Membership • Each county chooses to appoint either
Every two years, county commissioners (in Co-Chairpersons or Chairpersons
Allegheny County, the County Executive and Vice- Chairpersons, collectively
and the Mayor of Pittsburgh) appoint Panel called “Chairpersons”. Each Panel will
members using the general guidance for approve selections.
Panel composition stated below. • Persons interested in serving on a
General guidance for Panel composition: Panel should contact their County
• Panel members represent the diverse Commissioners (in Allegheny County,
population and interests in each the County Executive and the Mayor
county. The appointing bodies consider of Pittsburgh). For more information,
the federal guidance on Environmental please call our office at (412) 391-5590.
Justice when appointing members.
These demographic profiles are Chairpersons maintain their Panel’s
available on SPC’s website at organization, plan and run meetings, and
spcregion.org or by calling address Panel member issues. They work
(412) 391-5590. with our staff to organize formal input
and inform the Commission of the Panel’s
• Each Panel includes a minimum of
comments.
fifteen members.
• Members serve two-year terms, As needed, we hold regional workshops
corresponding with the TIP for all Panel Chairpersons to discuss issues,
update cycle. educate members, encourage consistency,
• and continuously improve.
The Public Participation Panels Guidebook is available to all Panel members.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 26SECTION 4
Panel Meetings & Informational B. Planning Decision Points
Workshops We value the effort of stakeholders and the
We ensure that Panel meetings comply public to participate in the regional planning
with accessibility and notice standards as process. We provide at least 30 days for
detailed in Section 4.1J. public review and comment (45 days in
the case of the Public Participation Plan)
In addition to regular Panel meetings, we before acting on major decisions. The Public
may hold information workshops to: Participation Plan defines a major decision
as the official adoption of:
• Provide the Panel(s) with information
regarding the transportation • Regional Long Range
planning process Transportation Plan
• Provide further information about a • Transportation Improvement
plan prior to a public meeting Program (TIP)
• Discuss Panel(s) organization and • Major Amendment to the regional
direction of the Panel(s) plan or TIP
These forums or workshops are informal • Air Quality Conformity Determination
and allow the panel members to engage
with subject matter in a relaxed format. • Public Participation Plan
These workshops and Panel meetings may
be held virtually to provide additional See page 33 for more details on our plans
opportunities for public participation. and processes.
Panel Work Groups C. Public Review and Comment
We may assemble topical work groups from Period Requirements
among Panel members. These work groups We follow the Public Notice Procedures
may focus on specific transportation-related described in Section 4.1J to inform the
topics (i.e., bike/ped safety, transit or public and interested parties of public
tourism) and include representatives from review and comment periods.
across the 10-county region. We provide notice at least 30 days before
the scheduled Commission adoption of
a major amendment to a regional long
range transportation plan, Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP), or Air Quality
Conformity Determination. Similarly, we
A Major Amendment is any amendment provide public notice at least 45 days prior
to a long‐range transportation plan or to the scheduled Commission adoption of
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). an updated Public Participation Plan.
We provide notification on how to access
materials for public review during our
public comment periods. We maintain an
up-to-date listing of recognized libraries
2021 Public Participation Plan | 27SECTION 4
in the SPC region using educationbug.org. The Regional Long-Range
We also provide notification on how to Transportation Plan
access documents to our county planning The Regional Long-Range Transportation
and development offices in each of our 10 Plan (regional plan) is a long range (20+
counties, as well as the City of Pittsburgh. years) strategy and capital improvement
You can find a list of these locations in plan. It guides the investment of public
Appendix B of this document. We also funds in multimodal transportation facilities
provide documents for public review online in the context of the regional vision, goals
at our website (spcregion.org). Information and strategies. The regional plan also
on where and how to access public helps develop the region’s Transportation
comment documents is in the Public Notices Improvement Program (TIP), a short-
(see Section 4.1J). range capital improvement program
for implementing the highest priority
We hold a minimum of one public meeting transportation projects over a four-year
before the Commission acts on any major period. We update the regional plan, at a
decision. This public meeting may be part minimum, every four years with input from
of a regular Commission meeting or as a interested parties.
separate public meeting. We include the
time and location of all public meetings on
major decisions in the public notice.
D. Additional Public Review and
Comment Periods
If the draft Regional Long Range
Transportation Plan, Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP), Air Quality
Conformity Determination, or major
amendment changes significantly during
the initial public review and comment
period, we hold an additional 30-day public
review and comment period before the
Commission acts.
If the draft Public Participation Plan changes
significantly during the initial public review
and comment period, we hold an additional
45-day public review and comment period
before the Commission acts.
We conduct additional public review and
comment periods with the same procedures
for regular public comment periods listed in
this section.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 28SECTION 4
Our public participation process for the in additional languages as requested
regional plan typically follows these steps: and in accordance with procedures for
Step 1: Public Participation Panels accommodating Limited English Proficient
gather initial input (when update cycles persons and persons with disabilities (see
correspond, this can occur with the Section 3.2 and 3.3 for details). Section 4.1J
TIP update). describes public notices detailing how to
access the materials and submit comments.
Step 2: We compile the initial input and use
it to design the next phase of outreach and
You can find the regional planning
participation, such as workshops and other
documents on our website at
public meetings.
spcregion.org, at our offices, or by calling
Step 3: We use ongoing input to develop (412) 391-5590. We will provide hard copies
draft regional plan materials with help from upon request. We provide vital regional plan
interested parties. documents in languages other than English
Step 4: We provide notification on how to and in alternative formats upon request
access draft regional plan materials for (see Section 3.2).
review and comment by the public and
interested parties. This process includes
a 30-day public comment period on the
draft regional plan materials, utilizing the
procedures noted in Section 4.2C.
Step 5: We document all comments and the
response to comments and then provide
them to the Commission for review.
Step 6: We revise draft documents, as
needed, to reflect comments received from
the public.
Step 7: The Commission reviews and votes The Transportation Improvement
on the regional plan. Program (TIP)
Step 8: We develop a Public Participation The Transportation Improvement Program
Report to document all comments received, (TIP) represents the first four years of the
the responses to comments, and the public regional Long Range Transportation Plan
participation and outreach activities. (20+ year plan). The TIP identifies:
Step 9: We will produce the adopted and • The region’s highest priority
approved regional plan document and make transportation projects, including
it available to the public. roadway, bridge, transit, active
transportation, freight and
Throughout the process, long range plan safety projects
materials will be available on our website, • A four year program of implementation
spcregion.org and at our offices. We • Available federal and non-federal
will provide long range plan materials funding for the identified projects
2021 Public Participation Plan | 29SECTION 4
We update the TIP every two years through Our public participation process for the TIP
cooperation with local, state, and federal typically follows these steps:
agencies; and input from the general public Step 1: Public Participation Panels
and interested parties. gather initial input (when update cycles
correspond, this can occur with the regional
The TIP will include project listings for plan update).
the region’s sponsors of Federal Transit
Step 2: We use initial input to design
Administration-funded projects, referred to
the next phase of outreach and
as the Program of Projects. The participating
participation, such as workshops and
agencies for which the MPO public
other public meetings.
participation process satisfies the Program
of Projects requirements include: Beaver Step 3: We use ongoing input to develop
County Transit Authority, Butler Transit draft TIP materials with assistance from
Authority, Fayette Area Coordinated Transit, interested parties.
IndiGO, Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority, Step 4: We draft TIP materials and we
New Castle Area Transit, Port Authority provide notification on how to access them
of Allegheny County, Town and Country for review and comment by the public and
Transit, Washington County Transportation interested parties. This process will provide
Authority, Westmoreland County Transit a 30-day public comment period on the
Authority, Southwestern Pennsylvania draft TIP materials, utilizing the procedures
Commission, and CommuteInfo, a program noted in Section 4.2C.
of SPC.
Step 5: We document all comments and the
responses to comments and then provide
Throughout the process, TIP materials
them to the Commission.
will be available on our website and at
our offices. We will provide TIP materials Step 6: We revise daft documents, as
in additional languages as requested needed, to reflect comments received
and in accordance with procedures for from the public.
accommodating Limited English Proficient Step 7: The Commission reviews and votes
persons and persons with disabilities (see on the TIP.
Section 3.2 and 3.3 for details). Section 4.1J Step 8: We will develop a Public
describes public notices detailing how to Participation Report to document all
access the materials and submit comments. comments received, the responses to
comments and public participation activities
that occurred.
Step 9: We will produce the approved TIP
documents and companion documents
(Air Quality Conformity Determination
Report, Environmental Justice Report and
Public Participation Report) and make them
available to the public.
2021 Public Participation Plan | 30SECTION 4
Major Amendments to the TIP or Air Quality Conformity
Regional Plan Determination Report
Both the TIP and the regional plan are The Air Quality Conformity Determination
dynamic documents. After the Commission report is a companion document to
approves the documents, they may change the regional long range transportation
due to budgeted changes in project plan and to the TIP. The Air Quality
scheduling and estimated costs. The Federal Conformity Determination report
Highway Administration (FHWA) and the documents the process we use for making
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will the transportation‐related conformity
only authorize projects and approve grants determination for ozone, particulate matter
for projects where the phase costs by year and carbon monoxide. The Federal Clean Air
are in the current approved TIP. A major Act requires the conformity determination.
amendment is any amendment to the TIP or Our conformity finding is based upon
regional plan. criteria and procedures described in EPA’s
Transportation Conformity Rule (40 CFR
Our public participation process for Major Part 93) and satisfies all applicable
Amendments typically follows these steps: conformity requirements.
Step 1: We inform the public and interested
parties of the public review and comment
period. We follow the Public Notice
procedures described in Section 4.1C. Air Quality Conformity Determination is a review of
transportation plans and programs to ensure that they
Step 2: We draft the amendments and comply with federal clean air requirements. (Changes
provide notification on how to access them to the transportation system collectively must not
for review and comment by the public, worsen air quality; in areas where air quality does
interested parties, and participating transit not meet federal standards, transportation plans and
agencies listed under Section 4.2D. We programs need to improve the air quality.)
hold a 30-day public comment period on
the Major Amendment, utilizing procedures
noted in Section 4.2.C. We develop the Air Quality Conformity
Step 3: We document all comments and the Determination report as part of the regional
response to comments and then provide plan or TIP update. Section 4.2D describes
them to the Commission. the public participation and public comment
Step 4: We revise draft documents, as procedures for the regional plan or TIP.
needed, to reflect public comments received We also update the Air Quality Conformity
from the public. Determination report as required by certain
amendments to the TIP or regional plan. In
Step 5: The Commission votes on the that case we follow the public participation
Major Amendment. and public comment procedures for major
Step 6: After federal and state approval amendments to the regional plan or TIP as
of the requested changes, we update the described in Section 4.2D.
appropriate documents and make them
available to the public.
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