Title VI / Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice at DVRPC Definition Regional Planning Efforts Links Title VI Compliance Plan [.pdf]

Title VI
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act states that "no person in the United States, 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.

DVRPC, as the MPO for the Delaware Valley region, serves as the primary forum where state departments of transportation, transit providers, local agencies and the public work together to develop local transportation plans and programs that address the region's needs. To meet the requirements of these laws, the Commission must:

• Enhance its analytical capabilities to ensure that the Long Range Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) comply with Title VI;

• Identify residential, employment and transportation patterns of low-income and minority populations so that their needs may be identified and addressed, and the benefits and burdens of transportation can be fairly distributed; and

• Evaluate and, where necessary, improve the public involvement process to eliminate barriers and engage minority, disabled, elderly and low-income populations in regional decision-making.

In January 2007, the DVRPC Board approved the Commission's Title VI Compliance Plan, which establishes a framework for DVRPC's efforts to ensure compliance with Title VI as well as with other environmental justice and non-discrimination mandates.

The Plan outlines how Title VI and environmental justice considerations are reflected in the Commission's Work Program, publications, communications, public involvement efforts and general way of doing business. The Title VI Compliance Plan is available by accessing the link above or contacting 215-238-2871.

Environmental Justice and Our Future
Environmental Justice stems from the fundamental concept that all individuals have a right to live in a healthy community. We all expect to live in a community where our families are safe from the harms of polluted water, polluted air, and polluted soil. Unfortunately, that is not a reality for some Americans. Environmental justice recognizes that, historically, minority and low-income communities have suffered from a disproportionate distribution of negative environmental impacts. The goal of achieving and maintaining environmental justice is to, as one society, recognize the mistakes of our past and ensure a healthful environmental future for all people.

As we learn more about communities that have borne the burden of environmental degradation, we become more committed to ensuring that all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or socioeconomic status can expect to live in environmentally sound communities. At DVRPC we plan for the responsible growth of the Delaware Valley. As the metropolitan planning organization for the Southern New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania region, we are committed to making environmental justice a part of our planning process. On the horizon, we see a Delaware Valley with an enhanced quality of life and a healthful environment for all of its residents.

Environmental Justice Task Force (2001-2006) - The Environmental Justice Task Force was convened to share public participation strategies and techniques, and to discuss issues of interest. The Task Force was instrumental in clarifying ethnic and social issues, as well as helping staff to define an EJ Protocol for staff and the public. Moving into the future, EJ Task Force members will directly participate in the Regional Citizens Committee and in other DVRPC programs to bring a more holistic approach to the Commission's public participation activities. EJ Task Force members, as well as other individuals and organizations, will continue to act as resources for our staff planners, participate in upcoming workshops or events, and take part in potential focus groups that could be formed on specific topics related to items in our Work Program.

We hope you will join us in this work.