Public Involvement Overview
WMSRDC, working as the West Michigan Metropolitan Planning Organization (WestPlan) for the Muskegon and Northern Ottawa County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is committed to ensuring that citizen input will figure prominently throughout the planning processes and contribute to transportation problem identification through public comment periods, public meetings, open houses, and review of the draft documents including the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). WestPlan is also federally required to explicitly set forth public participation policies. The standards for this process are found in Title 23 CFR 450.316 which requires that the public have reasonable opportunity to comment on transportation plans and programs. These policies are laid out in the current Public Participation Plan in Transportation Decision Making which is a document that describes the public participation goals and requirements for WestPlan, including specific details regarding the development of transportation planning documents.
Public Participation Mailing List
WestPlan maintains an extensive public participation emailing list that is used to provide information and notice to the public regarding transportation planning activities. The Interested Citizen/Agency list includes many representatives. The list of interested cities and agencies broken down by type includes businesses, chambers of commerce, community organizations (including non-profits, faith-based organizations, etc.), concerned citizens, educational organizations, elected officials, environmental organizations, government entities and organizations, media, organizations serving the disabled, organizations serving senior citizens, transportation related organizations, and tribal organizations. This list is continually maintained and updated regularly and can be found in the Consultation Chapter of this document. To be added to this list, please send a request along with your name, address, phone, and email to the contact listed below.
Contact:
Joel Fitzpatrick, Transportation Program Director
Phone: (231) 722-7878 ext. 160
Mail:
West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission
316 Morris Avenue, Suite 340
Muskegon, MI 49440
Transportation Related Documents
The Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
WMSRDC also maintains and abides by a Title VI Plan. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the overarching civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program, service or activity that receives federal assistance. The Title VI Plan spells out the policies, assurances, procedures, and structure for oversight and compliance with Title VI. To view this document please click the link below.
On August 11, 2000, President William J. Clinton signed Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Service for Persons with Limited English Proficiency to clarify Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Its purpose was to ensure accessibility to programs and services to otherwise eligible persons who are not proficient in the English language.
This executive order stated that individuals who do not speak English well and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English are entitled to language assistance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to a particular type of service, benefit, or encounter. These individuals are referred to as being limited in their ability to speak, read, write, or understand English, hence the designation, “LEP,” or Limited English Proficient.
WMSRDC also maintains a LEP plan which documents how WMSRDC will accommodate LEP individuals. To view this document please click the link below.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan