The plans and studies listed below were developed in accordance with federal orders and guidance in effect at the respective times. Guidance on transportation planning is still evolving and subject to change. As WestCOG updates these documents, these plans will be revised in accordance with current guidance and executive orders.
Public Involvement
WestCOG maintains a number of resources to facilitate public engagement which are listed and detailed below.
Public Involvement Plan
Pursuant to Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 450.316, federal transportation planning rules require that WestCOG, SWRMPO and HVMPO maintain the Public Involvement Plan (PIP) as detailed below. The policy objectives for the PIP are to:
- Educate and inform the public about transportation planning, projects, and issues within their communities and the Region.
- Involve the public in the transportation planning process.
- Ensure that information is easily accessible to all interested parties in the community.
- Improve the decision-making process to include the interest/needs of stakeholders through informed consent.
- Continue to evaluate and improve public participation strategies.
A requirement for receipt of federal transportation planning and project funds in urban areas is the continuing operation therein of a regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The purpose of the document is to provide public involvement policies for the two MPOs within the boundary of the Western CT Council of Governments (WestCOG). As WestCOG administers funds for the two MPOs and serves as their host agency, that Council itself is subject to compliance procedures. MPOs have formal roles in the federal transportation planning process along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal law (Code of Federal Regulations 23 United States Code §134 – Metropolitan Transportation Planning) defines the structure of MPOs nationwide.
Title VI Compliance Plan
WestCOG has developed this Title VI Compliance Plan to ensure adherence to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. As the host agency for both MPOs, WestCOG assumes responsibility for implementing and monitoring Title VI compliance across its 18-town region.
The Plan outlines complaint procedures, administrative responsibilities, and monitoring protocols. A designated Title VI Coordinator oversees compliance, reviews, and reporting. Complaint processes are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with forms and notices posted online and in the WestCOG office.
For more information about WestCOG’s obligations under Title VI, or if you have a complaint, contact Victoria Ricks at 475-323-2056 or vricks@westcog.org
Title VI Compliance Plan
Discrimination Complaint Form
Title VI Notice
ESPAÑOL:
Formulario de queja
Aviso del Título VI
PORTUGUÊS:
Formulário de reclamação
Título VI aviso
Language Assistance Policy
WestCOG has developed a Language Assistance Policy to ensure meaningful access to transportation planning programs for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Using a four-factor analysis, WestCOG assessed the size, frequency of contact, importance of services, and resources available to serve LEP populations across its two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (SWRMPO and HVMPO). Findings indicate a need for Spanish-language services in both MPOs and Portuguese in HVMPO, with additional localized needs in Polish, Chinese, French/Haitian Creole, and other Asian languages. The Policy details the language assistance strategies that will be used throughout the planning process.
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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
WestCOG complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding FOIA requests (such as CT’s Policy on FOIA, Chapter 14 Sec. 1-210). FOIA requests can be emailed to Cricket Carpenter at ccarpenter@westcog.org