A Limited English Proficiency Plan has been prepared to address the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) responsibilities as a recipient of federal financial assistance as they relate to the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency language skills. The plan has been prepared in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC 2000d, et seq., and its implementing regulations, which state that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
The Waco MPO has developed this plan to help identify reasonable steps for providing language assistance to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) who wish to participate within the transportation planning process. As defined within Executive Order 13166, LEP persons are those who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English. This plan outlines how to identify a person who may need language assistance, the ways in which assistance may be provided, staff training that may be required and how to notify LEP persons that assistance is available.
The Waco MPO Public Participation Plan (PPP) describes the efforts the MPO will undertake to solicit stakeholder and other interested party's involvement in the development of the MPO's plans and programs. In addition, the PPP also describes the opportunities the public will have to participate in the transportation planning process.
Fort Worth to Laredo High Speed Transportation Study
A study is currently underway to examine the potential for high-speed transportation options to connect Fort Worth, Waco, Killeen / Temple, Austin, San Antonio, and Laredo presented to the Waco MPO on November 21, 2019:
Waco Area Rapid Transit Corridor Feasibility Study
Waco Transit System and the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) conducted the Waco Area Rapid Transit Corridor Feasibility Study to investigate, analyze, and determine the feasibility of developing a rapid transit corridor for citizens of Waco and surrounding communities. The purpose for implementing a rapid transit corridor is to offer residents enhanced mobility and to provide improved access to jobs, social services, and educational facilities. This study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on April 19, 2018 and the Waco City Council on May 1, 2018.
McLennan County Transit Need Study
As the Urban and Rural areas of McLennan County continue to change so do the transportation needs of its residents. To evaluate the needs of McLennan County residents and those who travel through the County, the Waco MPO in partnership with Waco Transit conducted a Human Services Public Transportation Needs Study. The purpose of the study is to ensure the provision of public transportation services is meeting the needs of the County to fullest extent possible, especially for individuals with limited transportation options due to disabilities, age or income status. The study will help the Waco MPO and Waco Transit take the necessary steps to plan for the current and future public transportation needs of the County and the Region. The Transit Need Study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on June 21, 2018.
US Business 77 Corridor Study
The US Business 77 Corridor Study covers the state highway facility known as US Business 77 within McLennan County, Texas. The extent of this study covers this facility between the Brazos River and the Interstate Highway 35 interchange at mile marker 342, just south of the Village of Elm Mott. Portions of this facility are also known as LaSalle Avenue, South Loop Drive, North Loop Drive, Dallas Highway and Lacy Drive. The MPO studied whether the US Business 77 roadway facility can be reconstructed such that the number of lanes and structures along the corridor can be reduced, thereby reducing the long-term maintenance costs of this facility. In addition, the MPO considered design alternatives that may serve as a catalyst for economic redevelopment of the neighborhoods along the corridor. This study was adopted by the MPO Policy Board on November 3, 2016.
Waco Downtown Transportation Study
This study presents a high level overview of strategies to strengthen pedestrian connections, improve wayfinding, improve roadways and intersections, and enhance access/egress to and around downtown. The study addresses access and circulation demands, one-way versus two-way circulation, Baylor University potential growth, integration of multimodal options, pedestrian connectivity, and complete streets development. This plan supports desired economic and livability visions for Greater Downtown Waco and is an important step in better connecting people to the places they want to go in the City of Waco. The study was completed in February 2014.
Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is a Federal law passed by Congress that prohibits recipients of Federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in their programs or activities. The term “Title VI” refers to Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and to all subsequent federal nondiscrimination laws, regulations, and executive orders.
Because the Waco MPO was created to facilitate the federal planning process in urbanized area of McLennan County and receives federal funds to do so, all federally funded plans, programs, and activities conducted by the MPO must comply with Title VI.
Waco MPO Title VI Notice to the Public
The Waco MPO is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the operation of its programs and services without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Organización de Planificación Metropolitana de Waco Título VI Aviso al Público
La Organización de Planificación Metropolitana de Waco está comprometida a una póliza de no discriminación en el funcionamiento de sus programas y servicios sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color, el origen nacional, el sexo, la edad, o la discapacidad.
How to File a Title VI Complaint
Any person who believes they have been subjected to any type of discrimination prohibited under Title VI may file a complaint in accordance with the Waco MPO Title VI External Discrimination Complaint Process. Further details are provided in the Waco MPO Title VI External Discrimination Complaint Process guidance document and in the Waco MPO’s LEP documents. If you have suggestions, questions, or comments regarding Title VI complaints, please contact the Waco MPO at (254) 750-5651 or mpo@wacotx.gov.
How do you file a complaint of discrimination?
Anyone who believes they have been excluded from participation in the transportation planning process, denied benefits of any services provided by the MPO, or otherwise discriminated against because of their race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, may file a Title VI complaint.
To file a complaint of discrimination, complainants should complete the Waco MPO’s Title VI Complaint Form. Complaints must be filed in writing within 180 days from the last date of the alleged discrimination. Reasonable efforts will be made to assist persons with disabilities, non-English speakers, and others unable to file a written complaint.
For assistance in filing a complaint, contact the MPO’s Agency’s Title VI Coordinator at (254) 750-5651.
What happens after a complaint if filed?
Upon receipt of a Title VI related complaint, the Title VI Coordinator will notify TxDOT’s Waco District Public Transportation Coordinator within 10 working days and assign an internal investigator. Title VI complaints must be investigated within sixty days. Investigating a complaint includes interviewing all parties involved and key witnesses. The Title VI Coordinator will assign an investigator. The investigator may request relevant information such as books, records, electronic information, and other sources of information from all involved parties. You may specify if there is a particular individual or individuals that you feel should not investigate your complaint due to conflict of interest or other reasons.
After the investigator reviews the complaint, she or he will issue one of two letters to the complainant: a closure letter or a letter of finding (LOF). A closure letter summarizes the allegations and states there was not a Title VI violation and the case will be closed. An LOF summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, and explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training of staff members or other actions will occur. If warranted, the MPO will make any appropriate changes to policy or procedures. Title VI complaints may also be filed directly with TxDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), and the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ).
Cómo presentar una queja de Título VI
Cualquier persona que crea que ha sido objeto de cualquier tipo de discriminación prohibida en virtud del Título VI puede presentar una queja de acuerdo con el Proceso de quejas de discriminación externa del Título VI de Waco MPO. Se proporcionan más detalles en el documento de orientación del Proceso de Quejas de Discriminación Externa del Título VI de Waco MPO y en los documentos LEP de Waco MPO. Si tiene sugerencias, preguntas o comentarios sobre las quejas del Título VI, comuníquese con el MPO de Waco al (254) 750-5651 o mpo@wacotx.gov.
¿Cómo presentar una queja de discriminación?
Cualquier persona que crea que ha sido excluida de participar en el proceso de planificación de transporte, ha negado los beneficios de cualquier servicio proporcionado por la MPO, o ha sido discriminada por su raza, color, origen nacional, género, edad o discapacidad VI queja.
Para presentar una queja de discriminación, los reclamantes deben llenar el Formulario de Queja de Título VI de Waco MPO(PDF, 192KB) . El Formulario de Queja de Título VI está disponible en las oficinas de Waco MPO y en el sitio web de MPO. Las quejas deben presentarse por escrito dentro de los 180 días de la última fecha de la supuesta discriminación. Se harán esfuerzos razonables para ayudar a las personas con discapacidades, quienes no hablan inglés y otros que no pueden presentar una queja por escrito.
Para asistencia en la presentación de una queja, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título VI de la Agencia del MPO al (254) 750-5651.
¿Qué ocurre después de presentar una queja?
Al recibir una queja relacionada con el Título VI, el Coordinador del Título VI notificará al Coordinador de Transporte Público del Distrito de Waco de TxDOT dentro de 10 días laborables y asignará un investigador interno. Las denuncias del Título VI deben ser investigadas dentro de sesenta días. Investigar una queja incluye entrevistar a todas las partes implicadas ya testigos clave. El Coordinador del Título VI asignará a un investigador. El investigador puede solicitar información relevante, como libros, registros, información electrónica y otras fuentes de información de todas las partes involucradas. Usted puede especificar si hay un individuo en particular o individuos que usted cree que no debe investigar su queja debido a un conflicto de intereses u otras razones.
Después de que el investigador revise la queja, él o ella emitirá una de dos cartas al demandante: una carta de cierre o una carta de hallazgo (LOF). Una carta de cierre resume las alegaciones y afirma que no hubo una violación del Título VI y el caso será cerrado. Un LOF resume las alegaciones y las entrevistas sobre el supuesto incidente, y explica si se llevará a cabo alguna acción disciplinaria, capacitación adicional de miembros del personal u otras acciones. Si se justifica, la MPO realizará los cambios apropiados en la política o los procedimientos. Las denuncias del Título VI también pueden ser presentadas directamente a directamente el Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDOT), la Administración Federal de Carreteras (FHWA), la Administración Federal de Tránsito (FTA), el Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos (USDOT), y el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos (USDOJ).
The Waco MPO planning process is also informed by several work groups. The work groups provide ongoing, informal stakeholder input into the transportation planning process, but do not make formal statements or recommendations. Work groups help track and evaluate progress on long-term planning efforts; provide in-depth discussion and analysis for specific areas of practice; and provide continuous engagement for regular planning efforts such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Active Transportation Plan, and other studies. Results of the work groups are presented to the Technical Committee and Policy Board for review and consideration.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Work Group
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Work Group includes MPO staff; city staff representing public works, planning, public health, and parks and recreation interests; and representatives of pedestrian and bicycle advocacy groups.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Work Group meets each February, May, August and November on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Citizen's Participation Work Group
The purpose of the Citizen's Participation Work Group is to consider demographic changes in McLennan County, its effect on participatory planning and environmental justice, and make recommendations on how to enhance participation in the development of the MPO's future long range transportation plans, referred to as Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MTP).
Next Scheduled Meeting: TBD
Meeting Location: TBD
Connected & Automated Vehicles Work Group
The purpose of the Connected & Automated Vehicles (CAV) Work Group is to consider the potential impacts of connected and automated vehicles on transportation planning. The CAV Work Group is exploring questions such as: How do connected and automated vehicles affect travel behavior? How does travel behavior affects land use & development patterns? How do land use and development patterns affect congestion, mode share, parking demand, etc? The results of the CAV Work Group will help to inform and guide development of the Waco Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).
The CAV Work Group meets each January, April, July and October on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Mobility, Land Use & Transportation Work Group
The purpose of the Mobility, Land Use and Transportation Work Group is to consider land use-transportation connections, its effect on mobility needs of the population, and make recommendations on how to accommodate the future mobility needs of the Waco region in the MPO's long range transportation plan, referred to as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).
Next Scheduled Meeting: TBD
Meeting Location: TBD
The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (Waco MPO) serves as the federally designated MPO for the urbanized area of McLennan County in Central Texas. This designation means the Waco MPO is responsible for coordinating transportation planning activities in the county and for providing a forum for local input into how federal highway and transit dollars are spent. It also means the Waco MPO is responsible for ensuring any impacts that transportation related decisions may have on “disadvantaged populations” are addressed through an inclusive and nondiscriminatory planning process.
The Waco MPO reaches out and encourages the involvement of everyone in McLennan County, including protected populations, to ensure their participation in the transportation planning and decision-making process. The Waco MPO Public Participation Plan(PDF, 3MB) specifies these efforts and information regarding the MPO's Title VI obligations can be found in the Title VI Program and Implementation Plan(PDF, 15MB).
“Environmental Justice” refers to an executive order to ensure that federally funded programs, policies or activities, including those related to transportation, having the potential to adversely or negatively affect human health or the environment explicitly consider the effects on minority populations and low-income populations (Executive Order 12898). “Environmental Justice” is advocated based on Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The Waco MPO is committed to ensuring the transportation needs of all people in McLennan County are met and that no one population group must endure a disproportional share of the burdens in meeting those needs. The MPO periodically performs an analysis of its plans and programs in order to assess the mobility of traditionally underrepresented groups and to provide an assessment of the impacts of proposed projects upon these groups. The analysis may be found in section 4.3 of the Waco MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan.