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Public Participation

The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) is committed to a continuous public involvement process that provides complete information, timely public notice, and full public access to MetroCOG and the Greater Bridgeport Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (GBVMPO) activities at all key stages in the decision making process. Public involvement ensures that transportation decisions consider public needs and preferences, and that the public has ample opportunity to participate in the transportation planning process.

By involving the public early and actively seeking out the involvement of communities most affected by particular decisions, plans or projects, we ensure that the concerns and issues of people with a stake in these decisions are identified and addressed. Early and ongoing public involvement also brings diverse viewpoints into the decision making process, which supports better-informed decisions and mutual understanding and trust between MetroCOG and the public we serve.

Info + Links

GBVMPO Title VI + LEP 2023 Update

GBVMPO Public Participation Plan 2023

Public Participation Plan 2018

Public Participation Plan at NVCOG

Title VI Policy

The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

As a recipient and sub-recipient of federal financial assistance, MetroCOG will ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and related statutes and regulations in all MetroCOG programs and activities.

Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or retaliation based on their race, color, or national origin may file a Title VI complaint. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act. Complaints may be filed directly to MetroCOG, CTDOT, FHWA or FTA. It is preferred that complaints are filed in writing and delivered, mailed or e-mailed in writing using the Title VI Complaint Form, which can be obtained online via www.ctmetro.org.

All complaints must be signed by the complainant or a representative, and should include the complainant’s name, address, and telephone number or other means by with the complainant can be contacted. Signed allegations of discrimination received by facsimile or e-mail will be acknowledged and processed. Complaints received by telephone will be put in writing and provided to the Complainant for confirmation, revision, and signature before processing. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments at (203) 366-5405. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public.

See Important Documents Below

Important Title VI Documents

English

Title VI Program & Limited English Proficiency Plan

Title VI Notice to the Public

Your Rights Under Title VI

Complaint Form

Portuguese

Informação de Titulo VI para o Público

Seus Direitos Segundo as Leis do Direito Civil de 1964 Titulo VI

Haitian Creole

Tit VI Notis Piblik

Dwa Ou Anba Tit VI Nan Lwa Dwa Sivil Nan Lane 1964

Spanish

Programa de Título VI y Plan de Dominio Limitado del Inglés

Título VI Aviso al Público

Sus Derechos Bajo el Título VI

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

MetroCOG is committed to conducting outreach to traditionally underserved individuals and communities, which include but are not limited to low income, minority, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons. As such, MetroCOG is committed to ensuring a transportation planning process that provides for “a proactive public involvement process that provides complete information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and supports early and continuing involvement of the public in developing plans and Transportation Improvement Programs.”

MetroCOG’s outreach efforts ensure residents who are not proficient in English can effectively participate in the transportation planning process. MetroCOG ensures that all significant language groups are identified and incorporated into the public participation plan. MetroCOG continues to conduct outreach to traditionally under-served individuals and communities, which include but are not limited to low income, minority and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons. MetroCOG and GBVMPO use appropriate methods to notify the public of its activities and of opportunities for public involvement. The determination of which methods to use must be done for each individual planning project or study.