CRPC encourages active participation by the public and other interested parties in the development of all transportation plans and programs, particularly the major products. CRPC believes that the distribution of information regarding regional transportation planning and decision-making needs to be inclusive of as many in the public as can reasonably be reached and that interested parties and other federal, state, and local agencies are given a fair opportunity to participate in the planning process.

It is the policy of CRPC to take all public and stakeholder comments into account in the development and adoption of plans and programs. The processes outlined in this document form the basis for providing the opportunity for the general public and key stakeholders to participate in the transportation planning process. This Public Participation Plan (PPP) has been developed to meet federal requirements outlined by SAFETEA - LU, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Environmental Justice, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

To develop informational materials that support a cooperative planning process and explain CRPC plans and activities concisely and straightforwardly. To explain how transportation plans are affected by federal clean air mandates.

To increase awareness of and interest in transportation plans and the transportation planning process using innovative approaches. Notification in the official journal will occur at least 30 days prior to adoption or amendment actions by the Transportation Policy Committee to allow for public comment. CRPC will give timely public notice, provide complete information, provide reasonable public access to key decisions, and support early and continuing involvement of the public in the development of plans and TIPs. There will be opportunities for interested parties, including citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of transportation agency employees, users of the systems, and private providers of transportation, to be included in the early stages of the plan development/update process. The Capital Region Planning Commission, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Baton Rouge urbanized area, will include a statement in all public notices for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as follows:"This public notice of public participation activities and the thirty-day time period established for public review and comment on the TIP will satisfy the program-of-projects (POP) requirements of the Urbanized Area Formula Program. "The announcement will inform the public of the amount of funds available under section 5307 and the capital, operation, and planning projects proposed to be undertaken. Further, the public announcement that summarizes the POP will indicate where citizens can examine the proposed program and budget in detail and submit comments on the proposed program. In addition, the final program-of-projects will be made available to the public through publication in the official journal and distribution to public libraries and the CRPC office.

To provide frequent opportunities for interested parties from the private business community, public officials, neighborhood organizations, the physically challenged, and other groups impacted by transportation plans to participate in the development of CRPC transportation plans and to encourage public participation in transportation planning activities at every level.

The Capital Regional Planning Commission (CRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, executive orders, and regulations in all programs and activities. CRPC operates without regard to race, color, national origin, income, gender, age, and disability. Any person who believes him/herself or any specific class of persons, to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI may by him/herself or by representative file a written complaint with the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD). LaDOTD Title VI Program Manager may be reached via phone at 225-379-1361. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination. CRPC meetings are conducted in accessible locations and materials can be provided in accessible formats and in languages other than English. If you would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the Title VI Coordinator at CRPC at 225-383-5203 or info@crpcla.org. If you wish to attend a CRPC function and require special accommodations, please give CRPC one week's notice. Any comments or suggestions? Fill out our form below to let us know!