City of Aiken Title VI Policy

It is the policy of the City of Aiken (the City) to assure affirmative compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and in accordance with all other related statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders. The City is a recipient and sub-recipients of federal financial assistance from various Federal agencies. As such, it must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, and authorities. A Title VI plan and assurances mandated by the Federal Highway Administration are hereby reaffirmed and extended to the City of Aiken. Examples of the application of this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

No person in the United States will on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which the City receives federal financial assistance from the U. S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other federal entities. In addition, the City will not retaliate against any person who complains of discrimination or who participates in an investigation of discrimination.

All Federally funded or Federally assisted programs will be administered in a manner to guarantee that the City, other recipients, sub-recipients, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, and other recipients, sub-recipients, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, successors in interest, and other participants in Federal financial assistance comply with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to, civil rights acts and City of Aiken regulations.

The City will not discriminate in its selection and retention of contractors, including without limitation, those whose services are retained for, or incidental to, construction, planning, research, professional services, highway safety, engineering, property management, fee contracts, and other formal commitments with the person for services and expenses incidental to the acquisition of right of way.

Discrimination will not be permitted against any eligible persons in making relocation payments and /or providing relocation assistance when required by highway right-of-way acquisitions.

Federal-aid contractors may not discriminate in their selection and retention of subcontractors who participate in Federal-aid construction, acquisition of right of way, and related projects, including those who supply materials and lease equipment.

The City will not discriminate against business users of Federally assisted highways and roadway users in their access to and use of the facilities and services provided for public accommodation (such as eating, sleeping, rest, recreation, and vehicle servicing) constructed on, over or under the right of way.

The City will not locate, or design a highway or roadway in a manner that will discriminate against any person based on his or her race, color, or national origin.

In the location, design, and construction of highway facilities, roadways, sidewalks, infrastructure, parks, and playground equipment, care will be exercised to insure reasonable access to and use thereof by all persons regardless of race, color, or national origin.

Title VI Complaint Procedures:

The Title VI Complaint Procedures apply to complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, relating to any program and/or activity administered by the City of Aiken or its sub-recipients, consultants, and/or contractors. Intimidation or retaliation of any kind is prohibited by law.

These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other State or Federal agencies or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. These procedures are part of an administrative process that does not provide for remedies that include punitive damages or compensatory remuneration for the complainant.

Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest possible level. The option of informal mediation meeting(s) between the affected parties and the investigator may be utilized for resolution, at any stage of the process. The City of Aiken will make every effort to pursue a resolution of the complaint. Initial interviews with the complainant and the respondent will include requests for information regarding specific relief and settlement options.