Title VI Investigation: Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
Announcement of Investigation
We are pleased to announce that the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Civil Rights has accepted for investigation our complaint of discrimination alleging violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and its implementing regulations, including Title VI regulations administered by the United States Department of Transportation (49 C.F.R. Part 21) and the Federal Highway Administration (23 C.F.R. Part 200).
The FHWA has determined that the investigation will focus on the following allegation:
Whether the Brent Spence Corridor Project violates Title VI by discriminating against residents based on race, color, or national origin within and adjacent to the project area.
History of the Complaint
January 25, 2023 Our coalition submitted a letter to the FHWA expressing concerns that issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Brent Spence Corridor Project would violate the National Environmental Policy Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and other civil rights and environmental justice requirements.
February 6, 2023 The FHWA Office of Civil Rights acknowledged receipt of our complaint and assigned it the case number 2023-0134.
May 29, 2024 The FHWA Office of Civil Rights officially accepted our complaint for investigation. The complaint has been assigned to Joseph Carroll, FHWA Title VI Program Analyst – Office of Civil Rights, for investigation.
Present The investigation is ongoing. The FHWA is actively reviewing documentation associated with the project's Supplemental Environmental Assessment and recently-issued FONSI. A follow-up call with complainants and a site visit to Cincinnati are being planned.
Why This Matters
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is a major infrastructure initiative that will have long-lasting impacts on our community. It's crucial that this project addresses historical inequities and environmental justice concerns, particularly given the discriminatory history of highway construction in urban areas.
This investigation is an opportunity to ensure that the project complies with civil rights laws and does not disproportionately burden minority communities. It aligns with the federal government's renewed commitment to enforcing Title VI across agencies, as recently reaffirmed by the Department of Transportation and other federal departments.
Get Involved
If you are a resident of the impacted area and would like to share your experiences or concerns with the Title VI investigators, please fill out our Community Speaker Information Form. Your voice is crucial in this process.
Important Notice: The FHWA has advised that no one may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or engage in other discriminatory conduct against anyone because he or she has either taken action or participated in an action to secure rights protected by the civil rights requirements that they enforce. Any individual alleging such harassment or intimidation may file a complaint with the FHWA.
For more information about the investigative process, your rights, or to get involved with our coalition, please contact us at hello@sustainablecincy.org.
You can also contact the lead investigator, Joseph Carroll, at Joseph.Carroll@dot.gov for questions about the investigation.
