BRTB (Baltimore Regional Transportation Board) Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laura Van Wert, 410-732-9564  

Draft of Public Participation Plan
Open for Feedback 
BALTIMORE, MD (July 7, 2014) - The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) will accept comments on a draft of the Public Participation Plan through Friday, August 15. Please view the draft by visiting www.baltometro.org.

The draft of the Public Participation Plan is scheduled for a vote before the BRTB on Tuesday, September 23.

The Public Participation Plan serves as a guide for residents in the Baltimore region to navigate the public process, while also outlining the policies and procedures to ensure that those coordinating the planning process engage the public. The mission of the Public Participation Plan is to provide an open process that offers reasonable access to information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and support for early and continued involvement of stakeholders.

The BRTB's Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) helped to develop the draft through its Public Involvement subcommittee.

The draft of the Public Participation Plan updates information detailed in a previous version based on Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), a federal law that authorizes transportation funding, to address such things as new technologies and a review of the most effective public involvement practices. It also includes several new policies:
  • A section on accepting comments via social media
  • Details about a tool to conduct outreach to traditionally underserved populations
  • A section on evaluation

The BRTB will hold three public meetings to share information, answer questions and accept public comments on:
  • Thursday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. - Online meeting. Space is limited, so please register.
  • Wednesday, July 30 at 1 p.m. - Online meeting. Space is limited, so please register.
  • Wednesday, August 6 at 4 p.m. - In conjunction with the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Public Involvement subcommittee meeting at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, located at the Offices @ McHenry Row, 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230.

In addition, comments are welcome at the BRTB meetings on July 22, August 26 or September 23 at 9 a.m. at BMC.
To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments in writing to:

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
Offices @ McHenry Row
1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300Baltimore, MD 21230
Fax:  410-732-8248
Twitter: @BmoreInvolved or @BaltoMetroCo using #BRTBlistens

All mailed comments must be received no later than 3 days after the end of the comment period. For more information, please contact Monica B. Haines Benkhedda, public involvement coordinator at mhainesbenkhedda@baltometro.org, 410-732-0500 x1047.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Baltimore Region. The BRTB operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.

Working to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region.


The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is the federally-recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for transportation in the Baltimore region. The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) staff provides technical and staff support to the BRTB. BMC is the organization of the region's elected executives who are committed to identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs which will improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region.

 


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Laura Van Wert
Communications Officer     
410-732-9564
lvanwert@baltometro.org   

 

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