JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES AGREEMENTS WITH THREE CITIES IMPROVING ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Justice Department today announced the signing of three agreements under its Project Civic Access, an initiative to bring localities into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specifically, the Department concluded agreements with the City of Gallup, New Mexico; the City of Suffolk, Virginia; and the City of Bend, Oregon.

“Project Civic Access brings hope and opportunity to Americans with disabilities,” said R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “Project Civic Access empowers persons with disabilities to participate fully in key aspects of American life. We commend these cities for taking steps to improve their ability to serve all their citizens.”

Project Civic Access was initiated to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in civic life. As part of the project, Justice Department investigators, attorneys, and architects survey state and local government facilities and programs across the country to identify modifications needed to comply with ADA requirements. The agreements address specific areas in each community where access can be improved.

Under the Gallup and Suffolk agreements, signed today, the cities will upgrade existing facilities and services to make them more accessible to people with disabilities. The agreements cover numerous public buildings including courts, libraries, museums, parks, and other public recreational areas. Under the Bend agreement, signed on September 15, 2004, the city will be making significant modifications to its city hall, including installing an elevator and remodeling the public toilets so that they are usable by people with disabilities.

The Department has now reached over 100 agreements under Project Civic Access with counties, cities, and towns across the nation. This includes 37 agreements concluded this year alone.

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