Social and Economic
MaineDOT considers the impacts a proposed project may have on minority and low-income populations. MaineDOT complies with the existing Executive Orders (EO), Environmental Justice requirements, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Transportation decision-making involves properly addressing the needs of different socio-economic groups. A process which involves diverse populations in the development of a project may result in greater equity.
The following guidance assists in compliance with these statutes and EO, and also ensures the proper level of engagement with these populations is conducted.
Guidance on complying with the Farmland Protection Act and American Indian Religious Freedom Act Guidance is provided under this section.
American Indian Religious Freedom Act Guidance
American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996)The American Indian Religious Freedom Act protects the rights of Native Americans to exercise their traditional religions by ensuring access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional sites. Because such sites may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register, any effects that may occur, as a result of providing access to them, may trigger Section 106 review under the National Historic Preservation Act. This law applies to traditional cultural sites located on federal Land.
MaineDOT complies with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act through coordination with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission Archaeological staff, tribes and Section 106.
Environmental Justice Guidance
Environmental Justice Guidance (PDF)
Executive Order 12898 requires all federal agencies to ensure that environmental justice consideration is part of their missions by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations in the United States and its territories and possessions.
Farmland Protection Guidance
Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C. 4201-4209)
Farmland Protection Guidance(PDF)
The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires the consideration of adverse effects of all federally funded transportation projects on farmland preservation and to consider alternative actions that could lessen those impacts.
