Limited English Proficiency Plan
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
Fargo-Moorhead Council of Governments (Metro COG) is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) responsible for ongoing, cooperative, comprehensive transportation planning and decision making in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Metro COG is obligated under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166 to develop and implement a plan to ensure accessibility to its programs and services for persons who are not proficient in the English language.
The Limited English Proficiency Plan outlines the policies and procedures Metro COG uses to address the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) that wish to access or participate in Metro COG’s programs and planning activities. The plan has been prepared in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq., and its implementing regulations, which state that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. This plan updates the previous one adopted in 2020.
Plan Summary
Metro COG seeks to ensure access to the regional transportation planning process, information published by Metro COG, and Metro COG’s programs to area residents who do not speak or read English proficiently. It is Metro COG’s policy to inform residents with LEP of the right to free language assistance and interpreter services at no cost to them. This plan outlines the procedures and practices Metro COG uses to provide meaningful access to its programs and activities for LEP populations within the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Planning Area.
The plan outlines the following elements:
- Meaningful Access: Four Factor Analysis
- LEP Assessment, which includes the results of the Four Factor Analysis
- LEP populations in the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Language Assistance
- Language Assistance Services Provided
- Translation of Documents
- Public Outreach
- Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Language Assistance program
- Staff Training
Metro COG will make a good faith effort to accomodate requests for translation services for meeting preceedings and related materials. Please contact the Metro COG Office Manager at 501.532.5100 at least five days in advance of the meeting if any special accomodations are required for any member of the public to be able to participate in a meeting.
It is Metro COG's policy to inform residents with LEP of the right to free language assistance and interpreter services at no cost to them.
