Department of Justice Closes Agreement with City of Cedar Rapids

Department of Justice Closes Agreement with City of Cedar Rapids

The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division recently informed the City of Cedar Rapids of their intent to close the file on their Project Civic Access (PCA) agreement with the City, effective immediately. Project Civic Access is a wide-ranging, proactive initiative designed to ensure that cities and counties throughout the country comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by eliminating physical and communication barriers.

The letter, sent by Felicia Sadler with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, states “The Department has monitored the City’s compliance with the PCA Settlement Agreement since it became effective on September 1, 2015. Since that date, Cedar Rapids has submitted documentation, photographs, reports and other evidence to demonstrate the City’s progress. Relying upon the evidence submitted by the City, the Department is closing its files on the agreement with the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.”

“The DOJ felt we have submitted sufficient evidence to demonstrate our ability to complete the necessary work and continue to be in compliance without their direct oversight,” said Sandi Fowler, Deputy City Manager.   “We believe this action is unusual, and is a testament to the exemplary work of City staff to create thorough processes and documentation in order to gain the confidence of the Department of Justice in the programs we are implementing.” 

All of the work identified in the program will continue, and will be completed and documented as required.  The City is on-track to complete the identified work in the next few years, along with standard on-going compliance requirements.