Environmental justice identification & proposed outreach report, Statewide Transportation Improvement Program [Oct. 2011]

Metadata
Text

Collection:: Georgia Government Publications
Serial:: Environmental justice identification & proposed outreach report, Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
Title:: Environmental justice identification & proposed outreach report, Statewide Transportation Improvement Program [Oct. 2011]
Creator:: Georgia. Department of Transportation. Office of Planning
Contributor to Resource:: Georgia. Department of Transportation. Office of Planning
Publisher:: Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Department of Transportation. Office of Planning
Date of Original:: 2011-10
Subject:: Georgia
Location:: United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
Medium:: publications (documents)
Type:: Text
Format:: application/pdf
Description:: Description based on: FY 2012/2015, published in 2011 (harvested from www.dot.ga.gov); title from PDF title page (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed June 30, 2017).
Latest issue consulted: FY 2012/2015, published in 2011 (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed June 30, 2017).
External Identifiers:: Call Number GA T700.P6 S1 E5 2012-2015
Metadata URL:: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bt700-pp6-bs1-be5-b2012-h2015-belec-p-btext
Digital Object URL:: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bt700-pp6-bs1-be5-b2012-h2015-belec-p-btext
Language:: eng
Holding Institution:: University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library
Rights:

Environmental Justice Identification & Proposed
Outreach Report
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program FY 2012-2015
October 2011

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Contents
I. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 II. Purpose............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 III. Environmental Justice Education and Public Outreach ................................................................................... 6 IV. Methodology..............................................................................................................................................................................18 V. STIP State Area Maps ...........................................................................................................................................................21 VI. STIP District Area Maps ......................................................................................................................................................24 VI. STIP District Area Maps ......................................................................................................................................................25 A. District 1.......................................................................................................................................................................................27 B. District 2.......................................................................................................................................................................................34 C. District 3.......................................................................................................................................................................................41 D. District 4.......................................................................................................................................................................................48 E. District 5.......................................................................................................................................................................................54 F. District 6.......................................................................................................................................................................................60 VII. Focus and Findings ...............................................................................................................................................................66 VIII. Sources of Information.......................................................................................................................................................71
2

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

I. Introduction

In 2005, the President signed into law the Safe,

Community groups now understand the importance of
transportation policies and the impact these policies have on the
economy and the society as a whole.

Accountable, Flexible, Efficiency Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). SAFETEA-LU guaranteed funding for highways, highway safety, and public transportation. Two bills that preceded SAFETEA-LU were the Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the 1998 Transportation

Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). (ISTEA required that each state develop a State

Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and submit it to the Federal Highway

Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for approval).

The STIP identifies federally funded transportation projects such as highway, maintenance, bicycle, and pedestrian projects. It is financially constrained (the dollar value of projects programmed is equal to the anticipated revenues per program year), and includes projects consistent with the Statewide Transportation Plan. The Georgia STIP includes transportation projects for rural areas that were developed in the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT's) ongoing planning process. All transportation projects included in the STIP emphasize the maintenance, safety, and improvement of existing transportation facilities and public transportation systems that support the GDOT's mission to "provide a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to its citizens and the environment."

Per federal law, STIP's must involve early and continuous public involvement. Every effort must be made to conduct activities in a non-discriminatory manner. In 1964, Title VI was enacted as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. In 1969, Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires the Federal Government, in cooperation with state and local government

3

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
and other concerned public and private organizations, to use all practicable means and measures to create and maintain conditions where man and nature can co-exist. In 1994, President Clinton signed the Environmental Justice (EJ) Executive Order 12898. Compared to the civil rights act, both actions address non-discrimination, identify minority populations, and seek meaningful involvement of impacted citizens. However, the EJ Executive Order covers both minority and low-income in its protective class, whereas the civil rights act covers only minorities.
There are several federal regulations, statues, policies, and technical advisories requiring Federal agencies to conduct community impact assessments to determine the impact of governmental decisions on a community and its quality of life. As stated in the guidebook entitled the Community Impact Assessment A Quick Reference for Transportation (1996), developed by several State and local transportation professionals in consultation with the FHWA,
"... community impact assessments are a process to evaluate the effects of a transportation action on a community and its quality of life. These assessments ensure that transportation projects achieve environmental justice and that they do not discriminate. They should include items of importance to people, such as mobility, safety, employment effects, relocation, isolation, and other community services."
Public involvement must be an integral part of conducting community impact assessments. With this in mind, the FHWA has built a framework of policies and procedures to help achieve its social, economic, and environmental goals while accomplishing its transportation mission. Since 1970, the Federal-Aid Highway Program has required full consideration of possible adverse social, economic, and environmental effects during project planning, development, and decision-making.
This report details the efforts made to identify EJ populations within the STIP area and the strategies used to target these populations through the public involvement process.
4

II. Purpose

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

This document has been prepared to assist in the development of the STIP for the rural counties located in the state of Georgia. The STIP is a list of all projects in Georgia for which Federal funding is proposed to be used and includes highways, public transit, and multimodal projects. Information contained in this report will be used to identify both where Environmental Justice (EJ) Populations exist in the study area and strategies for ensuring that public involvement is inclusive of EJ populations (minorities, Hispanics, elderly, low-income). More specifically, this document includes the following: (1) methodology used to determine the EJ threshold for minorities, Hispanic, low-income, and elderly; (2) identification of EJ communities that are above the EJ threshold; (3) information on public outreach strategies and best practices; and (4) identification of local EJ organizations and resources for major EJ news and information.

Low-income and under-represented communities, often called EJ communities, must be identified and encouraged to participate in discussions on transportation projects that have the potential to impact their lives. The involvement of affected communities must begin early in the process. Transportation staff must be able to effectively communicate with all stakeholders, including rural local government and EJ communities. There are techniques available through the USDOT (FHWA/FTA) that provide useful information helpful in the development of public involvement processes; however, these are only guidelines and must be modified to include state and local strategies.

5

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
III. Environmental Justice Education and Public Outreach
A. Public Outreach and Involvement
Public outreach and involvement is extremely important if states are to effectively integrate environmental justice concerns into transportation decision-making. Outreach has always been a major part of State DOT project implementation plans. The difference is that EJ now requires every state to develop public outreach strategies to ensure that there is meaningful involvement of minority and low-income populations in transportation decision making. During the planning stage and prior to the project development stage, efforts must be made to identify EJ populations. EJ populations can be identified using the following main sources: (1) U.S. Census Bureau Data and (2) data collected from local government planning departments and DOT transportation staff. Section IV below discusses the methodology for identifying the EJ populations for the GDOT rural counties.
Public Involvement Techniques published by USDOT and other federal agencies are readily available online or through government printing offices. The FHWA and FTA published a guidebook entitled Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision-making (1996). However, as previously stated, this is only a guidebook. There is no one program that fits every situation. In most instances, an outreach strategy must be developed for each project based upon the specifics of the study area. As stated in GDOT's 2007-2009 Environmental Justice Outreach Report, developed by Sycamore, Inc., the STIP public involvement process includes an environmental justice program that is designed to build and sustain meaningful participation of EJ populations in the rural districts. Specifically, the technical approach of this program includes:
Coordination of meeting notices with grass-roots organizations representing the interests of environmental justice populations, including neighborhood groups, religious institutions, and senior centers;
Distribution of study information via public libraries, schools superintendents, and social and community organizations as they express interest or are identified through the stakeholder process;
6

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Provision of translation services, as needed, to ensure suitable communication; and
Adherence to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for public information.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the GDOT and study area municipalities, if requested, have provided special assistance at the meetings for those persons who were disabled (those persons requiring special assistance, including translation services, must send written notification to the appropriate district contact at least five days prior to the Public Information Meeting). All notices and meeting announcements contain information concerning the process for requesting reasonable special accommodations, and included the name and contact information for the district contact person. Each area developed processes for getting information out to affected populations remembering that not everyone has access to email, Internet, or to the local newspaper. Innovative outreach techniques were developed to identify minority and lowincome populations, encouraged them to participate, and ensured that reasonable efforts were made to address their concerns and provide them with meaningful opportunities to comment on proposed transportation projects.
(1) Public Outreach Strategies
The public involvement process included: development of a stakeholder database coordination of media review of website content scheduling of public meetings development of meeting handouts opportunity for public comment collection and analysis of data development of annual Public Involvement Report
7

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Public outreach materials were placed in public locations frequently visited by the affected communities/EJ populations. These public locations included:
churches religious, social, and cultural organizations traditional and non-traditional educational institutions grocery, clothing, and thrift stores community-based organizations and recreational facilities government agencies community action agencies senior citizen groups clinics and healthcare facilities laundromats and other local businesses and trade organizations environmental and EJ organizations
Information was also placed in local newspapers, radio, and other media. Advertisements were placed in popular sections of the newspaper and were written in the language spoken by affected communities/EJ populations.
Public meetings were designed to provide information, ask for input, and create solutions. Some important issues considered when organizing the public meetings are:
Time and location of the meeting. It is important to make sure the meeting is convenient for all participants, being careful to consider the schedules of underrepresented populations minority, Hispanic, and low-income. Scheduling conflicts may require holding more than one meeting at various times.
Address language barrier. A translator should be present at the meeting to translate information presented by the presenter and comments from members of the audience, if appropriate.
Independent facilitator. When there are large groups, or when major conflicts are anticipated, consider using a neutral facilitator at community meetings, task force meetings, etc.
8

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Meeting location should be accessible. Host meetings at locations that are accessible by transit riders. Locations should also be handicap accessible. Meetings should be hosted in the community instead of at a government building.
Allow opportunity for shy participants to comment. Provide comment cards that participants can mail back. Comment cards must include contact person name, phone number, and mailing information.
(2) GDOT Public Outreach Strategy for Rural Counties
The STIP public involvement strategy included a range of techniques that meet the needs of each district and allow for flexibility if the needs of the target audiences, or proposed project, changes. Below is an outline of project deliverables for the subject area.
(a). Stakeholder Database. An essential component of the public involvement strategy was the development of a comprehensive stakeholder database of individuals, communities, businesses, faith-based organizations, environmental groups, and other interested parties as identified through the stakeholder involvement process or as interest is shown in the studies. The database was used to disseminate information about the study. The list, used to facilitate invitation of stakeholders to meetings, was built upon the existing GDOT Family of Partners database, lists from previous studies completed in the study area, and other sources. The database was updated throughout this STIP cycle as new stakeholders were defined.
(b). Media Coordination. Draft press releases were developed for finalization and approval by the GDOT Project Manager. A proactive approach to these efforts made accurate, up-to-date information available to the public and helped to minimize misconceptions or misinformation. Information was disseminated using press releases, paid radio advertisements, and GDOT web site announcements.
(c). Study Website Materials. Study website materials from each public information open house meeting, including meeting announcements, were made available to GDOT for
9

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
posting to the department`s website. The website address was displayed on all study public informational materials.
(d). Public Meetings. All facility logistics were coordinated through the GDOT District Planning & Programming Engineers. The number of meetings was determined based on consultation and coordination with each district. Districts were encouraged to dovetail meetings where one meeting location was able to serve the stakeholders in two adjacent districts. To ensure EJ populations were equitably served by the meetings, every attempt was made to ensure that meeting venues were ADA compliant, easily accessible by public transportation, and located near the areas identified through analysis as EJ communities. In addition, every attempt was made to secure meeting venues that were nonthreatening, and were welcoming and familiar locations. Schools, public places such as malls and welcome centers, religious institutions, and recreation centers were all viable options for meeting locations.
(e). Meeting Handouts & Materials. Meeting notifications were distributed to the study`s stakeholder database before each public meeting. The types of meeting materials that were developed included flyers, handouts, graphics, and maps that illustrated the location of STIP projects. These collateral materials and maps were essential to provide straightforward information to the public. Considering the existence of concentrations of Spanish-speaking citizens in certain districts, relevant materials were translated into Spanish on an as-needed basis to ensure successful outreach efforts to those populations. Additionally, flyers were prepared and mailed to different locations, to be posted throughout the STIP area, to advertise each public meeting. Potential locations included libraries, social and civic buildings, and other major activity centers.
(f). Public Comment & Collection. Meeting attendees had the opportunity to provide input on displays and information made available to them at each public meeting location. Comment forms were made available for completion on site or to be returned to GDOT via postal mail or fax. Comment forms also served as meeting evaluation surveys, as attendees were encouraged to provide feedback on the quality of each public involvement activity and the community outreach strategies employed.
10

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
(g). Annual Public Involvement Report. At the conclusion of the STIP cycle, a comprehensive report based on all public outreach was prepared. The report synthesized all process documentation completed throughout the preparation and implementation of the meetings. Though EJ population trends vary by district, these public outreach techniques were successfully used in each district throughout the STIP study area.
The public outreach techniques were further refined so that the EJ populations and their geographic concentrations dictated how the outreach techniques were targeted for each district. Customized outreach strategies for each GDOT district are outlined below in Tables 1 - 6. The methodology used to identify the EJ populations within each county is described in section IV of this document.

EJ Category Minority Hispanic
Low-Income
Elderly

Table 1: District 1 Geographic Areas
Elbert, Hart, Walton, Barrow Counties
Rabun, Lumpkin, Habersham, Banks, Jackson, Elbert and Barrow Counties
Lumpkin, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, Walton Counties
Union, Towns, Rabun, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, Madison, Jackson,
Barrow, Walton Counties

Outreach Targets Recreation Centers, Neighborhood Associations,
Churches Recreation Centers, Churches,
Latin American Associations Recreation Centers,
Neighborhood Associations, Churches
Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Civic Clubs, RV Interest Groups

11

EJ Category Minority Hispanic
Low-Income Elderly

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Table 2: District 2 Geographic Areas Newton, Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Lincoln, McDuffie, Warren, Hancock, Putnam, Jasper, Baldwin, Wilkinson, Washington, Jefferson, Burke, Screven, Jenkins, Emanuel, Johnson, Treutlen, Laurens, Bleckley, Dodge Counties
Newton, Morgan, Putnam, Baldwin, Greene, Wilkes, Columbia, Jenkins,
Emanuel Counties
Newton, Jasper, Putnam, Greene, Taliaferro, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Lincoln, McDuffie, Warren, Hancock, Baldwin,
Glascock, Wilkinson, Washington, Jefferson, Burke, Screven, Jenkins, Emanuel, Treutlen, Johnson, Laurens,
Bleckley, Dodge Counties Newton, Jasper, Morgan, Putnam, Greene, Taliaferro, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Lincoln, Columbia, McDuffie, Warren, Hancock, Baldwin, Glascock, Wilkinson, Washington, Jefferson, Burke, Screven, Jenkins, Emanuel, Johnson, Treutlen, Laurens, Bleckley, Dodge Counties

Outreach Targets
Recreation Centers, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban
League) Neighborhood Associations, Churches, Major
Activity Centers (Malls)
Recreation Centers, Churches, Latin American Associations, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban League), Major Activity Centers
(Malls)
Recreation Centers, Neighborhood Associations, Churches, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban League), Major
Activity Centers (Malls)
Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Civic Clubs, Social
Services

12

EJ Category Minority Hispanic
Low-Income Elderly

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Table 3: District 3

Geographic Areas

Outreach Targets

Troup, Meriwether, Spalding, Butts, Lamar, Monroe, Jones, Harris, Talbot, Upson, Taylor, Crawford, Twiggs, Peach,
Macon, Schley, Marion, Stewart, Webster, Sumter, Dooly, Pulaski
Counties

Recreation Centers, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban
League) Neighborhood Associations, Churches, Major
Activity Centers (Malls), University (Ft. Valley State)

Recreation Centers, Churches,

Latin American Associations,

Taylor, Peach, Pulaski, Dooly, Sumter, Social Services, Interest Groups

Macon, Webster, Marion, Troup Counties (NAACP, United Way, Urban

League), Major Activity Centers

(Malls)

Heard, Troup, Meriwether, Spalding, Lamar, Upson, Talbot, Crawford,
Twiggs, Taylor, Peach, Macon, Dooly, Pulaski, Sumter, Schley, Marion, Webster, Stewart Counties

Recreation Centers, Neighborhood Associations, Churches, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban League), Major
Activity Centers (Malls)

Troup, Meriwether, Spalding, Lamar, Butts, Jones, Upson, Talbot, Harris,
Taylor, Crawford, Peach, Macon, Pulaski, Twiggs, Dooly, Sumter,
Webster, Stewart Counties

Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Churches, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban League), Major Activity Centers
(Malls)

13

EJ Category Minority Hispanic
Low-Income Elderly

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Table 4: District 4

Geographic Areas

Outreach Targets

Quitman, Randolph, Terrell, Lee, Crisp,

Recreation Centers, Social

Turner, Wilcox, Clay Calhoun, Early,

Services, Interest Groups

Miller, Seminole, Decatur, Baker,

(NAACP, United Way, Urban

Mitchell, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Clinch,

League) Neighborhood

Lanier, Cook, Colquitt, Worth, Tift,

Associations, Churches,

Berrien, Atkinson, Coffee, Irwin, Ben Hill

Universities (Albany State,

Counties

Valdosta State)

Crisp, Wilcox, Calhoun, Seminole, Decatur, Baker, Mitchell, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Cook, Colquitt, Tift, Berrien, Atkinson, Coffee, Ben Hill,
Echols Counties

Recreation Centers, Churches, Latin American Associations, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban League), Major Activity Centers
(Malls)

Quitman, Randolph, Terrell, Lee, Crisp,

Turner, Wilcox, Clay Calhoun, Early,

Recreation Centers, Churches,

Miller, Seminole, Decatur, Baker,

Social Services, Interest Groups

Mitchell, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Clinch, (NAACP, United Way, Urban

Lanier, Cook, Colquitt, Worth, Tift,

League), Major Activity Centers

Berrien, Atkinson, Coffee, Irwin, Ben

(Malls)

Hill, Echols Counties

Quitman, Randolph, Terrell, Crisp,

Turner, Wilcox, Clay Calhoun, Early,

Recreation Centers, Senior

Miller, Seminole, Decatur, Baker,

Centers, Churches, Social

Mitchell, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Clinch, Services, Major Activity Centers

Cook, Colquitt, Worth, Tift, Berrien,

(Malls)

Coffee, Irwin, Ben Hill, Echols Counties

14

EJ Category Minority Hispanic
Low-Income Elderly

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Table 5: District 5 Geographic Areas
Telfair, Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Candler, Bulloch, Evans, Tattnall, Jeff
Davis, Appling, Long, Wayne, McIntosh, Camden, Charlton, Ware Counties
Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Candler, Bulloch, Evans, Tattnall, Jeff Davis, Appling, Long, Wayne, Bacon, Pierce, Ware, Wayne, Camden Counties
Telfair, Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Tattnall, Evans, Candler, Bulloch,
Effingham, Bryan, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Long, Wayne, McIntosh,
Camden, Brantley, Charlton, Ware, Pierce Counties
Telfair, Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Tattnall, Evans, Candler, Bulloch, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, McIntosh, Brantley, Ware, Pierce Counties

Outreach Targets Recreation Centers, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban
League) Neighborhood Associations, Churches, Major
Activity Centers (Malls) Recreation Centers, Churches, Latin American Associations, Social Services, Interest Groups
(NAACP, United Way, Urban League)
Recreation Centers, Churches, Social Services, Interest Groups
(NAACP, United Way, Urban League)
Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Churches, Social
Services

15

EJ Category Minority
Hispanic Low-Income
Elderly

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Table 6: District 6 Geographic Areas
Chattooga, Gordon, Polk, Carroll Counties
Chattooga, Murray, Gordon, Gilmer, Pickens, Bartow, Polk, Carroll Counties
Chattooga, Walker, Murray, Gilmer, Gordon, Bartow, Polk, Haralson, Carroll
Counties Dade, Walker, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Gordon, Bartow, Chattooga,
Polk, Haralson, Carroll, Counties

Outreach Targets Recreation Centers, Social Services, Interest Groups (NAACP, United Way, Urban
League) Neighborhood Associations, Churches, Major
Activity Centers (Malls) Recreation Centers, Churches, Latin American Associations, Social Services, Interest Groups
(NAACP, United Way, Urban League)
Recreation Centers, Churches, Social Services, Interest Groups
(NAACP, United Way, Urban League)
Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Churches, Social
Services

(3) Public Involvement Documentation and Program Evaluation
Comprehensive documentation and accurate interpretation and analysis of findings are essential to the successful implementation of the STIP public involvement process. Documenting all aspects of the public involvement process will help GDOT to maintain continuity in decision-making and to improve future STIP meetings. Information collected is also useful in developing a public involvement evaluation plan.
A public involvement evaluation plan is a key aspect of developing a public involvement strategy. Spurred by federal interest, regional planning organizations and other agencies have started evaluating all public involvement efforts in order to determine which techniques are most effective and under which circumstances they are not. Evaluation measures are also important in documenting the level of public involvement achieved. The

16

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
following table outlines the major tasks and key performance measures taken from the 2007-2009 Environmental Justice Outreach Report developed by Sycamore, Incorporated.

Table 7: Public Involvement Plan Evaluation

Technique

Performance Measures

Study Database/ Mailing List

Number of contacts; Number of mailings

Amount of media coverage; Accuracy of

Media Coordination

information delivered to citizens; Accessibility to media outlets for affected

parties

Number of website visitors; Number of

Study Website Content

comments received; Types of comments

received

Location of meeting venues with respect

to EJ populations; Location of meeting

Public Meetings

venues with respect to public

transportation (where applicable);

Number of attendees

Number of notifications/flyers

distributed; Timeliness of distribution;

Meeting Handouts & Other Materials

Notification/flyers are translated as

needed; Number of avenues used to

reach the public

Public Comment Collection & Analysis

Number of comments received; Types of comments received

17

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

IV. Methodology
This section describes the methodology employed in defining and identifying environmental justice populations in the GDOT STIP area. The rural STIP area consists of the 130 counties in Georgia that are the responsibility of the GDOT and not under the authority of the 29 counties included in the MPO areas.
Figure 1: Georgia Counties - STIP Rural Study Area

CATOOSA

DADE

WALKER

WHITFIELD MURRAY

CHATTOOGA

GORDON

FANNIN

UNION

TOWNS

RABUN

GILMER PICKENS

WHITE

LUMPKIN

HABERSHAM STEPHENS

DAWSON

FLOYD

BARTOW

CHEROKEE

FORSYTH

HALL

BANKS FRANKLIN

HART

JACKSON

MADISON

ELBERT

POLK

PAULDING

HARALSON

COBB

GWINNETT BARROW

FULTON DEKALB

WALTON

CLARKE

OCONEE

OGLETHORPE

WILKES

LINCOLN

DOUGLAS

ROCKDALE

CARROLL HEARD

COWETA

CLAYTON

FAYETTE

HENRY

SPALDING

NEWTON

MORGAN

GREENE TALIAFERRO

COLUMBIA MCDUFFIE

BUTTS

JASPER

PUTNAM

WARREN

HANCOCK

GLASCOCK

RICHMOND

TROUP

MERIWETHER

PIKE

LAMAR MONROE

JONES

BALDWIN

WASHINGTON

JEFFERSON

BURKE

UPSON

HARRIS

TALBOT

CRAWFORD

BIBB

WILKINSON TWIGGS

JOHNSON

JENKINS

SCREVEN

MUSCOGEE

TAYLOR

CHATTAHOOCHEE MARION SCHLEY

MACON

STEWART WEBSTER

SUMTER

QUITMAN

RANDOLPH TERRELL

LEE

PEACH HOUSTON

BLECKLEY

DOOLY

PULASKI

DODGE

CRISP

WILCOX

TURNER

BEN HILL

LAURENS

EMANUEL

TREUTLEN

CANDLER

BULLOCH

EFFINGHAM

MONTGOMERY

WHEELER

TOOMBS

EVANS TATTNALL

TELFAIR

BRYAN

JEFF DAVIS

APPLING

LONG

LIBERTY

CHATHAM

CLAY

CALHOUN

DOUGHERTY

WORTH

IRWIN TIFT

COFFEE

BACON

WAYNE

MCINTOSH

EARLY MILLER

BAKER MITCHELL

COLQUITT

BERRIEN COOK

ATKINSON

PIERCE BRANTLEY

GLYNN

LANIER

WARE

SEMINOLE DECATUR

GRADY

THOMAS

BROOKS LOWNDES

CLINCH ECHOLS

CHARLTON

CAMDEN

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

0

20

40

Miles

18

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Figure 1: Georgia Counties - STIP Rural Study Area is a map that displays the counties in Georgia and details the study area for this report. To better guide the environmental justice outreach program, an analysis of racial, ethnic, income, and age demographics for each STIP county was conducted. The populations analyzed were the Minority, Hispanic, low-income, and elderly communities in the rural STIP area. For the purpose of this analysis the Minority variable is defined as "All persons except non-Hispanic one-race-only Whites."

Upon selecting these variables for study, data for each of the 621 Census tracts in the 130 counties in the STIP study area were collected from the U.S. Census website (http://www.census.gov). Data from the 2000 Census was utilized during this STIP period because complete 2010 Census data was still not readily available for use. Relevant data from the 2000 Census included the following (collected at the tract level): total population, total minority population, total Hispanic population, total number of individuals below the poverty level, and total population age 65 and above. Each variable was then calculated as a percentage of the total population of each tract. Additionally, each variable was calculated as a percentage of the total population for each county and as a percentage of the total population for the entire rural STIP study area. Within the large rural area of the State of Georgia that was considered, an average percentage for each variable was calculated. This percentage was used as the threshold above which a Census tract level population was considered an "EJ population." Where a Census tract`s percentage on a variable met or exceeded the expected STIP-wide percentage, the Census tract was identified as an EJ community. In other words, these tracts had a largerthan-average percentage of minorities, Hispanics, low-income, or elderly residents. Throughout this report, the terms "EJ community" or "EJ population" refer to a group that is above the STIP-wide threshold. See Table 8 for the EJ thresholds based on STIP-wide population characteristics.

Table 8: Environmental Justice Thresholds

Low- Elderly

Minority Hispanic Income (65+)

STIP-Wide

Percentage

27.4%

3.0%

15.5% 11.8%

Source: 2000 U.S. Census

19

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Additionally, the STIP area census tracts with values higher than the calculated threshold were stratified in classes between I and IV (Class I being the values closest to the threshold and Class IV being the highest values). The Classes were calculated using the "equal number of features" classification algorithm. By using this method, each class was equally represented in the study area. See Table 9 for the class breaks for each class of each variable.

Variable
Minority
Hispanic Low-
income Elderly

Table 9: Environmental Justice Class Breaks

# of

Census

Class I

Class II

Class III

Tracts

284

27.4%-35.0% (73)

35.0%-44.0% (73)

44.0%-54.8% (71)

159

3.0%-3.9% (40)

3.9%-5.4% (40)

5.4%-8.8% (40)

301

15.5%-18.0% (76)

18.0%-21.1% (80)

21.1%-25.1% (76)

323

11.8%-13.0% (85)

13.0%-14.3% (84)

14.3%-16.2% (81)

Source: 2000 U.S. Census.

Class IV
54.8%-95.3% (74)
8.8%-30.2% (40)
25.1%-54.9% (77)
16.2%-28.5% (86)

20

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
V. STIP State Area Maps
The following section contains information on the variables (Minority, Hispanic, Lowincome, and Elderly) calculated for the study to generate both the State and District Maps. It also contains all State Maps. District Maps can be found in Section VI below.
Figure 2: STIP Area Minority EJ Population

CATOOSA

WALKER

WHITFIELD

FLOYD

CHEROKEE

FORSYTH

HALL

PAULDING

COBB

GWINNETT

DOUGLAS

FULTON DEKALB ROCKDALE

CLAYTON

COWETA

FAYETTE

HENRY

SPALDING

CLARKE OCONEE

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District

Minority

Class I 27.4% - 35.0%

Class II 35.0% - 44.0%

Class III 44.0% - 54.8%

Class IV54.8% - 95.3%

0

20

40

Miles

RICHMOND

MUSCOGEE CHATTAHOOCHEE

BIBB HOUSTON

DOUGHERTY LOWNDES

CHATHAM LIBERTY
GLYNN

21

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 3: STIP Area Hispanic EJ Population

CATOOSA WHITFIELD

FLOYD

CHEROKEE

FORSYTH

HALL

PAULDING

COBB

GWINNETT

DOUGLAS

FULTON DEKALB ROCKDALE

CLAYTON

FAYETTE COWETA

HENRY

CLARKE OCONEE

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District

Hispanic

Class I 3.0% - 3.9%

Class II 3.9% - 5.4%

Class III 5.4% - 8.8%

Class IV 8.8% - 30.2%

0

20

40

Miles

RICHMOND

MUSCOGEE CHATTAHOOCHEE

BIBB HOUSTON

DOUGHERTY LOWNDES

CHATHAM LIBERTY
GLYNN

22

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 4: STIP Area Low-Income EJ Population

CATOOSA WHITFIELD

FLOYD

CHEROKEE

FORSYTH

HALL

PAULDING

COBB

GWINNETT

DOUGLAS

FULTON DEKALB ROCKDALE

CLAYTON

FAYETTE COWETA

HENRY

CLARKE OCONEE

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District

Poverty

Class I 15.5% - 18.0%

Class II 18.0% - 21.1%

Class III 21.1% - 25.1%

Class IV 25.1% - 54.9%

0

20

40

Miles

RICHMOND

MUSCOGEE CHATTAHOOCHEE

BIBB HOUSTON

DOUGHERTY LOWNDES

CHATHAM LIBERTY
GLYNN

23

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 5: STIP Area Elderly EJ Population

CATOOSA

WALKER

WHITFIELD

FLOYD

CHEROKEE

FORSYTH

HALL

PAULDING

COBB

GWINNETT

DOUGLAS

FULTON DEKALB ROCKDALE

CLAYTON

COWETA

FAYETTE

HENRY

SPALDING

CLARKE OCONEE

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District

Elderly

Class I 11.8% - 13.0%

Class II 13.0% - 14.3%

Class III 14.3% - 16.2%

Class IV 16.2% - 28.5%

0

20

40

Miles

RICHMOND

MUSCOGEE CHATTAHOOCHEE

BIBB HOUSTON

DOUGHERTY LOWNDES

CHATHAM LIBERTY
GLYNN

24

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
VI. STIP District Area Maps
This section narrows the EJ analysis from the entire rural STIP area to the district level, providing two sets of information for each rural district. First, a summary of EJ populations based on Census data is provided for each district, including the location and intensity of the populations. Similar to the maps in the body of the report, the district maps draw two geographic distinctions. The first is whether or not an area is above or below the EJ threshold. As mentioned previously, in addition to merely determining the EJ status of a population, each was placed in one of four classes, denoted Class I, Class II, Class III, or Class IV. A Class I population is only slightly higher than the EJ threshold, while a Class IV population is much higher.
25

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 6: Georgia DOT Districts
26

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
A. District 1
District 1 is located in northeastern Georgia and consists of twenty-one counties. It begins directly northeast of the Atlanta metro area and stretches to the North Carolina and South Carolina borders. The STIP study area consists of sixteen counties, and thus does not include the five counties in District 1 that are under the authority of the MPOs. District 1 contains seventy-four census tracts of which nine (12.2%) are over the Minority EJ threshold, eighteen (24.3%) are over the Hispanic EJ threshold, thirteen (17.6%) are over the Low-Income EJ threshold, and forty-six (62.2%) are over the Elderly EJ threshold.
27

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 7: District 1

$

$ $ $
Fann$in GA$

$ $
HIAWASSEE $ YOUN$ G HARRIS
Towns GA
$
BLAIRSVILLE
Union GA

$

$

STIP Counties

$
Non-STIP Counties

$ DIL$ LARD

Census Tract

$MOUNTAIN CITY

District 1

Rabu$n GA

$ STIP Coun$ties:1

$

0

9

1$ 8 $

$

$

$ $

Mile$s

$

er GA
s$GA
$ $

$
$ HELEN

$

White GA HabershaCmLAGRAKESVILLE

$

$

Lumpkin GA

CLEVELAND $ DEMORESStTep$hens GA

$$

$
$
$

DA$ HLONEGA
$
Dawson GA $ DAWSONVILLE

$ C$ORNELIA
$
$ $

AVALON $ $ $

LAVO$ NIA

$
REED CREEK

Hall GA
$

$

Banks GA

$

$

HOMER

Frank$lin GA $
$

Hart G$A

$$

$

$

$

$

$ $

e GA
$
$
$ $$

Forsyth GA

$

$

$

$
$ $
$

$

$

$

$

$

BOWMAN

$ PENDERGRASS

$

Jac$kson GA

Madis$on GA

$ BRASELTON $

$
NICHOLSON

$

COMER

Elb$EeLrtBGEARTON

COLBER$T CARLTON

$

$

$

$
$ Barro$w GA

$

$

Gwinnet$t GA
$

$ $
$

$
Clark$e GA $

n GA $

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$

$

$

D$ e$Kalb

$
GA

$ $

$

$$

$

$
$
$

$

$
Walt

on$MGOANR$OE

$ $

$
O$conee GA $
$

$

Og$lethorpe GA

$

$

$

Wilkes GA

$ $

$
$ $
$ $
Linc

$
$
$
$
$
$
Clayton GA

Rockda$le GA

$

$

$

Ne$wton GA

$
Morgan GA $ $

$
$
Gree$ne GA

Taliaf erro $

GA$

1. Minority EJ Population

Figure 8 is a map of the Minority EJ Population located in District 1. In this district, only 12% of tracts have minority populations above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows that there are no Class IV tracts and three Class III tracts. The Class III tracts are located in the towns of Elberton (Elbert County) and Monroe (Walton County). There is one Class II tract also located in the town of Elberton (Elbert County). There are five Class I tracts. Two are located in the town of Hartwell (Hart County), one is located in the town of

28

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Winder (Barrow County), one is located in the town of Social Circle (Walton County), and one is located in the town of Elberton (Elbert County).
Figure 8: District 1 Minority EJ Population

Fannin GA

Union GA

Towns GA

Rabun GA

GA White GA Habersham GA

Lumpkin GA

Stephens GA

GA

Dawson GA

GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Banks GA

Franklin GA

Jackson GA

Madison GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 1

Minority

Class I 27.4% - 35.0%

Class II 35.0% - 44.0%

Class III 44.0% - 54.8%

Class IV 54.8% - 95.3%

0

9

18

Miles

Hart GA

Elbert GA

Gwinnett GA

GA

DeKalb GA

Barrow GA Walton GA

Clarke GA Oconee GA

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Li

layton GA

Rockdale GA Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA

Taliaferro GA

29

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
2. Hispanic EJ Population
Figure 9 is a map of the Hispanic EJ Population located in District 1.
Figure 9: District 1 Hispanic EJ Population

Fannin GA

Union GA

Towns GA

Rabun GA

GA White GA Habersham GA

Lumpkin GA

Stephens GA

GA

Dawson GA

GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Banks GA

Franklin GA

Jackson GA

Madison GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 1

Hispanic

Class I 3.0% - 3.9%

Class II 3.9% - 5.4%

Class III 5.4% - 8.8%

Class IV 8.8% - 30.2%

0

9

18

Miles

Hart GA

Elbert GA

Gwinnett GA

GA

DeKalb GA

Barrow GA Walton GA

Clarke GA Oconee GA

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Li

Rockdale GA

layton GA

Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA

Taliaferro GA

About 24% of the census tracts in the district are at or above the Hispanic EJ population

threshold. The analysis shows that there are two Class IV census tracts located in the

towns of Demorest and Clarksville (Habersham County). There are four Class III tracts.

One is located in the town of Demorest (Habersham County), and the others are located

in Lumpkin, Banks, and Rabun Counties. There are seven Class II census tracts. One is

30

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
located in Barrow County, two are in Elbert County, one is in Rabun County, two are in Jackson County, and one is Habersham County. There are five Class I tracts located in four counties: two are in Barrow County, and one each is in Banks, Habersham and Jackson counties.
3. Low-Income EJ Population
Figure 10 is a map of the Low-Income EJ Population located in District 1. Only 17.6% of the District 1 census tracts fall into the low-income EJ population category. There are no Class IV tracts and six Class III tracts in the district. Two Class III tracts are located in the town of Elberton (Elbert County), and one each in the towns of Dahlonega (Lumpkin County), Royston (Hart County), Monroe (Walton County), and Toccoa (Stephens County). Additionally, there are seven Class I tracts, two located in Franklin county, and one each in the counties of Walton, Elbert, Habersham, Hart, and Banks.
31

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 10: District 1 Low-Income EJ Population

Fannin GA

Union GA

Towns GA

Rabun GA

GA White GA Habersham GA

Lumpkin GA

Stephens GA

GA

Dawson GA

GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Banks GA

Franklin GA

Jackson GA

Madison GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 1

Poverty

Class I 15.5% - 18.0%

Class II 18.0% - 21.1%

Class III 21.1% - 25.1%

Class IV 25.1% - 54.9%

0

9

18

Miles

Hart GA

Elbert GA

Gwinnett GA

GA

DeKalb GA

Barrow GA Walton GA

Clarke GA Oconee GA

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Li

layton GA

Rockdale GA Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA

Taliaferro GA

4. Elderly EJ Population
Figure 11 is a map of the Elderly EJ Population located in District 1. The elderly population is the most significant EJ population in the District, with 62.2% of the census tracts included on this category. This is likely due to the large retirement community in the district. There are twenty Class IV tracts; three each in the counties of Hart, Rabun, Towns, and Union; two each in Elbert and Stephens counties; and one each in Franklin, Habersham, Jackson, and White counties. The nine Class III tracts are located in

32

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Habersham (three tracts), Madison (two tracts), Franklin, Hart, Barrow and Walton Counties. There were seven Class II tracts and ten Class I tracts in the district. Figure 11 indicates in what counties each is located.
Figure 11: District 1 Elderly EJ Population

Fannin GA

Union GA

Towns GA

Rabun GA

GA White GA Habersham GA

Lumpkin GA

Stephens GA

GA

Dawson GA

GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Banks GA

Franklin GA

Jackson GA

Madison GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 1

Elderly

Class I 11.8% - 13.0%

Class II 13.0% - 14.3%

Class III 14.3% - 16.2%

Class IV 16.2% - 28.5%

0

9

18

Miles

Hart GA

Elbert GA

Gwinnett GA

GA

DeKalb GA

Barrow GA Walton GA

Clarke GA Oconee GA

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Li

layton GA

Rockdale GA Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA

Taliaferro GA

33

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

B. District 2
District 2 consists of 28 counties to the southeast of the Atlanta metro area, stretching to
the South Carolina border. One county in District 2 is under the purview of a metropolitan
planning organization and therefore not included in the rural STIP study area, leaving 27
in this assessment.

Figure 12: District 2

$
$$
$
WINN$ETT$

J$ack$son GA

$

$

$

$

$
Madis$on GA
$

$

$

$B$arro$w GA

$

$

$ $

CLA$RKE$

Elbe$ rt GA

$
$ $

$
$
$ $
Walto$n GA$

O$CO$N$EE

O$gle$ thorpe GA $

$ TIGNALL

$ Wilkes GA Linc$oln GA

$

$

$

$ $

$ WASHINGTON

$
$ $ $
$ $ $

$

$

STIP C$ ounties

Non-STIP Counties

$$

$

Census Tract

$

$$

Distr$ict 2

$

0

$ 13

26

OCKD$ALE

$

$

$

Y

$
$
New$ ton GA
$$

$
Morgan $

GA

$
$BUCGKrHeEe$nAeDG$A

Taliaf$erro $GA

$ WHITE PLAINS $

$

McDuf $

f

ie

Columbia GA

GA
$$

$
$

MARTINEZ

$

$

$

$

SHADY DALE
$

Warre$n GA

$

$

Richmo$nd GA

$
Butt$s GA

Jaspe$ r GA

$

Putn$am GA

Hancock$ GA

$

$

Gl$ascoc$ k GA$
$

$
$ WRENS

Miles

$

$

$ $

$

$
$ $

$

$

$

$

GA Monr$oe GA

Jones GA $

Baldw$in GA $

$ DEEPSTEP

Jefferson GA $

Washin$gton GA $ DAVISBO$ RO

$
Burke GA

GIRARD
$
SARDIS
$

IVEY
$

$ $

$
rawf$ ord GA

$
Bibb G$A
$

$ $
Wilkin$son $GA
Twiggs G$A

OCONEE
$

$ $WADLEY

$
Joh$nson GA $KITE

$
Jenkin$s GA
SUMMERTOWN
$

$ $

$
Screv$ en GA

$

$$

$

Peach GA $

$

Ho$uston GA

acon GA

$ $

Eman$ uel GSAW$ AINSBORO

$ D$UDLEY$ $ DUBLIN $

Bleckley GA

$

$

Laurens GA
$
RENTZ
$

Treutlen GA $

$
NUNEZ
$

$

$

$

Candle$ r GA$ Bulloch G$ A

$

$ $
Ef f ingh

$

$

$

$$

$

$

$

$

Pulaski GA

$

$

Dooly GA $

$

Dodg$ e GA
$

$$
Mo$ ntg$ $omery GA

$ $

$
Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

$

$ E$va$ $ns G$ A

$

$

$

$

$

A

$

$

$

$

Tattnall GA

Bryan GA

$$

$
Crisp GA

Wilcox GA$

$

$

$

Telfair GA

$

$

$

$

$
J ff D i GA$

$
$ $Lib$erty GA

34

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
1. Minority EJ Population

Figure 13 is a map of the Minority EJ Population located in District 2.

Figure 13: District 2 Minority EJ Population

h GA

Jackson GA

Madison GA

Elbert GA

Barrow GA winnett GA

Clarke GA

Oconee GA Walton GA

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Lincoln GA

ckdale GA

Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA Taliaferro GA

Columbia GA

GA

Butts GA Jasper GA

Putnam GA

McDuffie GA Warren GA

Hancock GA

Glascock GA

Richmond GA

GA Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Washington GA

Jefferson GA

Burke GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Peach GA

Johnson GA

Jenkins GA Emanuel GA

Screven GA

acon GA

Houston GA Bleckley GA

Laurens GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

STIP Counties BuNllocnh-SGTAIP CouEnftfiiensgh
Census Tract

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

District 2
Minority Evans GAClass I 27.4% - 35.0%

A

Crisp GA

Wilcox GA

Telfair GA

Tattnall GA

Class II 35.0% - 44.0% Class III 44.B0%ry-a5n4.G8%A
Class IV 54.8% - 95.3%

0

12

24

GA

Ben Hill GA

Jeff Davis GA

A li GA

Liberty GA
Miles
Long GA

The minority population is the greatest EJ population in District 2, as 66.1% of all tracts in the district have populations above the Minority EJ threshold. The analysis shows twenty six Class IV tracts located in the following counties: Baldwin (two tracts), Burke (three tracts), Green (one tract), Hancock (three tracts), Jefferson (two tracts), Newton (two tracts), Laurens (three tracts), Putnam (one tract), Taliaferro (one tract), McDuffie (one

35

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
tract), Warren (three tracts), Washington (three tracts), and Wilkinson (one tract). Twenty-one Class III tracts are found in Screven (four tracts), Jenkins (one tract), Emanuel (one tract), Johnson (one tract), Bleckley (one tract), Washington (one tract), Greene (two tracts), Wilkes (one tract), Morgan (one tract), McDuffie (one tract), Jefferson (one tract), Baldwin (three tracts), and Burke (three tracts). The analysis also shows twenty-three Class II tracts and thirteen Class I tracts across the district. The locations of Class I and Class II tracts can be found in Figure 13.
2. Hispanic EJ Population
Figure 14 is a map of the Hispanic EJ Population located in District 2. Hispanic EJ populations are not common in District 2, as only 10.2% of tracts have a Hispanic population above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows no Class IV and one class III tract (in the town of Martinez, Columbia County). There are three Class II tracts with two in the town of Nunez (Emanuel County) and one in Morgan County. Additionally, there are eight Class I census tracts in the district, as shown in Figure 14. There are one each in Baldwin, Greene, Jenkins, Newton, Putnam, and Wilkes counties and two in Emanuel County.
36

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 14: District 2 Hispanic EJ Population

Jackson GA

Madison GA

Elbert GA

WINNETT

Barrow GA

Walton GA

CLARKE OCONEE

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Lincoln GA

OCKDALE

Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA Taliaferro GA

Columbia GA

Y

Jasper GA Butts GA

Putnam GA

McDuffie GA Warren GA

Hancock GA

Glascock GA

Richmond GA

GA Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Washington GA

Jefferson GA

Burke GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Peach GA

Johnson GA

Jenkins GA Emanuel GA

Screven GA

acon GA A

Houston GA

Bleckley GA

Laurens GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

STIP Counties BNCueollonncs-hSuTGsIAPTrCaocutntEieffsingh

District 2

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Hispanic Evans GCAlass I 3.0% - 3.9%
Class II 3.9% - 5.4%

Crisp GA

Wilcox GA

Telfair GA

Tattnall GA
0

Class III Class IV
12

5.4B%ry-a8n.8G%A 8.8% - 30.2%
24

Jeff Davis GA

Miles Liberty GA

37

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
3. Low-Income EJ Population
Figure 15 is a map of the Low-Income EJ Population located in District 2. More than half, 55.9% of tracts, have a low-income population above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows twenty four Class IV tracts in Burke (four tracts), Emanuel (five tracts), Greene (one tract), Hancock (two tracts), Jefferson (one tract), Jenkins (two tracts), Laurens (two tracts), McDuffie (one tract), Screven (two tracts), Treutlen (one tract), Warren (two tracts) and Washington (one tract) Counties. There are sixteen Class III tracts in the following counties: Baldwin (one tract), Burke (one tract), Emanuel (one tract), Greene (two tracts), Jefferson (two tracts), Johnson (two tracts), McDuffie (one tract), Putnam (one tract), Taliaferro (one tract), Treutlen (one tract), Warren (one tract), Washington (one tract) and Wilkinson (one tract). Additionally, there are fourteen Class II and seventeen Class I tracts within the district.
38

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 15: District 2 Low-Income EJ Population

Jackson GA

Madison GA

Elbert GA

WINNETT

Barrow GA

Walton GA

CLARKE OCONEE

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Lincoln GA

OCKDALE

Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA Taliaferro GA

Columbia GA

Y

Jasper GA Butts GA

Putnam GA

McDuffie GA Warren GA

Hancock GA

Glascock GA

Richmond GA

GA Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Washington GA

Jefferson GA

Burke GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Peach GA

Johnson GA

Jenkins GA Emanuel GA

Screven GA

acon GA A

Houston GA

Bleckley GA

Laurens GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

STIP Counties BuCNllooecnnhs-SGuATsIPTrCaocutnEftifeinsgh

Dooly GA Crisp GA

Pulaski GA Wilcox GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Telfair GA

District 2

Poverty

Evans GAClass I 15.5% - 18.0%

Class II 18.0% - 21.1%

Tattnall GA

Class III 21.B1%ry-a2n5.G1A% Class IV 25.1% - 54.9%

0

12

24

Jeff Davis GA

MilesLiberty GA

4. Elderly EJ Population
Figure 16 is a map of the Elderly EJ Population located in District 2.

39

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 16: District 2 Elderly EJ Population

Jackson GA

Madison GA

Elbert GA

WINNETT

Barrow GA

Walton GA

CLARKE OCONEE

Oglethorpe GA

Wilkes GA

Lincoln GA

OCKDALE

Newton GA

Morgan GA

Greene GA Taliaferro GA

Columbia GA

Y

Jasper GA Butts GA

Putnam GA

McDuffie GA Warren GA

Hancock GA

Glascock GA

Richmond GA

GA Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Washington GA

Jefferson GA

Burke GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Peach GA

Johnson GA

Jenkins GA Emanuel GA

Screven GA

acon GA A

Houston GA

Bleckley GA

Laurens GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

STIP Counties BuCNllooecnnhs-SGuATsIPTrCaocutnEftifeinsgh

District 2

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Elderly Evans GAClass I 11.8% - 13.0%
Class II 13.0% - 14.3%

Crisp GA

Wilcox GA

Telfair GA

Tattnall GA

Class III 14.B3%ry-a1n6.G2A% Class IV 16.2% - 28.5%

0

12

24

Jeff Davis GA

MilesLiberty GA

In District 2, 59.8% of tracts have an elderly population above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows fourteen Class IV tracts in Columbia, Dodge, Glascock, Johnson, Laurens, Putnam, Taliaferro, Warren, Wilkes, and Wilkinson Counties. Eighteen Class III tracts exist in Emanuel, Treutlen, Dodge, Johnson, Jefferson, Washington, Putnam, Green, Lincoln, Oglethorpe, Warren, and Newton. Additionally, twenty-four Class II and nineteen Class I EJ tracts were found in the district.

40

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

C. District 3
District 3 consists of 31 counties to the southwest of the Atlanta metro area. Seven
counties in District 3 are under the purview of a metropolitan planning organization and
therefore not included in the rural STIP study area, leaving twenty-four in this
assessment.

Figure 17: District 3

$$ $
$
$
$ $
$
Heard GA $
$

Douglas GA

$$

$

$

$

$ $

$

$

$

$

$
$
$

$
Cla$yton GA

$

$

Rockda$le GA
$
$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Fayette GA

Henry GA $ $

$ $

$

Cowe$ ta GA $
$

$
SUN$NY SIDE $ $

$

$ $

EXPERIMENT Butt$s GA

Spaldin$ g GA

$

$

$

$

$
E$ AST GRIFFIN FLOVILLA

$

LONE OAK

$

$

$ ORC$HARD HILL

$

P$$ike GA$

Trou$pLGAAGRANGEMeriw$ether GA

$

WOO$DBURY

$

$
Lamar GA
$$

Mon$roe GA

$ $
$$
$ $

$

STIP Counties

$

$

Non-STIP Counties

$

$

Census Tract $

District 3

$

0

10

20

Miles
$

$
$
Jones GA
G$ RAY

$ $ $
$
$

$

$ WARM SPRINGS$ Ups$on GA

$

$

$ MANCHESTER $

$

$
$HAMILTON
Harris GA
$

WOODLAND
$
Talbot GA
$

$
Craw$ford GA

$
$ Bibb GA

$ $

$
$ $

Twiggs GA$

$ $

$Musco$gee GA

$ GENE$ VA

Taylor$ GAREYN$ OLDS

Peach GA $

$

$

$ $
$ $

$

$

$

Ho$ uston GA

$

$Chattahoochee GA Marion GA

$ Macon GA

$

$ BUENA VISTA

OGLETHORPE
$$

Schle$yEGLALAVILLE

$
$ BYROMVILLE

$

$

$

Dooly GA
$

$
HAWKINSVILLE
$
Pulaski GA

$ $
$

$

$

Stewart GA $

PRESTON

$ AMERICUS

$

$

Webst$er GA $

Sumter GA

PLAINS

$

$

$

$

$$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

41

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
1. Minority EJ Population

Figure 18 is a map of the Minority EJ Population located in District 3.

Figure 18: District 3 Minority EJ Population

Carroll GA Heard GA
Troup GA

Douglas GA Coweta GA

Rockdale GA

Clayton GA

Fayette GA

Henry GA

Newton GA

Spalding GA

Butts GA

Jasper GA

STIP Counties

Morgan GA

Non-STIP Counties CensGurseeTnreacGtA District 3

Minority

Class I 27.4% - 35.0%

Class II 35.0% - 44.0%

Class III 44.0% - 54.8%

PutnamCGlAass IV 54.8% - 95.3%

0

9

1H8ancoc

Miles

Meriwether GA

Pike GA

Lamar GA

Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Harris GA

Upson GA Talbot GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Muscogee GA

Taylor GA

Peach GA

Houston GA

L

Bleckley GA

Chattahoochee GA Marion GA

Macon GA

Schley GA

Stewart GA

Webster GA

Sumter GA

Quitman GA

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Wilcox GA

Crisp GA

Te

Randolph GA

Terrell GA

Lee GA

Ben Hill GA

The EJ population of significance for District 3 is the minority population, as 74.5% of all

tracts in the district are above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows seventeen Class IV

tracts in Macon (three tracts), Peach (three tracts), Stewart (two tracts), Sumter (two

tracts), Spalding (two tracts), Talbot (two tracts), Dooly (one tract), Marion (one tract),

Meriwether (one tract), Upson (one tract), and Troup (one tract) counties. Twenty Class

42

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
III tracts can be found across Troup (three tracts), Meriwether (two tracts), Sumter (two tracts), Dooly (two tracts), Taylor (two tracts), Twiggs (one tract), Macon (one tract), Monroe (one tract), Crawford (one tract), Stewart (one tract), Talbot (one tract), Upson (one tract), and Webster (two tracts) counties. Additionally, there are seventeen Class II tracts and fourteen Class I tracts in the District.
2. Hispanic EJ Population
Figure 19 is a map of the Hispanic EJ Population located in District 3.
Figure 19: District 3 Hispanic EJ Population

Carroll GA Heard GA

Douglas GA Coweta GA

Rockdale GA

Clayton GA

Fayette GA

Henry GA

Newton GA

Spalding GA

Butts GA

Jasper GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract:1 Morgan GA DistrictG3reene GA

Hispanic

Class I 3.0% - 3.9%

Class II 3.9% - 5.4%

Class III 5.4% - 8.8%

PutnaCmlaGsAs IV8.8% - 30.2%

0

9

18 Hanc

Miles

Troup GA

Meriwether GA

Pike GA

Lamar GA

Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Harris GA

Upson GA Talbot GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Muscogee GA Chattahoochee GA Marion GA

Taylor GA

Peach GA

Houston GA

Macon GA

Bleckley GA

Schley GA

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Stewart GA

Webster GA

Sumter GA

Quitman GA

Crisp GA

Wilcox GA

Randolph GA

Terrell GA

Lee GA

Ben Hill GA

43

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
In District 3, 16.0% of tracts have a Hispanic population above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows four Class IV tracts in the towns of Fort Valley (Peach) and Buena Vista (Marion), and two Class III tracts, one each, located in Dooly and Peach counties. There are four Class II tracts found in Dooly, Macon, Taylor, and Sumter Counties. Six Class I tracts exist across five counties.
3. Low-Income EJ Population
Figure 20 is a map of the Low-Income EJ Population located in District 3. Low-income populations above the EJ threshold are found in 52.1% of the District census tracts. The analysis shows ten Class IV tracts: three in Fort Valley (Peach County), and one each in the towns of Oglethorpe (Macon), Butler (Taylor), Experiment (Spalding), Americus (Sumter), Woodland (Talbot), Buena Vista (Marion), and LaGrange (Troup) each. There are fifteen Class III tracts found in Macon (two tracts), Dooly (one tract), Sumter (three tracts), Stewart (one tract), Spalding (one tract), Talbot (two tracts), Troup (two tracts), Meriwether (one tract), Taylor (one tract), and Schley (one tract) counties. There are eighteen Class II tracts and ten Class I tracts.
44

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Figure 20: District 3 Low-Income EJ Population

Carroll GA Heard GA

Douglas GA Coweta GA

Rockdale GA

Clayton GA

Fayette GA

Henry GA

Newton GA

Spalding GA

Butts GA

Jasper GA

STIP Counties

Morgan GA

Non-STIP Counties CensusGTrreaecnet GA

District 3

Poverty

Class I 15.5% - 18.0%

Class II 18.0% - 21.1%

Class III 21.1% - 25.1% PutnamCGlaAss IV 25.1% - 54.9%

0

8

16 Hanc

Miles

Troup GA

Meriwether GA

Pike GA

Lamar GA

Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Harris GA

Upson GA Talbot GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Muscogee GA

Taylor GA

Chattahoochee GA

Marion GA

Schley GA

Macon GA

Stewart GA

Webster GA

Quitman GA

Sumter GA

Peach GA Houston GA

Bleckley GA

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Crisp GA

Wilcox GA

Randolph GA

Terrell GA

Lee GA

Ben Hill GA

45

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
4. Elderly EJ Population
Figure 21 is a map of the Elderly EJ Population located in District 3. Elderly populations above the EJ threshold are found in 46.3% of tracts. The analysis shows eleven Class IV tracts. These are located in Macon (one tract), Pulaski (one tract), Sumter (one tract), Stewart (two tracts), Peach (one tract), Troup (one tract), Harris (one tract), Spalding (two tracts) and Upson (one tract) counties. There are fifteen Class III tracts across Dooly (one tract), Meriwether (four tracts), Macon (one tract), Talbot (two tracts), Taylor (one tract), Upson (one tract), Lamar (one tract), Sumter (one tract), Webster (one tract), Stewart (one tract) and Troup (one tract) counties. Additionally, there are fourteen Class II tracts and ten Class I tracts.
46

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

Figure 21: District 3 Elderly EJ Population

Carroll GA Heard GA

Douglas GA Coweta GA

Rockdale GA

Clayton GA

Fayette GA

Henry GA

Newton GA

Spalding GA

Butts GA

Jasper GA

STIP Counties

Morgan GA

Non-STIP Counties CensusGTrreaecnet GA

District 3

Elderly

Class I 11.8% - 13.0%

Class II 13.0% - 14.3%

Class III 14.3% - 16.2% PutnamCGlaAss IV 16.2% - 28.5%

0

8

16 Hanc

Miles

Troup GA

Meriwether GA

Pike GA

Lamar GA

Monroe GA

Jones GA

Baldwin GA

Harris GA

Upson GA Talbot GA

Crawford GA

Bibb GA

Wilkinson GA Twiggs GA

Muscogee GA

Taylor GA

Chattahoochee GA

Marion GA

Schley GA

Macon GA

Stewart GA

Webster GA

Quitman GA

Sumter GA

Peach GA Houston GA

Bleckley GA

Dooly GA

Pulaski GA

Dodge GA

Crisp GA

Wilcox GA

Randolph GA

Terrell GA

Lee GA

Ben Hill GA

47

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
D. District 4
District 4 consists of 32 counties in the southwestern corner of Georgia. Two counties in District 4 are under the purview of a metropolitan planning organization and therefore not included in the rural STIP study area, leaving 30 counties in this assessment.
Figure 22: District 4
48

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
1. Minority EJ Population
Figure 23 is a map of the Minority EJ Population located in District 4.
Figure 23: District 4 Minority EJ Population
27.4% - 35.0% 35.0% - 44.0% 44.0% - 54.8% 54.8% - 95.3%
Minority populations above the EJ threshold are found in 59.5% of all District 4 tracts. The analysis shows that there are twenty-five Class IV tracts. They are located in Quitman (one tract), Randolph (one tract), Clay (one tract), Crisp (one tract), Tift (two tracts), Colquitt (one tract), Brooks (one tract), Grady (one tract), Mitchell (one tract), Terrell (two tracts), Turner (one tract), Decatur (two tracts), Thomas (four tracts), Baker (one tract), Calhoun (two tracts), and Early (three tracts) counties. There are nineteen Class III tracts in the counties of Wilcox (one tract), Coffee (one tract), Clinch (one tract), Ben Hill (one tract), Brooks (one tract), Cook (one tract), Crisp (one tract), Lee (one tract),
49

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Randolph (one tract), Clay (one tract), Miller (one tract), Baker (one tract), Mitchell (two tracts), Colquitt (one tract), Seminole (one tract), Decatur (one tract), Thomas (one tract), and Worth (one tract). Additionally, there are sixteen Class II tracts and eighteen Class I tracts in District 4.
2. Hispanic EJ Population
Figure 24 is a map of the Hispanic EJ Population located in District 4.
Figure 24: District 4 Hispanic EJ Population
3.0% - 3.9% 3.9% - 5.4% 5.4% - 8.8% 8.8% - 30.2%
Hispanic populations above the EJ threshold are found in 38.8% of tracts. The analysis shows sixteen Class IV tracts: three in Tifton (Tift County), one in Quitman (Brooks), one in Douglas (Coffee), six in Moultrie (Colquitt), three in Pearson (Atkinson), and two in
50

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Echols County. There are thirteen Class III tracts located in the counties of Crisp (one tract), Coffee (three tracts), Tift (two tracts), Thomas (one tract), Seminole (one tract), Decatur (two tracts), Grady (two tracts), and Ben Hill (one tract). Additionally, there are fourteen Class II tracts and six Class I tracts in the district.
3. Low-Income EJ Population
Figure 25 is a map of the Low-Income EJ Population located in District 4.
Figure 25: District 4 Low-Income EJ Population
15.5% - 18.0% 18.0% - 21.1% 21.1% - 25.1% 25.1% - 54.9%
Low-income EJ populations are a major category for District 4, as 71.8% of all tracts in the district have populations above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows twenty nine Class IV tracts. They are located in Clay (one tract), Brooks (two tracts), Grady (two tracts),
51

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Decatur (two tracts), Echols (two tracts), Mitchell (two tracts), Seminole (one tract), Early (two tracts), Calhoun (one tract), Randolph (two tracts), Terrell (two tracts), Wilcox (one tract), Ben Hill (one tract), Turner (one tract), Crisp (two tracts), Colquitt (one tract), Thomas (one tract), Baker (one tract), and Tift (two tracts) counties. There are twentyseven Class III tracts located in Atkinson (three tracts), Ben Hill (two tracts), Berrien (one tract), Brooks (one tract), Clinch (one tract), Coffee (one tract), Colquitt (one tract), Cook (two tracts), Crisp (one tract), Decatur (one tract), Early (two tracts), Lanier (one tract), Miller (one tract), Mitchell (one tract), Quitman (one tract), Seminole (one tract), Terrell (one tract), Thomas (three tracts), Tift (one tract), and Worth (one tract) counties. Additionally, there are twenty-four Class II tracts and thirteen Class I tracts.
4. Elderly EJ Population
Figure 26 is a map of the Elderly EJ Population located in District 4. Elderly populations above the EJ threshold in District 4 were found in 61.1% of all tracts. The analysis shows twenty-six Class IV tracts in the counties of Clay (two tracts), Crisp (one tract), Randolph (one tract), Quitman (two tracts), Tift (two tracts), Ben Hill (one tract), Berrien (one tract), Brooks (three tracts), Mitchell (one tract), Early (two tracts), Miller (two tracts), Seminole (two tracts), Decatur (two tracts), Coffee (one tract), Thomas (two tracts), and Wilcox (one tract). There are fifteen Class III tracts in the counties of Wilcox (one tract), Cook (two tracts), Irwin (one tract), Terrell (two tracts), Calhoun (one tract), Grady (one tract), Thomas (one tract), Colquitt (four tracts), Miller (one tract), and Early (one tract). Additionally, there are twenty Class II tracts and nineteen Class I tracts.
52

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 26: District 4 Elderly EJ Population
11.8% - 13.0% 13.0% - 14.3% 14.3% - 16.2% 16.2% - 28.5%
.
53

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

E. District 5
District 5 consists of 24 counties in the southeastern portion of Georgia, including all
coastal counties. Three counties in District 5 are under the purview of a metropolitan
planning organization and therefore not included in the rural STIP study area, leaving 21
in this assessment.

Figure 27: District 5

$ $

$

$

$ $
$

Ema$nuel GA $

PORTAL

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

y GA
$

Laurens GA
$
$ $

Treutlen GA
$
$

$
STATESBORO

$

$

Candle$r GA $

Bulloch GA$

$

$

REGISTER

Effingham $ GA
$ GUYTON

$
$
$
$

$

$

$

$
Dodge GA
$
$ $

GLENWOOD

$

VIDALIA
$

$

$ Mon$tg$omery GA

$

$
Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

$
$ $

$ALSTON
$

Telfair GA

$

$
COBBTOWN COLLINS
$
$ $ Ev$a$ns G$A
REIDSVILLE
$
Tattnall GA
$

$

RINCON

$

PEMBROKE
$

$
$ $
$

$

$

Bryan GA

$

$
Chatham GA

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Ben Hill GA
$

HAZLEHURST

$
JACKSONVILLE

$

$

Jeff Davis GA

$
DENTON

Ap$ pling GA
$

ODUM
$

$
Long GA
$

$
$ Li$berty GA
$ $ $
$

win $GA

$ $
Coffee GA
$

Bacon GA $

$

ALMA

$JESUP
Wayne GA
$

McIntosh GA

$
Berrien GA
$

$
Atkinso$n GA

$OFFERMAN
$
Pierce GA

$
$$
$
WAYCROSS

Brantl$ey GA
$
HOBOKEN

$

Glynn GA

$

$

$ $

$
Lani$er GA
$
wn$des GA

$ $ $
Clinch GA

Ware GA

$

Echols GA

$

$

$

$

$
FOLKSTON $
Charlton GA

WOODBINE
$
Camden GA

KINGSLAND

$

$

$

$
$ $

$
$

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 5

0

9

18

Miles

$

&

$

$

$

54

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
1. Minority EJ Population
Figure 28 is a map of the Minority EJ Population located in District 5.
Figure 28: District 5 Minority EJ Population

y GA

Laurens GA

Emanuel GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

Bulloch GA

Effingham GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Evans GA Tattnall GA

Telfair GA

Ben Hill GA

Jeff Davis GA

Appling GA

Long GA

Bryan GA Liberty GA

Chatham GA

win GA

Coffee GA

Berrien GA

Atkinson GA

Bacon GA

Wayne GA

Pierce GA Brantley GA

McIntosh GA Glynn GA

Lanier GA

wndes GA

Clinch GA

Echols GA

Ware GA Charlton GA

Camden GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 5

Minority

Class I 27.4% - 35.0%

Class II 35.0% - 44.0%

Class III 44.0% - 54.8%

Class IV 54.8% - 95.3%

0

9

18

Miles

Minority populations above the EJ threshold occur in 46.1% of District 5. However, the analysis shows that there are relatively few Class III and IV populations. The three Class IV tracts are located in Bulloch and Ware Counties in the cities of Statesboro and Waycross, respectively. Seven Class III tracts exist in Appling (one tract), Candler (one tract), Evans (one tract), McIntosh (one tract), Tattnall (one tract), Telfair (one tract),
55

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
and Wayne (one tract) counties. Additionally, twelve Class II tracts and nineteen Class I tracts can be found in the district.

2. Hispanic EJ Population
Figure 29 is a map of the Hispanic EJ Population located in District 5.
Figure 29: District 5 Hispanic EJ Population

y GA

Laurens GA

Emanuel GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

Bulloch GA

Effingham GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Evans GA Tattnall GA

Telfair GA

Ben Hill GA

Jeff Davis GA

Appling GA

Long GA

Bryan GA Liberty GA

Chatham GA

win GA

Coffee GA

Berrien GA

Atkinson GA

Bacon GA

Wayne GA

Pierce GA Brantley GA

McIntosh GA Glynn GA

Lanier GA

wndes GA

Clinch GA

Echols GA

Ware GA Charlton GA

Camden GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 5

Hispanic

Class I 3.0% - 3.9%

Class II 3.9% - 5.4%

Class III 5.4% - 8.8%

Class IV 8.8% - 30.2%

0

9

18

Miles

Hispanic populations above the EJ threshold were found in 38.2% of all District 5. The analysis shows nine Class IV tracts with one each in the towns of St. Mary (Camden

56

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
County), Pulaski (Candler), Patterson (Pierce) and Long County. Two tracts are located in the town of Reidsville (Tattnall), and three tracts are located in Toombs County. There are ten Class III tracts located in Appling (one tract), Candler (one tract), Evans (two tracts), Jeff Daniels (one tract), Montgomery (one tract), Tattnall (one tract), Wayne (two tracts), and Wheeler (one tract) counties. Additionally, there are seven Class II tracts and nine Class I tracts in the district.
3. Low-Income EJ Population
Figure 30 is a map of the Low-Income EJ Population located in District 5. Low-income EJ populations are the most significant category in District 5, as the analysis shows that 69.7% of all district tracts have low-income populations above the EJ threshold. Thirteen Class IV tracts can be found in the district: one each in the towns of Alma (Bacon County), Metter (Candler), Hazlehurst (Jeff Davis), and Alamo (Wheeler); and two each in the towns of Statesboro (Bulloch), Claxton (Evans), and Lyons (Toombs). There are three Class IV census tracts in the town of Waycross (Ware). There are ten Class III tracts in Appling (one tract), Bulloch (two tracts), Long (one tract), Pierce (one tract), Tattnall (two tracts), Toombs (two tracts), and Ware (one tract) counties. Additionally, nineteen Class II tracts and twenty Class I tracts are in the District.
57

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 30: District 5 Low-Income EJ Population

y GA

Laurens GA

Emanuel GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

Bulloch GA

Effingham GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Evans GA Tattnall GA

Telfair GA

Ben Hill GA

Jeff Davis GA

Appling GA

Long GA

Bryan GA Liberty GA

Chatham GA

win GA

Coffee GA

Berrien GA

Atkinson GA

Bacon GA

Wayne GA

Pierce GA Brantley GA

McIntosh GA Glynn GA

Lanier GA

wndes GA

Clinch GA

Echols GA

Ware GA Charlton GA

Camden GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 5

Poverty

Class I 15.5% - 18.0% Class II 18.0% - 21.1% Class III 21.1% - 25.1% Class IV 25.1% - 54.9%

0

9

18

Miles

4. Elderly EJ Population
Figure 31 is a map of the Elderly EJ Population located in District 5. Elderly populations above the EJ threshold were identified in 40.4% of tracts. The analysis shows seven Class IV tracts; one each in Tattnall, Telfair, and Toombs Counties, and four tracts in Ware County. There are eleven Class III tracts in the counties of Appling (one tract), Bulloch (two tracts), Candler (two tracts), Evans (one tract), Pierce (one tract), Telfair (two
58

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
tracts), Toombs (one tract), and Wheeler (one tract). Additionally, there are eleven Class II tracts and eight Class I tracts in the district.
Figure 31: District 5 Elderly EJ Population

y GA

Laurens GA

Emanuel GA

Treutlen GA

Candler GA

Bulloch GA

Effingham GA

Dodge GA

Montgomery GA

Wheeler GA

Toombs GA

Evans GA Tattnall GA

Telfair GA

Ben Hill GA

Jeff Davis GA

Appling GA

Long GA

Bryan GA Liberty GA

Chatham GA

win GA

Coffee GA

Berrien GA

Atkinson GA

Bacon GA

Wayne GA

Pierce GA Brantley GA

McIntosh GA Glynn GA

Lanier GA

wndes GA

Clinch GA

Echols GA

Ware GA Charlton GA

Camden GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 5

Elderly

Class I 11.8% - 13.0%

Class II 13.0% - 14.3% Class III 14.3% - 16.2% Class IV 16.2% - 28.5%

0

9

18

Miles

59

F. District 6

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation

District 6 is composed of seventeen counties located in the northwest corner of Georgia. Five counties in District 6 are under the purview of a metropolitan planning organization and therefore not included in the rural STIP study area, leaving twelve in this assessment.

Figure 32: District 6

$ $ $
$
$
TRENTON
$
Dade GA
$

$ $ $ $

$

$

$

$

$

$ $ $

$

$

$

Catoosa$ GA

$

$ $

Whitfield GA

$
Walker GA
LA FAYETTE
$

ETON
$
Murray GA $
CHATSWORTH

$

$ $ $
MORGANTON
Fann$in GA $
ELLIJAY
Gil$m$ er GA

$

$
Union GA

$
Tow

Whit

$

$

$

$

$
$ Chatto$oga GA
$ LYERLY

$

$

Lumpkin GA

$

$Gordon GA

RANGER
$

$
TALKING ROCK

Pickens G$ A

$

$

Dawson GA

$
PLAINVILLE

$

$
ADAIRSVILLE
$

$
$ $

Hall GA

$ $
$ $
$
$
$ $
$

Floyd G$ A
$ $
$
Polk GA
Haralson$ GA
$ $
$

$ WHITE KINGSTON
$ Bartow GA
CARTERSVILLE
$

Chero$kee GA
$

Forsyth GA
$

$
$ $

EUHA$ RLEE
$
ARAGON $ $

$
$

$
$

$

$

Paulding$ GA

Cobb G$A
$

TEMPLE

$

$

$

$

$ $

$
Douglas GA

$

$

$
Fulton GA $

$
$
$$

$
$ $

$

$
$
$

Gwinnett$ GA

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$De$ Kalb GA

$ $ $$

$
$

$
$
$

$ $
$
$ Ba
$

$ $

$
Wal
$

$
$

STRIoPckCdoaul$enGtiAes

$ $

$

$

Non-STIP Counties$

$

CARROLLTON

$

Census Tract

$

$ $

Carro$ll GA

$
$
$

$

$

District 6

Clayton GA

0

7

$

$

$
Newton GA
14

$
ROOPVILLE
$

$

$

$

$
$
Fayette GA
$

$ $ $
$

Miles
Henry GA $
$

60

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
1. Minority EJ Population
Figure 33 is a map of the Minority EJ Population located in District 6.
Figure 33: District 6 Minority EJ Population

Dade GA

Catoosa GA

Walker GA

Whitfield GA

Murray GA

Chattooga GA

Gordon GA

Fannin GA

Union GA

Tow

Gilmer GA Pickens GA

Lumpkin GA

Whit

Dawson GA

Floyd GA

Bartow GA

Cherokee GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Polk GA Haralson GA
Carroll GA

Paulding GA Douglas GA

Cobb GA

Ba Gwinnett GA

Fulton GA

DeKalb GA

Clayton GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 6

Wal

Minority

Class I 27.4% - 35.0%

Class II 35.0% - 44.0% RCoclakdsasleIIIGA44.0% - 54.8%

Class IV 54.8% - 95.3%

0

7

Ne1w4ton GA

Miles

Fayette GA

Henry GA

Minority EJ populations are not prevalent in District 6, as only 7.0% of tracts have minority populations above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows one Class IV tract and one Class II in Carrollton (Carroll County). There are also, four Class I tracts in the counties of Carroll, Chattooga, Gordon, and Polk.

61

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
2. Hispanic EJ Population
Figure 34 is a map of the Hispanic EJ Population located in District 6.
Figure 34: District 6 Hispanic EJ Population

Dade GA

Catoosa GA

Walker GA

Whitfield GA

Murray GA

Chattooga GA

Gordon GA

Fannin GA

Union GA

Tow

Gilmer GA Pickens GA

Lumpkin GA

Whit

Dawson GA

Floyd GA

Bartow GA

Cherokee GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Polk GA Haralson GA
Carroll GA

Paulding GA Douglas GA

Cobb GA

Ba Gwinnett GA

Fulton GA

DeKalb GA

Clayton GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 6

Wal

Hispanic

Class I 3.0% - 3.9% Class II 3.9% - 5.4% RCoclakdsasleIIIGA 5.4% - 8.8%

Class IV 8.8% - 30.2%

0

7

Ne1w4ton GA

Miles

Fayette GA

Henry GA

Hispanic populations above the EJ threshold are in 34.1% of tracts in District 6. The analysis shows nine Class IV tracts; one each in the towns of Carterville (Bartow County), Carrollton (Carroll), and Ellijay (Gilmer); two in Cedartown (Polk); and four in Calhoun (Gordon). Also, there are ten Class III tracts across Bartow (one tract), Carroll (one
62

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
tract), Chattooga (one tract), Gilmer (one tract), Murray (four tracts), and Polk (two tracts) counties. Additionally, four Class II tracts and six Class I tracts are located in the district.
3. Low-Income EJ Population
Figure 35 is a map of the Low-Income EJ Population located in District 6.
Figure 35: District 6 Low-Income EJ Population

Dade GA

Catoosa GA

Walker GA

Whitfield GA

Murray GA

Chattooga GA

Gordon GA

Fannin GA

Union GA

Tow

Gilmer GA Pickens GA

Lumpkin GA

Whit

Dawson GA

Floyd GA

Bartow GA

Cherokee GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Polk GA Haralson GA
Carroll GA

Paulding GA Douglas GA

Cobb GA

Ba Gwinnett GA

Fulton GA

DeKalb GA

Clayton GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 6

Wal

Poverty

Class I 15.5% - 18.0%

Class II 18.0% - 21.1% RCoclakdsasleIIIGA 21.1% - 25.1%

Class IV 25.1% - 54.9%

0

7

Ne1w4ton GA

Miles

Fayette GA

Henry GA

63

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
A modest number of low-income EJ populations are scattered across District 6, as only 16.2% of tracts have a low-income population above the EJ threshold. The analysis shows one Class IV tract in the Town of Carrollton (Carroll County) and no Class III tracts. Additionally, there are three Class II tracts; two in Polk two in Walker and one in Chattooga counties. There are nine Class I tracts in eight counties.
4. Elderly EJ Population
Figure 36 is a map of the Elderly EJ Population located in District 6.
Figure 36: District 6 Elderly EJ Population

Dade GA

Catoosa GA

Walker GA

Whitfield GA

Murray GA

Chattooga GA

Gordon GA

Fannin GA

Union GA

Tow

Gilmer GA Pickens GA

Lumpkin GA

Whit

Dawson GA

Floyd GA

Bartow GA

Cherokee GA

Forsyth GA

Hall GA

Polk GA Haralson GA
Carroll GA

Paulding GA Douglas GA

Cobb GA

Ba Gwinnett GA

Fulton GA

DeKalb GA

Clayton GA

STIP Counties

Non-STIP Counties

Census Tract

District 6

Wal

Elderly

Class I 11.8% - 13.0%

Class II 13.0% - 14.3% RCoclakdsasleIIIGA14.3% - 16.2%

Class IV 16.2% - 28.5%

0

7

Ne1w4ton GA

Miles

Fayette GA

Henry GA

64

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Elderly EJ populations are the most prevalent EJ population in District 6, as 51.6% of all tracts in the district have populations above the EJ threshold. This is likely due to the large retirement community in the district. The analysis shows eight Class IV tracts. They are located in Bartow (one tract), Fannin (three tracts), Pickens (one tract) and Walker (three tracts) counties. There are thirteen Class III tracts across Carroll (one tract), Chattooga (three tracts), Fannin (two tracts), Gilmer (two tracts), Gordon (one tract), Pickens (one tract), and Polk (three tracts) counties. Additionally, nine Class II tracts can be found in six counties, and eighteen Class I tracts can be found across nine counties.
65

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
VII. Focus and Findings
Environmental justice populations were identified across the rural STIP area. Furthermore, a summary of EJ populations based on census tract data was provided for each district. Figure 37 provides a summary of the percent of tracts with populations above the EJ threshold for each characteristic (elderly, low-income, Hispanic and minority), and gives a visual comparison of the EJ populations in each district. As can be seen in Figure 37, Districts 1 and 4 have the largest percentage of tracts above the elderly EJ threshold; Districts 4 and 5 have the largest percentage of tracts above the low-income EJ and Hispanic EJ thresholds, and Districts 2 and 3 have the largest percentage of tracts above the minority EJ threshold. Maps displaying areas of focus for environmental justice outreach have also been created. See Figures 38-41. These areas are defined as census tracts in the STIP study area that have more than one overlapping environmental justice population. For example, the Minority & Low-Income map on Figure 37 shows areas where both a minority EJ population and a low-income EJ population are present. These areas are particularly sensitive due to the confluence of more than one EJ indicator.
66

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 37: EJ Population Summary

District 6 District 5 District 4 District 3 District 2 District 1
0%

El derl y Low-i ncome Hi s pa ni c Mi nori ty

20%

40%

60%

80%

67

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 38: Overlapping Minority and Low-Income EJ Populations
68

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 39: Overlapping Hispanic and Low-Income EJ Populations

Prepared

for:

By:

69

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 40: Overlapping Elderly and Low-Income EJ Populations
70

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
Figure 41: Overlapping Minority and Hispanic EJ Populations
71

Environmental Justice Outreach Report, 2012 2015 STIP Georgia Department of Transportation
VIII. Sources of Information
Reports / Studies
"Community Impact Assessment: A Quick Reference for Transportation" (FHWA, 9/96) "Community Impact Mitigation Case Studies" (FHWA, 5/98) "Environmental Justice Identification and Proposed Outreach Report 2007 2009 STIP" (GDOT, 2006) "Environmental Policy Statement" (FHWA, 1994) "EPA Environmental Justice Strategy: Executive Order 12898" (EPA, 1995) "People of Color Environmental Groups" (EJRC, 2000) "Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision-Making" (FHWA/FTA, 9/96) "Rebuilding Trust Through Community Engagement Report" (Georgia Stand-Up, 2008)
Internet Sites
2000 U.S. Census Bureau, Clark Atlanta University Environmental Justice Resource Center, www.ejrc.cau.edu Federal Highway Administration, www.fhwa.dot.gov Federal Transit Administration, www.fta.dot.gov Georgia Department of Transportation, www.dot.state.ga.us Surface Transportation Policy Project, www.transact.org United States Department of Transportation, www.dot.gov
72