Funding for the Proposed Kent Central Gateway Multimodal Transit ...

• Whether the project will promote the creation of job opportunities for low-income workers
through the use of best practices hiring programs and utilization of apprenticeship
programs
PARTA is committed to helping low-income workers in several ways. PARTA has a long history of
employing people with disabilities to work in our offices, and currently uses an apprenticeship
program in maintenance to train new diesel mechanics from a local vocational school.
• Whether the project will provide maximum practicable opportunities for small businesses
and disadvantaged business enterprises, including veteran-owned small businesses
PARTA has a long history of seeking out DBE’s for eligible projects. We currently have a long term
relationship with a lubricant supply company that is a DBE. PARTA has a DBE program in place
and is committed to using that program for this project as well.
• Whether the project will make effective use of community-based organizations in
connecting disadvantaged workers with economic opportunities
PARTA has hired a Director of Mobility Management over a year ago whose primary goal is to
connect PARTA with community-based organizations. This Director came from the largest
community-based human service agency in the county and his last project at his former employer
was to build the only veteran’s shelter in Portage County.
• Whether the project implements best practices, consistent with our nation’s civil rights and
equal opportunity laws, for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, age,
disability, and national origin – benefit from the Recovery Act
PARTA is committed to following the best practices with regard to civil rights and equal opportunity
for all individuals throughout the procurement process.
• Identify whether the populations most likely to benefit from the creation or preservation of
jobs or new or expanded business opportunities are from Economically Distressed Areas
It is likely that the employment resulting from investment in the KCG will benefit residents of
surrounding Portage County, which is an economically distressed area.
• Indicate whether the project’s procurement plan is likely to create follow-on jobs and
economic stimulus for manufacturers and suppliers that support the construction industry,
and how quickly such jobs would be created
The KCG will require suppliers from throughout the construction industry. One of the great
advantages to this project is the speed at which construction could begin. Since the Phase 1 and
Phase 2 ESA’s have been completed, and a CE is expected anytime, this project is truly “shovelready”.
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