Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012This mapping exercise presented the following Location Quotient equation for combined minority populations according to 2000 U.S.Census data:8,073 / 30,218167,081 / 1,048,319The calculated ratio is 1.68 which indicates that in fact a higher proportion of minorities live within this study area and that there is adisproportionate burden.See Map # 4-15Case Study: EJPopulations within250’ of Interstatesand FreewaysThis mapping exercise presented the following Location Quotient equation for combined minority populations according to 2010 U.S. Census data:7,691 / 20,367248,882 / 1,052,567The calculated ratio is 1.60 which indicates that a higher proportion of minorities continue to live within this study area and that there is a disproportionateburden; however the ratio is just slightly smaller than that found in 2000 indicating a slight reduction in the transportation burden on minorities.Similarly with population below the poverty level in 2000, the equation is:5,938 / 30,218120,548 / 1,048,319The calculated ratio is 1.71 which, again, indicates a disproportionate burden.Using the 2010 population below the poverty level, the equation is:3,538 / 20,367123,396 / 1,052,567The calculated ratio is 1.48 which, again, indicates a disproportionate burden, however the burden has improved over the past 10 years.This Plan presents the following recommendations to begin to address this concern. These recommendations are also found in Part Five with numbers noted inparentheses.1. Amend CMAQ criteria to award more points to projects improving air quality in areas close to freeways. (EQ.3.d)2. Through program implementation of diesel retrofits for school buses, begin with school districts in affected areas. (EN.3.e)3. Increase use of vegetated buffers along the highway to trap particulates and improve air quality. (En.3.c)Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611RI Statewide Planning ProgramPage 4-15