Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Allegheny County Airport Authority (“ACAA”) representing Pittsburgh International Airport (“PIT”) and Allegheny County Airport (“AGC”) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, creed or disability in public services or employment opportunities. ACAA complies with all applicable laws including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR Part 35) and the Air Carrier Access Act (Title 14 CFR Part 382) to ensure that Airport facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Additionally, ACAA complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (PL 100.259), Section 520 of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, and related authorities, known as “Title VI and related requirements”.
ACAA does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices and complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements. ACAA provides effective communication and reasonable modifications for qualified persons with disabilities, so they can take part in programs, services, and activities. The ADA does not require ACAA to take action that would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services. Complaints, questions, and feedback can be submitted to the Title VI Coordinator at [email protected].
Complaint Procedures
Title VI Policy
The Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pittsburgh International Airport assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency (LEP)), sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), creed, or age, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (PL 100.259), Section 520 of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, and related authorities (hereafter, “Title VI and related requirements”), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funding. Title VI also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of discrimination.
Nondiscrimination Complaint Process
Rights
Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin (including LEP), sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), creed, or age has the right to file a complaint with the Department of Aviation. Alternatively, they can file a formal complaint with an outside agency, such as the U.S. Departments of Justice or Transportation, or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or seek other legal remedies.
Receipt of Complaint
The Title VI Coordinator will log in the complaint and promptly send copies of the complaint to any office named in the complaint, the Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Legal Department, and the Airport CEO. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory event, must be in writing, and must be delivered to the physical or email address below:
Virginia Culbreath, Title VI Coordinator
Allegheny County Airport Authority
Pittsburgh International Airport
Landside Terminal, 4th Floor Mezzanine Level
PO Box 12370
Pittsburgh, PA 15231-0370
Phone: 412-472-3602
Email: [email protected]
If a complaint is initially made by phone, it must be supplemented with a written complaint before 180 days after the discriminatory event has passed. If a verbal complaint is received, the complainant should be given a copy of the Airport Nondiscrimination Complaint Procedures and instructed to submit a written complaint. Accommodation will be provided upon request to individuals unable to file a written complaint due to a disability.
ACAA Nondiscrimination Complaint Form
Initial Procedure
The Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee may meet with the complainant to clarify the issues, obtain additional information, and determine if informal resolution might be possible in lieu of an investigation. If successfully resolved, the coordinator will issue a closure letter to the complainant, record the disposition in the complaints log, and report the resolution to FAA.
Discrimination Complaint Referral Procedure
Internal Complaint Referral
All nondiscrimination complaints must be promptly forwarded to the Title VI Coordinator within one day of receipt.
Initial FAA Notification
A copy of each nondiscrimination complaint will be forwarded to the FAA within 15 days of initial receipt by the Title VI Coordinator. The Title VI Coordinator will forward a copy of the complaint and a statement describing all actions taken to resolve the matter, and the results thereof to the FAA Civil Rights staff, if available at that time. If not available at that time, results thereof will be forwarded once complete. (Note: complaints based on disability do not have to be forwarded to FAA.) To submit complaint information to the FAA, the Title VI Coordinator will upload it to the FAA Civil Rights Connect System and confirm receipt via email. The Title VI Coordinator will also seek technical assistance from FAA, as needed, throughout complaint intake, investigation, and resolution process.
Investigation Procedure
Assignment of Investigator
The Title VI Coordinator will immediately begin the investigation or designate an investigator.
Cooperation with FAA
The Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee will promptly investigate all nondiscrimination complaints, including those referred by the FAA for investigation. If the FAA is investigating a complaint against the Department of Aviation, the Coordinator will avoid interfering with the FAA investigation, cooperate with the FAA when needed, and share factual information with the FAA.
Prompt Investigation
The Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee will make every effort to complete discrimination complaint investigations within 60 calendar days after the complaint is received. Some investigations may take longer with a justification for the delay and assurance that the investigation is being completed as quickly as possible.
Contact with Complainant
The Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee will meet with the complainant to clarify the issues and obtain additional information, and speak with community members and potential witnesses, as appropriate.
Investigation Report
After completing the investigation, the Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee will prepare a written report.
Consultation with Legal Counsel
In each case, the Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee will consult with Legal Counsel regarding the investigation and the report. The Allegheny County Airport’s Assistant General Counsel will ensure that the report is consistent with the DOT and FAA Title VI Nondiscrimination requirements.
Prompt Resolution of Disputes
The Title VI Coordinator or assigned designee will emphasize voluntary compliance and quickly and fairly resolve disputes with complainants, or with contractors, tenants, or other persons, through mediation with the complainant and contractor/tenants/other persons involved in the dispute.
Forwarding Report and Response to Complainant
At the completion of the investigation, the complainant and respondent will receive a letter of findings and determination of the investigation and any applicable resolution. The letter transmitting the findings and any applicable resolution will state the Department of Aviation’s conclusion regarding whether unlawful discrimination occurred and will describe the complainant’s appeal rights. A summary of the investigation report, any appeal, or follow-up actions will be sent to the FAA via the FAA Civil Rights Connect System.
Appeal Rights
The complainant must be notified of their right to appeal the findings or determinations, and of the procedures and requirements for an appeal:
The complainant may appeal in writing to the Allegheny County Airport Authority’s SVP, Legal Affairs/General Counsel.
• The written appeal must be received within 30 business days after receipt of the written decision.
• The written appeal must contain all arguments, evidence, and documents supporting the basis for the appeal.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority’s SVP, Legal Affairs/General Counsel will issue a final written decision in response to the appeal.
Intimidation and Retaliation Prohibited
Airport employees, contractors, and tenants will not intimidate or retaliate against a person who has filed a complaint alleging discrimination.