Just ahead of a federal mandate that government agencies submit a plan to make their programs and facilities equally accessible to citizens of all abilities, several area municipalities recently completed self-assessments and established transition plans.
Federal law requires all government agencies with 50 or more employees to submit by the end of the year an Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan identifying barriers to access in the entity’s programs and facilities. The plans must be in place in order to continue receiving federal funds.
RED BANK
The city of Red Bank will spend an estimated $163,340 to make city buildings, parks and facilities accessible, including entrances, restrooms and all goods and services provided to the public, said City Recorder Ruthie Rohen. Improvements will begin at City Hall, with other facilities prioritized by those most used first.
Funds for the improvements will be spread among the coming years’ annual budgets, with a goal of having everything complete by 2029, Rohen said.