Adaptation & Resiliency Toolbox
Equity & Resiliency Planning
Centering Equity - MDOT MTA
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Our effort to center equity in all facets of MDOT MTA includes resiliency and the program's adherence to the goals described in the Strategic Plan.
Equity at the National Level
The report documents the following action:
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Issue a call for projects for place-based initiatives that are co-designed with communities most impacted by poor access and climate change – April 2023
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Climate Change Impacts & Equity
Climate change has been shown to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations—older adults, children, low-income communities, and communities of color. These communities have less capacity to prepare for and cope with extreme weather and other climate change-related events, such as having fewer options for evacuating or for accessing emergency relief services. At DOT, we are analyzing our programs through an equity lens to determine how our projects have and will impact these vulnerable communities. This analysis extends to our efforts to incorporate climate change resilience into our projects, policies, and actions. It is important when analyzing impacts of DOT actions, that these communities are identified and there is meaningful public involvement to educate them on the potential impacts and create solutions that will mitigate impacts from the transportation actions and from climate change.
By considering climate equity, DOT is working to ensure that all people can benefit equally from climate solutions and to diminish the disproportionate burden of climate impacts that some communities endure. For example, when making new building investments, DOT considers the potential impacts of siting decisions on disadvantaged communities and the environment. Where applicable, DOT prioritizes sites that offer robust transportation options, including walking, biking, and transit, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on disadvantaged communities. In addition, by considering procurement actions and climate change equity, the Department is working to ensure that all people have the opportunity to benefit equally from procurement solutions and to diminish the disproportionate burden of climate impacts that some communities endure.
Justice40 Initiative
In January 2021, President Biden issued the two Executive Orders (EO) to advance racial equity, Environmental Justice, and climate change. Executive Order 14008 "Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad," created the Justice 40 Initiative and aligns with with EO 13985 " Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government." The EO's and Justice40 Initiative aims to deliver 40 percent of overall federal investment to disadvantaged communities, advance environmental justice, increase economic investment, and tackle Climate Change. Currently, the USDOT is soliciting input from transportation agencies and the general public regarding implementation of the Justice40 Initiative.
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As additional guidance documentation becomes available, MDOT MTA (along with MDOT TSO and lead federal agencies FTA and FRA) will implement, as appropriate, Justice40 initiatives into resiliency planning efforts for MDOT MTA assets.
Tools for Considering Equity and Resiliency Planning
Justice40 Census Tracts
Esri released Justice40 Census Tracts which maps communities that are disadvantaged according to Justice40 initiative criteria. Tracts have identified as disadvantaged in the following categories: climate change, clean energy/energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable/sustainable housing, reduction and remediation of legacy pollution, critical clean water/wastewater infrastructure, health burdens, and training/workforce development.
MDE EJ Screening Tool
MDE's EJ Screening tool enables users to better understand the nature and number of environmental stressors and potential disparities affecting Maryland communities. The tool applies three socioeconomic indicators: Minority population of 50% or more, Poverty rate of 25% or more, and census tracts having more than 15% of population having limited English proficiency. Census tracts with higher percentages of these indicators are scored higher in the screening tool and assist with understanding the socio-economic setting of project locations.
Transit Station Area Profile Tool (TSAPT)
MDOT partnered with the Maryland Department of Planning for their launch of the Transit Station Area Profile Tool (TSAPT) which provides users socioeconomic, demographic, employment, and ridership data at station areas throughout the state of Maryland. While the tool is geared towards Transit Oriented Development (TOD), it also provides valuable information regarding data in relation to existing stations and prioritizing equity for pilot projects for adaptation and resiliency.
