As a recipient of federal funding (e.g., federal fuel tax funds), the Project must comply with several federal laws and regulations before it can be implemented, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities which receive federal financial assistance. NICTD, as operator of the SSL, is required to have an FTA-approved Title VI Program in place to receive federal funding.

Capital funds to NICTD to expand commuter rail service require that NICTD provide service equitably along the corridor to “ensure that the level and quality of public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner” (FTA Circular 4702.1B).

The Environmental Assessment included an evaluation of any potential disproportionate impacts to minority or low-income persons in the corridor. In addition, the project included a Title VI analysis for the siting of the facilities to ensure that the site-specific impacts are not disparately borne by those protected under Title VI. After consideration of mitigation measures to be implemented with the project, it was determined that there would not be disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority or low-income persons, and that the project would not exclude those protected by Title VI from the benefits of the new rail service.