ADA Transition Plan and Inventory

The Mankato/North Mankato Area Planning Organization (MAPO) and partner agencies, including the Cities of Eagle Lake, Mankato, North Mankato, and Skyline, as well as Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties, worked together to provide safe and accessible infrastructure for all users that met the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 28 CFR Part 35: Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services. Bolton & Menk completed this multi-agency effort which included evaluating approximately 165 miles of sidewalk, 65 miles of trails, and 5,500 pedestrian ramps within the MAPO boundary, as well as an additional 13.9 miles of sidewalk and trails and 408 pedestrian ramps in Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties outside of the MAPO boundary. The work included:

Project management and coordination of multiple agencies

Policy and practice revision recommendations to ensure accessibility for all users

A detailed inventory of ADA compliance in sidewalks, trails, pedestrian ramps, curb and gutter, crosswalks, accessible pedestrian signals, crosswalk signs, and transit stops

Integration of ADA requirements with agency missions, visions, and strategic goals

Development of grievance procedure

Leadership of the public involvement effort, including two open houses, coordination with advocacy groups (SMILES ILC, VINE, MRCI, etc.), and updates to elected officials

Collaboration with individuals on resolving accessibility issues in the city and county systems

GIS-based ADA transition data management system

Plan development that scheduled and prioritized activities for the efficient and effective removal of accessibility barriers within public rights-of-way

The result is an ADA Transition Plan that schedules and prioritizes activities for the efficient and effective removal of accessibility barriers within public rights-of-way.