For four years, the city has worked to make public projects compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rather than granting an extension, the Department of Justice says it is closing the case.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was one of 200 cities the Department of Justice targeted as part of Project Civic Access, an initiative to ensure that public facilities and projects complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city had a four-year agreement starting in 2015 to make the changes, but ADA upgrades were taking longer and costing more than anticipated and officials had requested a three-year extension.
"While many projects have been completed — more than 1,800 curb ramps; updates to 24 parks and recreation sites including Ushers Ferry, Old MacDonald’s Farm and Tait Cummins Sports Complex; and improved access to skywalks and Veterans Memorial Stadium — more work remains," reports B.A. Morelli.
The DOJ, however, says it has reviewed evidence of the work submitted by the city and is closing the case. Cedar Rapids officials say the city will continue to complete the projects outlined in the agreement. But some local advocates are concerned that access will become less of a priority for the city without the agreement in place.
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