How the Law To Prevent Discrimination and Encourage Minority Participation in Railroad Activities Is Being Implemented

Under the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) regulations, recipients of federal financial assistance, and certain of their contractors and subcontractors, are required to take affirmative action to insure that minority persons and businesses have a fair opportunity to participate in employment and contractual opportunities resulting from the assistance. FRA organizations which administer the regulations are to: (1) review and approve recipients' affirmative action plans before financial assistance is granted, (2) monitor recipients' progress toward the goals established, and (3) investigate complaints. The Minority Business Resource Center (MBRC) was created under FRA to help assure that minority-owned businesses would be given the maximum practical opportunity to participate in business generated from public funds to the railroads by helping them to obtain contracts with the railroads.