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ADA complaint vs CPA closed
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Posted on Mar 31 2000
The Civil Rights Division of the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a final ruling on accessibility issues involving the Saipan Air Traffic Control Tower and the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting building finding the Commonwealth Ports Authority in compliance with existing Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
CPA recently undertook a number of adjustments including the construction of an elevator in response to a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation involving the Saipan seaport office, the ATCT and the ARFF building in 1992.
However, the ports authority argued that portions of the airport tower and the fire fighting facility need not meet ADA specifications since the job or an air traffic controller and fire fighters entail a certain degree of physical capabilities.
Civil Rights Staff Manager Judith Crosby has consulted with the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board, which led to a conclusion by the FAA that the upper portion of the airport control tower does not have to meet ADA requirements.
While the officers and restrooms of the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting facility should meet requirements set by the law on disabilities, Ms. Crosby said areas which are for use only by firefighters do not have to meet ADA specifications.
CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the ports authority is thankful for the ruling and the assistance provided by the FAA on ADA compliance.
“I think it is important to note that CPA is willing to re-work its public facilities to accommodate the well founded goals of the American with Disabilities Act. In the case of public areas such as restrooms and offices, we are 100 percent committed to complete accessibility,” Mr. Salas said.
He added that CPA heeds to the objectives of the ADA to continue foster an essential public service in making sure all segments of the population have unfettered access to goods and services.
