FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

IDOT SEEKS INPUT ON ITS DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM FINAL PUBLIC HEARING IN CHICAGO

Chicago , IL – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is seeking public input as it prepares to set FY 2005 goals for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. The Office of Business and Workforce Diversity (OBWD) will hold the final of three public hearings on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 to solicit input in the DBE goal-setting process. The hearing will begin at 8 a.m. until noon at the James R. Thompson Center located at 100 W. Randolph on the 10 th floor.

IDOT's DBE goals are set annually according to guidelines established by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), which includes soliciting public comments during the process. To be certified as a DBE , a firm must be a small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals , including minorities and women. Hearings are open to individuals who will provide general comments concerning the DBE goal-setting process and those who are willing to testify regarding past and current discriminatory practices and the continuing effect of such discrimination in the construction industry. A court reporter will be available to take individual statements; however , participants are also encouraged to bring written statements.