FHWA Establishes Civil Rights Award In Memory of Former Division Administrator |
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Topics: Bill Fung
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Federal Highway Administration
June 7, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 7, 2002
Contact: TaMara McCrae
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 25-02
First Award Goes to FHWA's Maryland Division Administrator
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the establishment of a new civil rights award that honors the memory of William K. (Bill) Fung, the agency's former division administrator in Wisconsin who died in October 2001 after an extended illness.
"This award acknowledges the tremendous contributions that Bill made, not only as division administrator but also as a partner and a champion for civil rights programs and initiatives," FHWA Administrator Mary E. Peters said. "Bill worked to ensure that those employed by the agency or involved in its programs were treated fairly. He could always be counted on to be an agent for change. This award recognizing his contributions will be part of his legacy to our FHWA family."
The first recipient of the award is Nelson Castellanos, FHWA Division Administrator in Maryland. He was recognized for his consistent leadership in civil rights, exemplified by his successful negotiation of an informal resolution of a Title VI complaint in Cambridge, MD.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. Individuals and groups can file administrative complaints with FHWA in which they allege discrimination by such a recipient.
The award was developed to honor an FHWA division administrator who has demonstrated a high level of commitment to and effectiveness in implementing the FHWA's civil rights programs and initiatives and who has demonstrated excellence in assisting the agency in meeting its civil rights goals and objectives. The award will be presented biennially at the National Transportation Civil Rights Conference.
Joining the FHWA in sponsoring the award is the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Administrative Subcommittee on Civil Rights.