Plan Statement
The Saint Paul Port Authority has adopted this plan to provide meaningful access to its business development programs and activities by persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). In accordance with federal guidelines, the Saint Paul Port Authority will make reasonable efforts to provide or arrange free language assistance for its LEP clients where needed.
Who Has Access to Assistance
A person who does not speak English as their primary language and who has limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English may being an LEP individual and may be entitled to language assistance with respect to Saint Paul Port Authority programs and activities.
Meaningful Access
Meaningful access is free language assistance in accordance with federal standards, which require an organization receiving federal funds to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals. If a client asks for language assistance, and the Saint Paul Port Authority determines the client is an LEP person and language assistance is necessary, the Saint Paul Port Authority will make reasonable efforts to provide free assistance. Reasonable steps may cease to be reasonable if costs imposed substantially exceed benefits. In these cases, the Saint Paul Port Authority may cease assistance.
Oral and Written Language Conversion
Language assistance includes interpretation (oral or spoken transfer of a message from one language to another) and translation (written transfer of a message from one language to another). The Saint Paul Port Authority will determine when interpretation and/or translation are needed and reasonable.
Use of Formal and Informal Interpreters
A list of formal interpreters may be obtained from the City of Saint Paul. Informal interpreters include the LEP individual’s family, friends, service representatives or advocates. The Saint Paul Port Authority will determine when a formal interpreter is needed and informal interpreter acceptable.
A formal interpreter is covered by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and will not disclose non-public data without written authorization from the client.
Document Translation
The Saint Paul Port Authority will analyze the costs and benefits of translating documents for potential LEP client(s), considering the expense of translating the documents, the barriers to meaningful translation, or interpretation of technical information.
LEP Distribution and Training
The Saint Paul Port Authority Human Resources Consultant will review and revise the LEP Plan from time to time.
The LEP Plan will be:
- Distributed to all Saint Paul Port Authority supervisors
- Available at the Saint Paul Port Authority office (350 Saint Peter Street, Suite 850, Saint Paul, MN 55102, Attn: Laurie Siever)
- Posted on www.sppa.com
- Explained in orientation and training sessions for supervisors and other staff who need to communicate with LEP clients