IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s second largest city will be required to install thousands of new curb ramps and make changes to parks, buildings and parking lots under an Americans with Disabilities Act settlement with the federal government.
The far-reaching agreement gives Cedar Rapids four years to complete a transformation that should improve services and access for disabled individuals, including those who use wheelchairs or have vision, hearing or speech problems. City officials say the costs could reach $15 million or more.
U.S. Attorney Kevin Techau praised city leaders for reaching the settlement, which resolves alleged violations that were uncovered during a routine compliance review. He says the changes will “open up a world of opportunities for those with disabilities.”
Since 1999, 220 such agreements have been negotiated by the U.S. Department of Justice.
