Virginia Law

A. The need for the establishment of a relocation office to service the displacees located on a project will be determined on a project-by-project basis by the district manager. The main criteria for establishing a project office will be whether such an office would be efficient and responsive to displacee needs and an efficient use of staff resources. An adequate sign clearly visible to the public will identify all project site offices.

B. A local relocation office must be easily accessible to project area residents and business operators and shall be open during normal work hours and during evening hours when necessary to serve the project displacees. The office should be arranged so as to afford privacy during meetings with project residents and other persons having business at the office. At least one relocation agent will be assigned to the office with the primary responsibility of providing relocation assistance. The agent will be required to maintain regular contact with the project's displacees and be available for evening appointments at the convenience of the displacees.

The following information should be available:

1. Local ordinances pertaining to housing, building codes and open housing.

2. Consumer educational literature on housing, shelter costs and family budgeting.

3. Copy of VDOT's relocation brochure.

4. A current and continuing list of decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwellings, both for rent and for sale. The list will contain only fair and open housing available to persons without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.

5. A similar list of commercial properties and locations for business.

6. Current data for such costs as security deposits for utilities, leases and closing costs, typical down payments, interest rates and terms, taxes, assessments, etc.

7. Maps showing location of schools, parks, playgrounds, shopping areas and appropriate public transportation routes, schedules and costs.

8. Any other important information of value to displacees.