Section 1225.260  Office of Public Affairs

The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing the Department's public affairs policies, plans, and programs.  The Office's primary objectives are to ensure adequate information toward increasing public involvement in the transportation planning process; assist the news media in the coverage of agency activities; increase the agency's sensitivity to the public and interpret public opinion so that agency programs and regulations will be realistic and acceptable; and to mobilize support for the agency and its programs.

a)         The Bureau of Information Services is responsible for providing internal services to the Department through editorial support such as editing of reports; designing and preparing material for printing; producing technical displays and models; and preparing a weekly digest of transportation news development throughout the nation.

b)         The Bureau of Public Information and Assistance is responsible for recommending and assisting the Secretary on the development of policies on public information.  Deviations from established information policies are identified by the Bureau and are recommended for corrective actions to the appropriate authority.  This Bureau is responsible for providing aid to the general public and news media on transportation related problems or complaints and providing information related to transportation matters.