The U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. said Thursday it will begin a preliminary investigation into the Florida Department of Transportation's Tampa Bay Express project, following a civil rights complaint.
- Complaint claims project targets minority neighborhoods
- Also claims historic structures will be torn down, longtimes residents displaced
The complaint claims the project targets minority neighborhoods in Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights and V.M. Ybor.
It also said historic structures will be torn down to make room for the express lanes along area interstates, and that families who've lived in the neighborhoods for generations will be forced to move.
Federal DOT officials said they will ask FDOT for more information and look into the claims.
The person who filed the complaint declined to speak to us, only saying that a statement will be provided when the time is appropriate.
In response to the claims, FDOT issued the following written statement:
"The complainant has challenged the plans for Tampa Bay Express in many ways. We are responding to each one as appropriate."