Counties to get grant money for transportation
Fayette, Greene and Washington counties will receive grant money to purchase buses or vans equipped for people with disabilities. On Thursday, Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced that the three counties are among 55 that will receive grants totaling $6.8-million for their shared-ride programs.
Fayette will receive $156,100, Greene $182,400 and Washington $269,003 to buy vans, buses or computer or communications equipment for their shared-ride programs, Rendell said.
“That should buy a few (buses),” Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites said. “We apply whenever we can to expand or replenish our buses in the county.”
“We’re thrilled,” said Pam Snyder, chairwoman of the Greene County commissioners. “A lot of our vans are getting old and worn out.”
Rendell explained that the state Department of Transportation awarded the grants, which consist of state and federal money.
“Transit services mean the difference between reaching medical services, the grocery store and work or being stranded at home,” Rendell said.
“We have a responsibility to provide older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities a reliable transportation system. This investment in the shared-ride programs ensures that transportation providers are able to offer the best possible service with vehicles that re equipped to handle every citizen’s needs.”
Greene County Human Service Director Karen Bennett, who runs the county’s shared-ride program, said the grant will be used to buy four new vans that can carry nine or 10 passengers.
The vans will be purchased through the county’s bidding process next summer, Bennett said.
She explained that the county has 15 vans, including two purchased this year, and they made 44,910 trips in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The program has 2,545 active riders.
“We’re really busy,” Bennett said.
She said the shared-ride program is funded from lottery proceeds.
Statewide, more than 12,000 people use their county’s shared-ride programs, according to Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, and Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-46th.
Both said they were pleased with Washington County’s grant.