The Federal Transit Administration has
approved $39.4 million in funding for public and non-profit
organizations in New York State to purchase 415 accessible vehicles and
other equipment used to assist in the transportation of seniors and
people with disabilities.
"One of government's most important responsibilities is to ensure vital services reach the most vulnerable citizens," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding will assist community organizations in providing transportation services to the elderly and people with disabilities and improve their access to food, health care and other essential services."
Since the New York State Department of Transportation began administering the federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program in 1974, more than $210 million in grant funding has been secured to help purchase approximately 4,500 accessible vehicles. The program was significantly expanded in 2015 from solely funding vehicle purchases to now including capital projects, operating assistance and mobility management services which build coordination among transportation providers in order to expand the availability of service.
A total of 152 non-profit and public organizations received awards in 2015. These organizations provide over 1.8 million passenger trips annually for seniors and individuals with disabilities in New York State.
"One of government's most important responsibilities is to ensure vital services reach the most vulnerable citizens," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding will assist community organizations in providing transportation services to the elderly and people with disabilities and improve their access to food, health care and other essential services."
Since the New York State Department of Transportation began administering the federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program in 1974, more than $210 million in grant funding has been secured to help purchase approximately 4,500 accessible vehicles. The program was significantly expanded in 2015 from solely funding vehicle purchases to now including capital projects, operating assistance and mobility management services which build coordination among transportation providers in order to expand the availability of service.
A total of 152 non-profit and public organizations received awards in 2015. These organizations provide over 1.8 million passenger trips annually for seniors and individuals with disabilities in New York State.
To view the full list of awards, click here.
Congresswoman Kathleen Rice said, "Seniors
and disabled individuals are valuable members of our communities, and
it is our responsibility to make sure they have the means to live fully
independent, active and rewarding lives. I’m pleased that this federal
funding will continue to improve services for seniors and people with
disabilities on Long Island, and I'll keep working to ensure that we use
our federal resources to help the people who need it most."
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, "This important funding will help our district's seniors and most vulnerable. By providing these resources to local non-profits, these grants will help the neediest in our community access food and important health services."
Congressman Lee Zeldin said, "This critical federal funding will provide community groups on Long Island with the resources they need to improve the quality of life for our seniors and people with disabilities. Providing support for those who need it the most has always been a principle Americans have stood by for generations, and this funding is an important measure to ensure we help the many vulnerable men and women in our communities."
Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said, "This program has long been an essential source of funding for organizations that assist the elderly and people with disabilities, so it is refreshing to see the program grow and expand to support not just vehicles but additional services and projects. Ensuring access to employment, education, medical services and recreational opportunities is essential for the health and well-being of our communities and this program is one more way we can work with Governor Cuomo to enhance mobility for people across New York State."
Program funds cover 80 percent of the cost necessary to purchase accessible vehicles, related capital equipment and to provide mobility management services. Operating assistance projects are eligible for up to a 50 percent federal share with the Grantee providing the remaining non-federal share.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, "This important funding will help our district's seniors and most vulnerable. By providing these resources to local non-profits, these grants will help the neediest in our community access food and important health services."
Congressman Lee Zeldin said, "This critical federal funding will provide community groups on Long Island with the resources they need to improve the quality of life for our seniors and people with disabilities. Providing support for those who need it the most has always been a principle Americans have stood by for generations, and this funding is an important measure to ensure we help the many vulnerable men and women in our communities."
Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said, "This program has long been an essential source of funding for organizations that assist the elderly and people with disabilities, so it is refreshing to see the program grow and expand to support not just vehicles but additional services and projects. Ensuring access to employment, education, medical services and recreational opportunities is essential for the health and well-being of our communities and this program is one more way we can work with Governor Cuomo to enhance mobility for people across New York State."
Program funds cover 80 percent of the cost necessary to purchase accessible vehicles, related capital equipment and to provide mobility management services. Operating assistance projects are eligible for up to a 50 percent federal share with the Grantee providing the remaining non-federal share.
Grant proposal evaluations were performed by
representatives from: Department of Transportation; Metropolitan
Planning Organizations, where applicable; and by New York State agencies
including the Office for the Aging, Department of Health, Office of
Mental Health and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Grant recipients of funding for vehicles will begin receiving deliveries in late 2016 with other projects to commence based upon the anticipated start dates provided during the application process. To maintain the integrity of the program, funding recipients are required to submit semi-annual reports that demonstrate the vehicles and other projects are used for their intended purpose. Department of Transportation officials also conduct site visits to ensure appropriate program compliance.
Grant recipients of funding for vehicles will begin receiving deliveries in late 2016 with other projects to commence based upon the anticipated start dates provided during the application process. To maintain the integrity of the program, funding recipients are required to submit semi-annual reports that demonstrate the vehicles and other projects are used for their intended purpose. Department of Transportation officials also conduct site visits to ensure appropriate program compliance.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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