Union County approves nearly $200,000 to support transportation for older adults and persons with disabilities
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, November 11th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – During a regular commission meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved a proposal to accept $177,449 dollars in 5310 Public Transportation Grant Funds for the 2025-2027 biennium. According to information provided by the county, these federal grant funds are meant to support public transport for senior citizens and persons with disabilities by, as listed in a staff report presented to commissioners, “funding eligible capital, purchased services, and preventive maintenance projects for transportation providers.”
Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, who operate Union County Public Transport, was selected to receive the funds after submitting a proposal to the county for the continued operation of purchased service rides. It should be noted that Community Connection of Northeast Oregon is the only transportation provider in the county eligible for the funding. As part of the grant requirements, Community Connection also agreed to match 10%, bringing the total new funding up to $197,759 for the biennium.
Again, as was provided in the staff report, the funding will help provide non-medical transportation services to an estimated 250 older adults and people with disabilities via a predicted 525 rides per quarter. Union County Public Transportation offers fare-free transportation via the Demand Response Service (supported under the 5310 grant program) to essential, yet non-emergency, services, such as grocery stores, medical appointments, legal consultations, financial institutions, and even some leisurely activities.
Within the staff report, the need for the transport services is emphasized due to Union County’s older than average population, at 21.3% of senior citizens.
