Provide the gsats MPO and its subrecipients with administrative support and capital funding assistance to implement transportation projects and services for older adults and persons with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $1,344,342 Formula Grant under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program (CFDA 20.513) to the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG) in South Carolina. The grant funds will be used to provide administrative support and capital assistance for transportation projects and services that benefit older adults and persons with disabilities in the WRCOG service area. Key activities include:

• Purchasing 5 ADA-compliant vehicles for transit services to medical appointments, recreational activities, senior centers, and employment opportunities. Funds will also support operating assistance to staff and circulate the new vehicles.
• Providing mobility management services to coordinate and secure transportation for eligible riders through sub-awards to organizations like Brunswick Transit System, Neighbor to Neighbor SC, and Horry County Council on Aging.
• Expanding transit services in the region based on recent transportation studies identifying service gaps.

Through this comprehensive approach, the grant aims to enhance the mobility and independent travel options for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the WRCOG area.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide the gsats MPO and its subrecipients with administrative support and capital funding assistance to implement transportation projects and services for older adults and persons with disabilities.

Activities

The funds from this award will be used for eligible section 5310 capital investment projects including mobility management operating assistance and the purchase of five (5) ADA compliant vehicles.

Expected outcomes

The outcome of this award will be holistic approach to addressing the transportation needs in the MPO by optimizing the council on aging senior centers and programs to reach the aging population and coordinate transportation. The RTA provider is expanding services as a result of a current study that had identified gaps in service areas. BTS N2N and wrcog are working in tandem to provide transportation services where there is an on demand need.

Intended beneficiaries

Seniors and individuals with disabilities in both south and north carolina boundaries of the urban area will benefit from this award.

Subrecipient activities

Hccoa hcdsn and coast RTA is requesting to purchase ADA compliant vehicles to provide transit services for medical appointments recreational opportunities senior center involvement and employment opportunities for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Hccoa is requesting to utilize operating funds to ensure the vehicle is staffed and in circulation. BTS is requesting to purchase the transit service to have these transportation opportunities available. BTS N2N and wrcog is requesting mobility management services to secure rides for eligible riders.