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 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $1,252,178 to the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG), operating as the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization, under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (CFDA 20.513). This formula grant, awarded on September 25, 2025, with a completion date of September 29, 2034, provides administrative support and capital funding to implement transportation projects and services for older adults and persons with disabilities across a bi-state service area spanning South Carolina and North Carolina.

The award funds Section 5310 capital investment projects, including the procurement of five Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant vehicles and mobility management services. The primary sub-awardee, Coast Regional Transportation Authority (Coast RTA), will utilize vehicle funding to expand transit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including transportation for medical appointments, recreational activities, senior center participation, and employment opportunities. Additional sub-awardees Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) and WRCOG will provide mobility management services to coordinate on-demand ride services for eligible passengers. These investments address identified service gaps in the MPO region through a coordinated, holistic approach to transportation accessibility for vulnerable populations.

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 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 the RTA provider is expanding services as a result of a current study that had identified gaps in service areas. 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

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. N2N and wrcog is requesting mobility management services to secure rides for eligible rides.