Governor Awards Transit Grants to Local Transportation Providers
Grants awarded throughout Tennessee including Hamilton County

Nashville, Tenn.—Governor Phil Bredesen and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently released a three-year (2007-2009) Multi-modal Work Program for the state of Tennessee. The program includes various transportation projects and programs, including transit initiatives.

"Through TDOT’s long range planning process, we have worked strategically to develop a needs-based project list. The projects and grants that are being awarded reflect the variety of transportation modes necessary to accommodate the growing demands being put on our transportation system in Tennessee,” said Governor Bredesen.

The state will award Orange Grove Center in Hamilton County two grants in the amount of $187,495 to assist with that program.

Orange Grove Center is a private, non-profit organization that provides transportation services for the elderly and for persons with disabilities.

“This is an extremely worthwhile investment for the state to make,” said Bredesen. “These grants help ensure that many people with limited mobility in our state have transportation to such places as medical centers, educational outlets and adult care facilities. I’m pleased the state is able to provide this assistance to the Orange Grove Center. ”

“The grants will be used to purchase two passenger buses and two buses with wheelchair lifts,” reported Senator Ward Crutchfield. “I’m pleased the state made this decision to help.”

“This kind of program makes an important difference in the lives of the people it serves,” added Representative Tommie Brown.

“This is exactly the kind of grant investment that I hope the state continues to make,” said Representative Joanne Favors.

“This grant program provides federal funding which is administered by TDOT’s Office of Public Transportation to enhance transportation services for the elderly and handicapped,” explained TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “The program provides 90% of the funding through a mix of federal and state monies and the recipient not-for-profit organization is responsible for the remaining 10% match.”

Vehicles purchased through this program are used primarily for the transportation of elderly and handicapped persons, but they can also be used for other assistance programs, such as “Meals On Wheels.” The total amount being awarded to 27 transportation services in this grant cycle is $1,480,449.