Governor Rendell Announces $2.1 Million Investment in Small Transi...( Grants Distributed to 27 Pr...),Health

Grants Distributed to 27 Providers to Purchase Vehicles

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said senior citizens and people with disabilities will be better able to get around with the state's investment of $2.1 million in 27 human service transportation providers. The organizations will use the money to buy wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

"Senior citizens and people with disabilities deserve the same access to public transportation as the rest of us," Governor Rendell said. "These federal funds will help providers buy much-needed vehicles so people can get to medical appointments, work or the grocery store. Access to safe, reliable transportation enhances quality of life."

The recipients include 26 private, non-profit organizations and one public group. In contrast with PennDOT's shared-ride program, which is available to the general public, human service transit providers work primarily with specific clients, such as people with cerebral palsy or mental retardation. Six of these providers are receiving grants for the first time.

The federally-funded grants are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to cover up to 80 percent of the cost of new wheelchair- accessible transit vehicles.

All applications for the federal elderly and persons with disabilities program are evaluated by an interdepartmental task force, which includes representatives from the Pennsylvania Departments of Aging, Community & Economic Development, Labor & Industry, Public Welfare and Transportation.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http:
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