The Marshall County Council on Aging is looking to apply for a grant to purchase two new vehicles to update the fleet.
Executive Director Jackie Wright presented information to the Marshall County Commissioners this week asking to apply for $172,363 for two low-floor mini vans and equipment with a local match of $14,800. She noted that the grant match money will consist of donations, Older Americans Act dollars, United Way funds, local government entity budgeted dollars and Marshall County Community Foundation funds.
A public hearing was held to gather public comment on the Federal Transportation Act Resolution to apply for that grant money where no comments were brought forth during the meeting.
With that, the commissioners approved the resolution as presented.
Wright said the need for transportation is growing as older Marshall County residents seek travel assistance to medical visits and other health care needs. She said that visits to the VA in Indianapolis and in South Bend are often requested as well as visits to Valparaiso and Rochester for doctor visits. In the first quarter this year, 120 denials were given as there weren’t vehicles or time available for particular requests.
