Amador County – The California Department of Transportation announced Thursday that applications are being accepted for $25 million in federal transit grant funds aimed at providing transportation services to people with special needs.

Matt Rocco, public information officer for the Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento announced the availability of the funds in a release Thursday, saying the funds could help the elderly and people with disabilities.

Caltrans is accepting applications through the Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled Specialized Transit Program, which “was established to meet the transportation needs of elderly people and people with disabilities in areas where public transportation services are insufficient.”

Caltrans Director Cindy McKim said the funds will help improve mobility for all Californians, including those with special needs. She thanked “FTA Administrator Rogoff and all our federal partners for this assistance.”

The program allows private nonprofits, and public agencies to apply for funding to purchase accessible vans or buses, or other transportation equipment to serve individuals with special needs.

All interested parties are encouraged to apply. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 4. For more information and instructions on how to apply, see the Division of Mass Transportation website.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.