Title
Hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution authorizing $37,500 or a match of 10%, for Aging Services for the North Carolina Department of Transportation FY28 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant Program (Section 5310)
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The Section 5310 Capital Purchase of Service Grant Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant Program provides funding for transportation to Aging Services centers in Pittsboro and Siler City, medical transportation and group trips.
Should the allocations remain consistent with FY26, 80% of this total will originate from federal sources, with 10 percent from NCDOT. The final 10% requires a local match, equaling $37,500. The Board did approve this match for the FY27 application process.
This funding provides transportation through a contract between Chatham County and Chatham Transit Network, the latter being the sole public transportation provider within Chatham County. It will serve the elderly and disabled population of Chatham who would otherwise be limited in accessing basic needs and societal supports. Funding will be utilized for transportation to sites such as senior centers, congregate meal locations, local pharmacies and grocery stores. Additionally, a portion of the funding budget will be set aside for medical transportation, which includes doctor’s appointments. Three in 10 Chatham County residents are 65 years of age and older, and by 2039, it is estimated that over 40% of Chatham residents will be 60 years of age and older.
Given Chatham County's extensive rural nature at over 700 square miles and minimal availability of public transportation options, this funding will combat isolation and loneliness among Chatham's most vulnerable citizens - especially those on a fixed income that do not live close to friends or family members and cannot afford to pay for private transportation (such as Uber).
Since the grant funding is over the $100,...
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