Knox senior program earns grant

Monies to support transportation effort The state’s three-year (2007-2009) work program includes support for various transportation projects and programs, including transit initiatives like Knox County’s Community Action Committee, which provides transportation services for the elderly. “Through TDOT’s long range planning process, we have worked strategically to develop a needs-based project list,” Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said. “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.” The state will award the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee a grant of $295,627 to assist with that program. The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee 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 elderly and handicapped 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 offer this assistance to the Knoxville – Knox County Community Action Committee.” Sen. Tim Burchett agreed. “This is the kind of program that makes a huge difference in the lives of the people it serves,” he said. “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,” TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said. “The program provides 90 percent of the funding through a mix of federal and state monies and the recipient not-for-profit organization is responsible for the remaining 10 percent match.” Vehicles purchased through this program are used primarily for the transportation of elderly and handicapped persons, but they may also be used for other assistance programs, such as “Meals On Wheels.”