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The new Transit-350 XL high roof, all-wheel drive vehicle was purchased by GADD via a federal Section 5310 grant award through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Office of Transportation Delivery, with required local match funds provided by the Morgan County Fiscal Court and City of West Liberty, and supplemental funding approved by DAIL. Section 5310 grants, through the U.S. Department of Transportation, makes federal funds accessible to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The new vehicle replaces a 2013 Dodge Caravan. The Transit, which will hold up to 15 people, will be used to provide transportation services to Morgan County Senior Center participants and to deliver home delivered meals within the county.
The process to obtain a new senior center vehicle began in February 2020 when GADD applied for the Section 5310 grant through KYTC. Just over one year later, in March 2021, GADD received approval to purchase the vehicle via the statewide Kentucky Public Transit Association (KPTA) bid package. After two unsuccessful statewide bidding attempts, due to supply chain issues, GADD requested and received approval from KYTC to solicit bids for the vehicle directly in November 2022. Due to the length of time between the initial grant award and the time bids were received, vehicle prices had increased, and additional funds were needed. DAIL, and Commissioner Victoria Elridge, authorized the use of $16,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) moneys to fully fund the project. In April of this year, GADD awarded a contract to a dealership in Indiana to purchase the Ford Transit vehicle.
Funding Package
Section 5310 Grant (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet): $42,102
Morgan County Fiscal Court: $4,500
City of West Liberty: $4,500
Department for Aging and Independent Living ARPA: $16,000
Morgan County Judge-Executive Jim Gazay said, “This is an exciting day for our county and senior center to receive a new vehicle that will provide transportation services to dozens of participants and help deliver meals throughout the county. Ms. Cindy Ball does a great job at the senior center, and we know she will put the vehicle to good use immediately. The Morgan County Fiscal Court is proud to be a part of this project.”
City of West Liberty Mayor Kyle Risner stated, “On the behalf of the city, we appreciate the opportunity to participate in a project that will have such a positive impact on our community. Thank you to GADD for their work in securing funding for the new van. Come check out the senior center and all it has to offer.”
Mr. Joshua Farrow, GADD’s Executive Director, expressed his gratitude to those who helped make this project possible, stating, “This project is truly a collaborative effort from federal, state, and local governments – and a great use of public dollars to invest in our aging population. We are proud of the commitments from our local government members Judge Gazay, the Fiscal Court, Mayor Risner, the City, and our state partners, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Department for Aging and Independent Living, in providing the funding to make this purchase happen for the Morgan County Senior Center.”
The Morgan County Senior Center, located at 493 Riverside Drive, in West Liberty, serves as a gateway to connect senior adults to vital community services that can help them stay healthy and independent. The senior center is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, excluding holidays and inclement weather days. Congregate meals are served from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM daily. The senior center provides a wide variety of programs and services that include: Meal and Nutrition Programs, Information and Assistance, Fitness and Wellness Programs, Volunteer and Civic Engagement Opportunities, Social and Recreational Activities, Educational and Arts Programs, Outreach, and Transportation.
For additional information regarding senior center services, please contact the Morgan County Senior Center at 606.743.7695 or GADD’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at 855.822.5307.
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