Published: March 24, 2008 11:27 am         

Foundation awards grant for transit vehicle

LAGRANGE, Ind. — The LaGrange County Community Foundation officials Thursday awarded the LaGrange County Council on Aging a $9,000 grant to assist with the purchase of a new small transit vehicle.

The community foundation has assisted with van purchases in the past and believes support for the purchases is consistent with the vision of a county where basic health and human services are available to residents throughout their entire lifetimes, according to a release from the community foundtion.

“We are pleased to offer community support to Council on Aging in providing a valuable service to LaGrange County citizens,” said Laura Lemings, LCCF executive director.

The LaGrange County Council on Aging launched LCAT (LaGrange County Area Transit) in January of this year, becoming the county’s public transportation provider.

During the first two months of operation, the number of new clients who took advantage of the new transportation service equaled 30 percent of all of the new LaGrange County seniors who utilized the COA’s transportation service last year.

“The need to expand our fleet of vehicles is apparent,” said COA Executive Director Bill Cunningham. “The LaGrange County Community Foundation Grant comes at a perfect time.”

In late 2007, the Council on Aging received approval from INDOT 5310 to purchase a new van, with INDOT covering 80 percent of the cost of the vehicle. The Community Foundation award will cover the remaining 20 percent of the cost.

The final specifications for the new van have been submitted to INDOT and delivery is expected this coming fall.

This new van will hold up to eight passengers with a wheelchair lift and space for two wheelchairs. The Council on Aging will now have a total of three vans that can accommodate wheel chairs. The new van will join the fleet of five vans currently providing service to LCAT riders.

Anyone regardless of age can use the LCAT transportation services by calling 463-4161 24 hours in advance to schedule their trip. For out-of-county medical trips it is recommended that calls be placed two to three days in advance.

The vans operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors age 60 and older and anyone on Medicaid ride for a small donation and will receive preference in scheduling. All others pay a fare at the time they board the van. Additional donations to help offset the increased cost of fuel are always welcome.