A great article in theWisconsin Rapids Tribunewritten by Liz Welter about how agencies in central Wisconsin received money from the state Department of Transportation. The grants will increase transportation options for people with disabilities.

Transportation grants to increase services

By Liz Welter

Nonprofit and government agencies in central Wisconsin received portions of $3.4 million in grants awarded by the state Department of Transportation recently.

The grants will enhance and support local transportation options for older folks and people who have disabilities, said agency officials.

"This is a blessing," said BrandonVruwink, Wood County Economic Support and Employment Services division manager.

A $117,600 grant will provide the county with two medium-sized wheelchair-accessible buses for its transportation program.

"These buses have a low floor design, which means there are no stairs, and we don't need a wheelchair lift for someone who uses a wheelchair. This makes it easier for everyone who uses the buses,"Vruwinksaid.

"The key thing is by upgrading the fleet, we will save on maintenance expenses, and this allows us to continue the service we currently have,"Vruwinksaid.

Opportunity Development Centers Inc. inMarshfieldand Wisconsin Rapids received $25,600 for a wheelchair-accessible minivan to transport clients. The centers serve disabled adults in the county and use the buses for transportation to job and work sites, said JenniferBlum, ODC director of community and donor relations.

"The reason we're so excited about this particular minivan is that throughout all of ODC, we only have one wheelchair-accessible van,"Blumsaid. She said ODC will pursue a similar grant in 2015 to acquire another minivan.

TheBethelCenter inArpinwas awarded $43,200 to purchase a medium-sized bus with wheelchair access, said JohnLey, center executive director.

TheBethelCenter provides medical treatment for many residents who also need to attend appointments with physicians and other health care providers,Leysaid.

"These residents must see their physician or undergo treatment on an ongoing basis, and this bus makes transportation possible," he said.

The $81,097 grant for Portage County will replace an aging bus used by the county's Aging & Disability Resource Center, or ADRC.

"This allows us to replace our bus purchased in 2005 that is barely running," said DavidAdamczak, ADRC mobility management director.

The bus service provides transportation for county residents who qualify for meal services at sites in the county,Adamczaksaid.

"Our community is aging and more people are needing transportation services," he said.

Source: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/local/2014/11/29/transportation-grants-increase-services/19631951/