Grant funding available for transportation needs

The Human Services Council (HSC), a non-profit organization providing transportation services in Southwest Washington, in partnership with Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SWRTPO), Twin Transit and representatives from Aging and Disabilities have announced the counties of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific and Wahkiakum are one of 10 areas selected through a competitive application process to receive grant funding from Easterseals Project Action Consulting’s (ESPAC) Accessible Transportation Community Initiative (ATCI). These grants are designed to increase and improve independent mobility for people with disabilities and older adults through the development of transportation coalitions. This project will help these communities find solutions at the local level to improve transportation access with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for children, families, caregivers and older adults.

The ATCI Project is a systems change model designed to improve access to and use of transportation options in the community. An important component of the award is onsite facilitation and targeted technical assistance during a two-day event for coalition members to learn the ATCI model and develop an accessible transportation plan. ESPAC will continue to provide targeted technical assistance over the subsequent year including an on-site visit while communities implement their plan.

The ATCI project planning committee will represent all areas of the region through the ATCI Coalition. The Coalition will include:

• Transportation providers (e.g. human services, taxi, school volunteers or public transportation)

• People with disabilities who use public transportation

• Other transportation customers (e.g. older adults, bike and pedestrian advocates or recent immigrants)

• Individuals engaged in the technical aspects of transportation planning (e.g. planners, engineers, rural, regional)

• Community leaders in formal leadership roles (e.g. elected officials or transit board members)

• Other highly-engaged members of a community who might not be currently working on accessible transportation issues, but who promote vitality in the community.

Anyone interested in learning more about the ATCI Coalition is encouraged to contact Debbie Hale, Human Services Council, 360-735-5715 or debbieh@hsc-wa.org.