Senator Gallivan Applauds Federal Grants to Assist Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says over $39 million in federal grants will be used to support public and non-profit organizations in New York State that provide transportation services to seniors and people with disabilities.  The funding from the Federal Transit Administration will be used to purchase vehicles and to support transportation providers throughout the state.

“Providing adequate transportation services for our seniors and people with disabilities is essential,” Gallivan said.  “Whether it’s a trip to the doctor’s office, the grocery store or a place of employment, it’s important that we ensure that community based organizations have the resources necessary to provide transportation for those who need it.  These essential services give the elderly and those with disabilities a sense of independence and improve their overall quality of life.”

The New York State Department of Transportation administers the program known as the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program.  The funds will be used to purchase 415 accessible vehicles and other equipment used to provide transportation services or to provide operating assistance to a total of 152 non-profit and public organizations statewide.

Grant recipients in Erie County include:

• Catholic Health Systems, DBA LIFE-Living Independently for Elders:  $86,669
• Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc.:  $248,787
• County of Erie, DBA Department of Senior Services:  $862,193
• ECMC Lifeline Foundation:  $20,000
• Erie County Chapter NYSARC, DBA Heritage Centers:  $340,890
• Hearts and Hands-Faith in Action Inc.:  $250,000
• Lord of Life Adult & Child Services, Inc.:  $65,255
• Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority:  $146,784
• People, Inc.:  $232,331
• S.E. Community Work Center, Inc., DBA Southeast Works:  $261,020
• The Summit Center, DBA Summit Educational Resources:  $89,685

Grant recipients also include the Livingston/Wyoming Chapter of NYSARC, Inc., which will receive $159,472 for the purchase of four new vehicles.  The Wyoming County Community Health System has also been granted $37,527 for the purchase of one new vehicle.

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