The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will invest $3,083,489 in local communities to aid the transportation needs of the elderly and disabled in Ohio. The money will be used to purchase new, previously unavailable vehicles and equipment.

“We have an obligation to recognize the needs of the elderly and disabled in our community and do what we can to help get them get where they need to go,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.

The new equipment will help provide access to medical appointments, employment, grocery shopping, banking and other services. The funding is part of the ODOT’s Specialized Transportation Program. The objective of the program is to increase personal mobility for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Overall, 63 different nonprofit agencies and organizations across 36 different counties in Ohio are receiving the funds.   

Terry Fruth, director of finance for Quadco Rehabilitation Center in Williams County has directly seen the benefits this funding has on his facility.

“The funding we receive is essential to our program. We serve 240 individuals across four different counties in Northwest Ohio,” Fruth said. “The majorities of the people we serve are developmentally disabled as well as mentally, physically, and economically disabled individuals.  On average we put 40,000 miles per month on all vehicles combined. This year, we will be able to purchase four new, much needed vehicles, to help provide the best service possible to our area.”

A list of the agencies with their locations, vehicles and equipment awarded can be accessed at the Office of Transit’s website or by clicking here.