Commissioners authorize application for ADA-accessible transit vehicle; county match discussed

Treasure County commissioners voted April 1 to proceed with a transit grant application that would bring a wheelchair-accessible minivan into the county's transportation fleet. Staff told the board that the non-ADA vehicle the county originally sought carried a lower purchase price, but state rules require an ADA-capable vehicle for the award in the county's circumstance.

Under the program described by staff, an ADA-accessible minivan with two wheelchair stations would be more expensive than the previously targeted van. The federal- and state-funded program would still provide most of the vehicle cost but raise the county's match rate (county share) above earlier estimates. Staff said the additional county match would total roughly $4,200 plus delivery and accessories, versus about $10,000 total match for the smaller vehicle discussed earlier.

Why it matters: County leaders said an ADA-capable vehicle would increase transportation access for residents who use wheelchairs or medical transport, support health and human-service providers, and integrate with crisis-transportation plans discussed elsewhere on the agenda.

Action and next steps: Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to apply for the ADA vehicle and authorized the staff to submit the application. Staff will continue to work with partner agencies to identify local match funding and to confirm delivery and outfitting costs if the county is selected.

The board also discussed longer-term fleet planning: if awarded an ADA vehicle, staff would later pursue a non-ADA van to expand general transit capacity.