Councils of governments warn of Meals on Wheels shortfalls, flag transportation planning gaps

Representatives from several regional councils of governments told the Constitutional Subcommittee that aging services — including home-delivered meals — are facing funding shortfalls and that some transportation projects are experiencing information and implementation gaps between local planning organizations and the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

Joette Dukes and other council representatives described the councils' work across economic development, transportation and aging services and highlighted an annual state appropriation of $1,500,000 that is divided by formula among the 10 councils.

"We are deeply grateful for the $1,500,000 that is appropriated to our councils each year, which we divide by formula among the 10 of us," a council presenter said.

Bill Molnar, a regional director who spoke for his council, told senators his region has more than 800 people on the waiting list for home-delivered meal services and that councils are not adding new clients because funding and meal costs have strained local…