The Marathon County Health and Human Services Committee voted to approve applying for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs County Transportation Grant to supplement the county's 85.21 specialized transportation assistance program.

County staff told the committee the county is eligible to receive $366,000 under the 85.21 program but must provide a 20% local match of $73,000. "We are eligible to receive $366,000 of which the county brings forward a 20% match at $73,000," staff said. Staff described the veterans grant as a reimbursable fund that the county would use for rides to Veterans Administration appointments and said the program defines veteran eligibility in statute.

Why it matters: staff said the veterans grant funds would be used alongside the existing 85.21 program to eliminate small rider fees for veterans using county-provided trips to VA appointments and to expand service into rural areas. The county has an RFP with MetroRide and Northcentral Healthcare to provide transportation; Northcentral currently provides an estimated six to 10 rides per week to VA appointments, staff reported.

Staff explained award mechanics and timing: they said the state has advertised up to $200,000 available statewide across 72 counties and that allocations will depend on demonstrated need. The county must apply by Dec. 1, 2025; staff expect award notifications in early 2026 and would then implement logistics, perform outreach and seek quarterly reimbursement. The Transportation Coordinating Committee took up the matter Oct. 23 and recommended moving it forward to Health and Human Services (reported unanimous).

During discussion, county administrators noted that MetroRide does not currently run service directly to the VA; MetroRide could transport veterans to Northcentral Healthcare, which would then transport them to the VA, and MetroRide indicated a willingness to discuss future service expansion. The committee made a motion to approve the application, the motion was seconded, members voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: staff said they will report back to committee on the outcome of the application. Because the anticipated funds were not included in the 2026 budget, staff said that if the county receives an award they will return with any necessary budget modification requests.