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Hood County transit system asks for $40,000 matching grant, riders testify to dependence
Summary
The county transit system requested a $40,000 matching grant to unlock state and federal funds; riders and board members described reliance on the service for medical appointments and daily needs, and staff said local support strengthens grant prospects with TxDOT.
Dorinda Long, general manager of the Hood County transit system, asked the commissioners court on June 17 for a $40,000 matching grant, saying local funding is required to unlock additional state and federal grants. "This local funding acts as a required match for state and federal grants," Long said, adding that without the match the system cannot unlock those funding streams.
Long and administrative staff emphasized that the transit system provides essential rides for dialysis, cancer treatment and other medical appointments and for job access. Riders gave first-person testimony: Brenda Reed told the court she depends on the service for doctor's appointments and grocery shopping. The court heard letters from riders (Sheila Hamm, Sharon Gross) read into the record describing reliance on transit.
County officials and transit-board members provided usage figures and distribution across precincts: the transit system averages about 450 riders per day and 2024 precinct counts shown to the court were roughly Precinct 1: 177; Precinct 2: 199; Precinct 3: 183; Precinct 4: 175. A commissioner argued the court should restore funding cut the previous year (from $30,000 to $20,000) and suggested $40,000 to cover the shortfall.
No formal vote was taken. Commissioners asked staff for more detailed ridership and cost breakdowns for follow-up budget decisions.
