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Macon County approves four transit grants totaling $897,764
Summary
The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved four FY2027 transit grants on Oct. 14 that together total $897,764, covering administrative costs, capital vehicle replacements, elderly/disabled services and a regional route; some local matches will be covered by designated transit funds, not county general funds.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved four transit grant requests at its Oct. 14 meeting that together total $897,764 and fund administrative, capital and regional service needs.
Transit Director Darlene Asher described the largest request as a $230,232 5311 administrative grant for fiscal year 2027. Asher said the award is structured so the federal share covers 85 percent and the county share is 15 percent, with a county contribution of $34,535. She said the grant “pays for administrative salaries and benefits for 2.3 employees,” along with drug and alcohol testing, office supplies, training and advertising.
Asher also outlined a $300,000 5310 grant to support elderly and disabled transportation. The grant requires a 50/50 local match; Asher told the board the county’s $150,000 share will be met using the EDTAP portion of ROAP funds and billed contract revenues, meaning “no County funds will be used as a match.”
A combined capital grant totaling $167,532 was approved to replace a transit van (including lettering and propane conversion kits) and to purchase four desktop computers with monitors; the county’s share for that award is $16,754, Asher said.
Finally, the board approved a $200,000 50/50 concept grant to support the WNC Express regional route that picks up passengers in Jackson, Swain and Haywood counties. Asher said the match will come from billing those partner agencies, fares and other contract revenues, and that no county general fund dollars will be required.
Each public hearing was opened and closed with no members of the public signed up to speak. Commissioner Shearl made the motions to approve the grants; motions were seconded by Commissioners Shields or Antoine as noted at the meeting, and each vote was unanimous.
The grants will fund administrative work, capital replacement and regional bus service for fiscal year 2027. Transit staff will now proceed with the required grant administration steps and any procurement tied to the capital award.
