Macon County commissioners unanimously approve four FY2026 transit grants totaling $604,371 in requests

Transit Director Darlene Asher presented four FY2026 grant applications to the Macon County Board on Sept. 10 and said the funding would cover administrative salaries, vehicle camera equipment, operating the WNC Express route and transportation for elderly and disabled residents. The board opened and closed each public hearing with no members of the public speaking and approved each grant unanimously.

Asher outlined the grant specifics on the record: the 5311 administrative grant totaled $230,232 with an 80/5/15 split and a county local share of $34,536; the 5310 Elderly and/or Disabled grant totaled $200,000 with a 50/50 split and a local share of $50,000 (to be matched with EDTAP and Block Grant funds); the Combined Capital grant totaled $74,139 with an 80/10/10 split and a local share of $7,413 to replace the camera computer and add a laptop and new camera system for vehicles; and a Concept Grant for $100,000 with a 50/50 match and local share of $50,000 to support the WNC Express route to Asheville.

Following the hearings, Commissioner Shields moved and Commissioner Antoine seconded approval of the FY26 Program Resolution and FY26 Local Share Certification; the vote was unanimous. Asher said the capital camera upgrades were necessary for driver and passenger safety and the concept grant funding would rely on contract revenue from Swain and Haywood counties and Medicaid revenue as part of the local match.