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Council approves $193,964 Otter Bus grant and local match to keep service free
Summary
Council unanimously accepted a $193,964 phase‑4 grant for the Otter Bus, funded 80% by Virginia DRPT with a 20% match supported by the Bedford Community Health Foundation; the town remains fiscal agent and approved matching entries.
Council approved a budget amendment to accept $193,964 in grant revenue for the Otter Bus service (phase 4), with matching expenditure authority to continue funding the free transit service. Mary Zirkle, the town’s grants point person, said the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) provides 80% of the funding and the Bedford Community Health Foundation provides the 20% match; the foundation will continue to serve as the local match provider as the town pursues federal funding that will carry a 30% local match requirement.
Council members praised the Otter Bus service for improving access across town and noted it runs multiple routes covering the entire town. On a motion by Councilman Stacy Haley, seconded by Councilman Todd Foreman, council voted unanimously to accept the revenue and approve the matching expenditure entries. Warner said the town serves as the fiscal agent for the grant but the town’s role is to pass through funds and administer the program while the health foundation provides the local funding match.
Next steps: staff will continue grant reporting and pursue available federal funding opportunities to transition the grant structure if eligible.
