Submitted by Intercity Transit
Program Taking Requests For Vans – Organizations Providing Community Transportation may be Eligible to Apply to Intercity Transit Program
Intercity Transit, the region’s public transportation agency, is accepting applications for the award of several retired vanpool vehicles to local qualifying organizations. Intercity Transit will award up to four older passenger vans, seating a maximum of 8 to 12 people depending on vehicle type.
Since 2004, the agency’s Van Grant Program has awarded 29 retired vanpool vehicles to community organizations through a competitive application and review process instead of selling them at auction. Qualifying applicants must serve clients within the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Yelm or within their urban growth areas. Only government agencies and private nonprofit organizations that qualify under 26 USC 501(c) (3) are eligible to participate in the process. Applicants must identify how a van will benefit their constituency and the community as a whole. They must also demonstrate that existing transit service does not meet their transportation needs, and address their ability to maintain the vehicle for its intended function.
Intercity Transit invites interested parties to one of two open houses on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 2 to 3:30 p.m. or Thursday, August 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m. The open houses will be held in the Board Room at Intercity Transit’s business office, 526 Pattison Street, Olympia. The optional open houses provide potential applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the application process, selection criteria, and van maintenance, mileage, and upkeep. Several of the vehicles will be available for inspection.
“There are many wonderful and worthy organizations in our community for which a passenger vehicle can greatly help them successfully serve their clients,” states Ann Freeman- Manzanares, Intercity Transit General Manager.
Completed grant applications are due no later than 4 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2013. Intercity Transit will complete a competitive review and anticipates the Intercity Transit Authority will award the vans in October. Agencies awarded vans through the Van Grant program in the past include Catholic Community Services, Thurston County Police Athletic League, Wee Love Early Learning Center, Olympia Gospel Mission, Senior Services of South Sound, Thurston County Food Bank, Yelm Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, Behavior Health Resources, and the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County, among others.
Application packets will be available at the workshop, online at www.intercitytransit.com, by calling Intercity Transit’s business office, 360-786-8585, or e-mailing Carolyn Newsome at cnewsome@intercitytransit.com. For more information about the van grant program, contact Carolyn Newsome, Vanpool Manager, at 360-705-5829.
