USDA approves grant to NEICAC Transit program

The USDA has awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant.to the transit program of Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation.

The technical assistance will be provided through Community Transportation Association of America.  The agency's program is designed to assist rural communities to enhance economic growth by improving transportation services.

NEICAC officials say they hope to use the technical assistance to develop new transportation services that will strengthen the public transit infrastructure in the area. "We want to ensure that transportation is always the link and never the barrier to employment, access to medical care, and other basic needs," said NEICAC spokesperson Karin Pankow.  She adds, "Just because people live in a rural area doesn't mean they don't deserve public transportation options. Our agency is excited to leverage CTAA's expertise and knowledge to help us plan the future of public transit in Northeast Iowa."

The project is expected to take 8-12 months to complete.