The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $412,840.00 grant to Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency for the purchase of eight ADA vans and specialized GPS equipment according to a release from the office of U.S. Reps. Bart Gordon and Lincoln Davis.
“The vans and GPS systems will fill a great need in rural areas for the elderly, disadvantaged and persons with disabilities,” said Gordon. “Transportation for healthcare needs and basic necessities is sorely needed to help these individuals maintain a higher quality of life and self sufficiency. I appreciate UCHRA for providing these services.”
The eight ADA vans will become part of the Upper Cumberland Area Rural Transit System fleet. UCARTS provides public transportation to rural residents of all ages, giving first priority to elderly, handicapped and economically disadvantaged with medical needs.
UCHRA’s mission is to promote a strong sense of community and family values by administering programs to provide tools, knowledge and resources to improve quality of life, promote a positive sense of individual self-worth, encourage responsible decision making and provide opportunities for individuals to become productive and independent while giving first priority to the elderly, handicapped and severely economically disadvantaged.
“Our core mission is to assist those who need it most and without these types of grants we would have a very hard time fulfilling our mission and meeting our goals,” said Phyllis R. Bennett, UCHRA Executive Director. “I appreciate the support of Congressmen Davis and Gordon. They continue to be accessible and helpful advocates for us in Washington.”
UCHRA serves fourteen Tennessee counties: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren and White.
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