New Freedom Program offers grants for Madison area transportation alternatives

December 19, 2007

Madison urban area nonprofit organizations, local governments and operators of public transportation services, including private operators of public transportation services, may now apply for federal grants from Wisconsin's New Freedom Program to enhance their local transportation offerings for citizens with disabilities.  The application deadline is January 25, 2008 for projects that will be implemented beginning in May 2008.

New Freedom Program funds, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, are available for capital and operating expenses  that support new public transportation services and alternatives beyond those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.  The matching grant program is intended to provide tools to help Americans with disabilities overcome barriers to moving into the work force and full participation in society.

"We hope the New Freedom Program will provide more transportation options than those currently provided for individuals with disabilities," said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi.  "We want to see Madison area residents with disabilities have access to work, shopping, medical appointments and the full range of local cultural activities."

Eligible projects include operating activities such as volunteer driver programs, voucher programs, enhancing or expanding existing services or establishing new services.  Eligible capital activities include acquisition of new equipment beyond ADA requirements, and purchasing accessible vehicles to support taxi, vanpooling and/or ridesharing programs.

For more information about the New Freedom Program, and for application details, visit the WisDOT Web site or contact John Alley at (608) 266-0189.

For more information, contact:
John Alley, Public and Specialized Transit Section
(608) 266-0189, john.alley@dot.state.wi.us