At its meeting today, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) approved funding for 24 projects that support mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities across the region. The grants – totaling nearly $9.5 million with matching funds – are provided under the Federal Transit Administration’s Enhanced Mobility Program.

“These projects help remove barriers to transportation service and expand mobility options for these communities,” said TPB Chair and City of Frederick Alderman Kelly Russell. “The Transportation Planning Board plays the unique role of prioritizing and selecting the projects to receive federal funding, which relates to our goals of creating a more inclusive and accessible region.”

​The projects include support for volunteer driver programs, travel training, and taxi voucher programs. Additionally, sixteen projects will acquire a total of 81 wheelchair accessible vehicles to help transport residents to medical appointments, employment sites, and other activities.

At least every two years, the TPB solicits Enhanced Mobility grant applications. A selection committee, comprised of aging, disability, transit, and human services experts, reviewed and recommended projects for TPB approval. Since 2014, 72 projects totaling more than $26 million have been funded.

MORE: View the presentation and learn more information about the projects.

View the TPB News article highlighting three of the grantees.