Intercity Transit, the region’s public transportation agency, is currently 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 24 retired vanpool vehicles to community organizations through a competitive application and review process instead of selling them at auction.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
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 cannot meet their transportation needs, and address their ability to maintain the vehicle for its intended function.
Open Houses Scheduled
Intercity Transit invites interested parties to one of two open houses on Friday, August 19, 2011, 1 to 3:30 p.m. or Thursday, August 25, 10 to 11:30 a.m. The open houses will be held in the Board Room of 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.
Agencies that have been award recipients of vans previously include South Sound Senior Services, Habitat for Humanity, the Pacific Peak Girl Scout Council, Catholic Community Services, Behavioral Health Resources, Bread and Roses, Morningside and others. The vans transport clients and volunteers, and support a range of organizational activities.
“There are many wonderful and worthy agencies in our community for whom one vehicle can make a huge positive impact in succeeding in their work,” states Mike Harbour, Intercity Transit General Manager.
How to Apply
Completed grant applications are due no later than 4 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2011. Intercity Transit will complete a competitive review and anticipates award of the vans in October.
Application packets will be available at the workshop, onlineor by calling Intercity Transit’s business office, 360-786-8585. For more information about the van grant program, contact Carolyn Newsome, Vanpool Supervisor, at 360-705-5829.