The $571,811 Grant Will Be Used To Improve Services For Seniors And Those With Disabilities

Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein in his role as Chairman of the Ulster County Transportation Council, announced that Ulster County has been awarded $571,811 in additional federal transportation grants.  The Ulster County Transportation Council has allocated the funds to four critical areas:  the Neighbor to Neighbor Program, formerly known as the RSVP Program, which matches seniors with volunteers who provide transportation and companionship; ADA Expansion which will provide funding for accessible transport beyond the geographic requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; Senior Ride which will provide a wheelchair accessible van for seniors in need; and the purchase of 8 transport vans for The Arc of Ulster-Greene, a local not for profit that provides services for those with developmental disabilities.

“I want to thank the New York State Department of Transportation for recognizing the potential of our programs and helping to advocate for this funding,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein.  “In a County as large as ours, transportation funding is critical and as Chairman of the Ulster County Transportation Council and County Executive, I am thrilled that we have been able to secure this investment in additional services.” 

John McHugh, Executive Director of The Arc of Ulster-Greene

“This is absolutely terrific news for Ulster-Greene ARC and the people we serve,” said John McHugh, Executive Director of The Arc of Ulster Greene.  “I want to commend County Executive Hein for his commitment to people with disabilities, and I want to thank him for choosing to invest in a local organization that serves the community.  These eight vans will allow us to increase our programs and expand our services like never before.”

Bob DiBella, Director of Ulster County Area Transit

“We are pleased that we will now receive funding for our expanded ADA program,” said Bob DiBella, Director of Ulster County Area Transit.  “This grant will offset some of the costs associated with our expanded ADA efforts.  I want to thank County Executive Hein for recognizing this need and helping UCAT continue to serve all facets of the public.”

Kim Butwell, Deputy Director of Ulster County Office for the Aging

“We have several seniors who are wheelchair bound and in need of transportation, so we are thrilled that the County Executive has helped secure funding for an accessible van available to meet this need through the Senior Ride project,” said Kim Butwell, Deputy Director of Ulster County Office for the Aging.  “Additionally, we are equally excited to be able to continue the Neighbor To Neighbor Program, a component of the RSVP Program which the County Executive saved last year after it was scheduled to be discontinued.  Many of our seniors simply need a ride to the doctor’s office or the grocery store, and this program allows them to be matched with a volunteer who provides not only transportation, but friendship as well.”

Pictured below: Shelley O’Riley – The Arc of Ulster-Greene Transportation Director, John McHugh – Executive Director of The Arc of Ulster-Greene, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, Kim Butwell – Deputy Director of the Ulster County Office for the Aging, Bob DiBella – Director of UCAT