Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials have initiated an endeavor to provide rural residing veterans with an easier way to get to and from medical appointments.
Via the Rural Veterans’ Healthcare Transportation Grant Program, the Oregon Transportation Commission has approved seven projects totaling $230,000. The effort is authorized by the legislature, which is providing $500,000 in lottery funding.
“These projects are an important investment in improving access to transportation for people who are often underserved,” ODOT Public Transportation Division Administrator Karyn Criswell said. “It’s helping fill a critical gap in rural communities around the state.”
ODOT’s Public Transportation Division staff is preparing a second solicitation for the remaining $220,000 allotment, officials said, indicating certain counties and transit districts, along with all nine tribal governments, are eligible to apply for the funds.
“Our veterans deserve access to the best health care possible — wherever they choose to live,” Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick said. “This has always been true, but it has never been more critical than today, amid the threat posed by the continuing coronavirus pandemic.”
The program is managed jointly by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and ODOT’s Public Transportation Division.