THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008
New Senior Bus Sought By Township
The wheels are in motion to put new wheels in motion.
For the first time, Elk Grove Township Supervisor Nanci Vanderweel has asked for federal funds through U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-6th), to purchase a new bus to transport seniors for dialysis. She said the initial re quest was for $50,000.
"Appropriation would come from the transportation budget, 'x' amount of dollars are to be put back into the community, for it to use," said Vanderweel.
She said it's the first time she's requested such funds, but since taxes are paid into these funds and a bus is needed now seems like a good time to test the system.
"We've never put in for that kind of funding and I thought I'd try it," Vanderweel said. "We have aging buses here and it's a vital service." She said over the past few years, the need for dialysis runs has grown as has the num ber of residents using the sys tem.
Two buses are being looked at by the township: a 16-passenger and a 24-passenger vehicle. She said early indications put the price of the smaller bus around $45,000 and the larger at $75,000.
Both would have wheelchair access with the larger built to deliver two wheelchairs.
Vanderweel said after a deci sion is received the process of determining which bus to pur chase, will be more closely ex amined.