Press Release

For Immediate Release
August 26, 2008

Contact:
Caroline Burns
202 225-3631

QUITMAN, CLAY, RANDOLPH AND STEWART COUNTIES TO RECEIVE $485K FOR RURAL TRANSIT PROGRAM

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Sanford Bishop today announced that Quitman, Clay, Randolph and Stewart counties will receive $485,000 in funding from the United States Department of Transportation to establish a new rural transit program.

"I am so pleased to know this funding has come through. We have advocated long and hard for this project which will help the many southwest Georgians who lack a reliable mode of transportation and cannot get to work, to the store, to the doctor, or anywhere else that requires the use of a vehicle," said Bishop.

No efficient, centralized transportation option has ever been available for residents in Quitman, Clay, Randolph and Stewart Counties, a problem which imposes a burden on elderly, disabled, and low-income residents. Realizing this need, Bishop, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, requested funding for a rural transit system for the area in 2003. The Committee approved funding pending development of a specific transit plan, which was recently completed with the assistance of the Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development Center (LCRDC).

The main transit facility will be located in the Springvale Community in Randolph County, a central location to the four-county transit area.

In addition to offering a reliable, affordable mode of transportation to area residents, the rural transit system is also expected to aid in reducing unemployment by helping more residents travel to and from jobs in neighboring communities.

 

-30-