Funds to be used to upgrade communications equipment

The grant, totaling $299,038, will be used to upgrade the agency's communications equipment, which is used by the transit system as well as emergency services organizations in Ionia County, according to Dial-A-Ride Director Lynn Lafler. The funds are part of a $5.2 million Federal Transit Administration grant to the Michigan Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2003. The funds will be divided between nine different rural-area transportation agencies in Michigan.

Ehlers helped secure the funding in his role as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as part of the Omnibus Appropriations bill approved by Congress last February. The monies come from the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded primarily through the federal gasoline tax.

"I am pleased to be able to announce this grant for Ionia Dial-A-Ride," said Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids. "As a strong supporter of public transportation, I am happy to see the good work that Ionia Dial-A-Ride does for the people it serves."

According to its website, Ionia Dial-A-Ride (IDAR) operates 14 buses on a call-for-service basis. The IDAR covers the City of Ionia and Ionia and Easton Townships. IDAR also provides contract services to Grand Rapids (connecting to the ITP-The Rapid system), Belding (Belding Dial-A-Ride), and Lake Odessa (Barry County Transit). IDAR fares vary, depending on the destination. Ionia Dial-A-Ride also provides transportation services for Ionia Parks and Recreation Summer Programs. This service is offered for children who need transportation between Ionia City Parks, the Ionia Theater, the Ionia Armory Community Center and the free lunch program operated in conjunction with the Ionia Public Schools.

"The citizens of Ionia are extremely grateful for the continued work and support that Congressman Ehlers provides for our community," Lafler said.