Keno grant supports transit study

NEBRASKA CITY  - Otoe County commissioners approved changes to Transit Around Nebraska City’s keno fund grant application at their meeting Tuesday.

Transit Around Nebraska City (TANC) requested $12,877 for a feasibility study for expanding transportation services.

Doug Friedli said the original grant application expected three workshops, but the plans have changed to include two workshops previously held and a public forum in April. He said the changes add value to the original grant request.

Friedli: “There is a lot of additional work our consultants are going to do at no extra cost, so there is no extra money needed.”

Transit Around Nebraska City is working with consultant Via Transportation to meet transportation needs for non-car households, workforce, elders and tourists.

He said TANC services are intended to supplement the foundational services provided by Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging.

Transit Around Nebraska City’s grant application recognizes students walking over a mile with inconsistent sidewalk access and says transportation services could help alleviate school absenteeism, especially during inclement weather.

Poor sidewalks are also reported around employers, such as Cargill, Honeywell, Walmart and CHI Health. The application says several housing areas are geographically separated from employment centers while ride-hailing and taxi opportunities are limited.

The Nebraska City Community Foundation is also providing funds toward the microtransit feasibility workshops.

Nebraska City and Blue Rivers Public Transit Forum

Thursday, April 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Building