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The Roseburg News-Review--March 21, 2007
Transportation services like Dial-a-Ride and Mercy Hospital Express are a vital service for many Douglas County Residents.
The Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians donated $40,000 for these transportation providers.
By John Sowell
The Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians presented Douglas County officials with a $40,000 check Tuesday to be distributed among transportation providers.
The tribe received the money from Special Transportation Formula funding administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The money was separate from funds received by the county through ODOT and distributed to transit providers by county commissioner
Tribal officials approached the county last year to ask how the money could be utilized if donated to the county. Transportation officials suggested spreading the money among several organizations that provide rides around different parts of the county.
Mercy Express will receive $15,000 to increase medical rides in southern Douglas County. Another $8,000 will be provided to offset start-up costs for the new Glendale Dial-a-Ride service. An equal amount will be given to Seniors Escorting Seniors to increase their services in Myrtle Creek and Canyonville.
The Winston Dial-a-Ride will be given $2,000 to increase ride numbers while a new dial-a-ride service for the Yoncalla and Drain areas was given $2,000 to defray start-up costs.
The remaining $5,000 was provided to the county to study creation of a diala- ride for Canyonville and other south county communities.
"There are people who really depend upon the transit services, more than maybe we realize," Sue Shaffer, the Cow Creek tribal chairwoman, said.
Douglas County Commissioner Joe Laurance praised the tribe for the gesture.
"By doing this, the tribe shows its concern for people who need assistance," Laurance said.