PUBLIC NOTICE - FTA 5311 and State Aid for Public Transportation

PUBLIC NOTICE

FTA 5311 and State Aid for Public Transportation 

     Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc., proposes to continue the provision of transportation services for the elderly, persons with disabilities and the general public in the counties of Lee, Scott and Wise and the City of Norton. These persons are transported to and from training, nutrition and other community integration and socialization projects. Funds are being requested through the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Rail and Public Transportation from the Federal Transit Administration 5311 program and State Aid for the Public Transit Program for operating expenses, enhancing the mobility management program, and the purchase of five (5) replacement, lift-equipped body-on-chassis buses; one (1) high top lift-equipped van; and one (1) lift-equipped wheelchair van. Maximum federal financial participation shall be 80% of capital and 50% of operating expenses.

    Interested persons, groups or organizations of any kind within the Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton service area wishing to comment on the proposed application may do so by attending a public hearing in the Transit Conference Room at Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc., 1503 3rd Ave. E., Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219 on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2 p.m. or by sending a written notice by February 13, 2026, to Mitch Elliott, Transportation Director, MEOC, P.O. Box 888, Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219. A copy of the application will be available for public inspection. Any comments made at the public hearing will be submitted to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation for inclusion in the grant application.

     Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. does not discriminate against any individual requesting services based on gender, national origin, race, creed or sexual orientation. The full text of Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. non-discrimination policy may be obtained upon request or may be viewed at MEOC’s offices.

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