$2 Million Federal Grant Helps Ease Transportation Woes For Maryland Veterans
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Making life easier for veterans.
Andrea Fujii explains how a federal grant will provide them with more ways to get around.
They put their lives on the line. But when they come home, many veterans face another challenge... just getting a ride.
But a $2 million federal grant is expected to simplify their transportation plans.
"These projects will ensure that every veteran that needs a ride can find one no matter where they're living," said John Porcari, U.S. Department of Transportation.
Right now there are 24 different transit systems in the state. But with money from the Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative, within a few months all transportation options will be in one place.
"Having services is one thing. People having access to get to the information, to get to those services is another," said Congressman Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore City.
Veterans will be able to go to their area transit website and click on a link that gives them all their transportation options and it also provides them with a phone number to help them plan their rides--giving veterans a small gift in thanks for their service to the country.
"This is sort of tragic because the services are there, but the transportation to those services is important," said Col. Erwin Burtnick, Jewish War Veterans.
Thirty-two states nationwide are receiving similar federal grants totaling $35 million.
