September 26, 2022, CA: The Basin Transit board wrapped up a brief but action filled meeting at its Joshua Tree headquarters where it doled out Transportation Assistance grants to a slew of Basin non-profits and received a year end presentation on finances and ridership from staff.
The Transportation Assistance Grant (TAG) program is funded by a procurement services program administered by Basin Transit wherein bus purchases throughout the state by other agencies are made via a set of vehicle contracts solicited for by the agency. A fee for usage of the contract is charged by Basin Transit which is used to augment the agency’s finances and fund the TAG program.
“This is a unique opportunity for Basin Transit to partner with our non-profit agencies to provide the local community with vital resources they may otherwise not have” says Basin Transit Chair Merl Abel. “From access to healthcare providers and mental health advocates to food security and educational resources, these grants will leverage public resources for the underserved in our communities. It is one of our most rewarding initiatives undertaken each year.”
This year, the Basin Transit board made awards totaling $83,992 providing financial support to Reach Out Morongo Basin, Copper Mountain College Foundation, Morongo Basin Health Care District, Unity Home, The Way Station, The Morongo Basin Unified School District and Pacific Clinics.
The agency marked the 10th year of program since initiation. Since 2012, $808,882 has been disbursed to various non-profits in the Morongo Basin.