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Bus service on the verge of becoming a reality |
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Wednesday, 06 February 2008 |
 NICE CHECK – Mayor John Shevlin receives a check in the amount of $80,000 from Dr. Terrance Munson, Executive Director, Opportunity Link Inc. The funds will be used in operational costs of the Northern Transit Interlocal. The official starting date for the Interlocal transit service is scheduled for March 3.
March 3 is the scheduled date for the NTI to begin transit operations.
Helping to get it going, Dr. Terrance Munson, Executive Director of Opportunity Link, Inc. recently presented a check to NTI in the amount of $80,000 for operational costs.
A collaborative partnership between Pondera, Toole, and Glacier counties and the cities of Conrad, Shelby, and Cut Bank, the Interlocal is a direct result of the diligence and commitment of city and county officials to re-establish transit service within the communities.
Funds necessary to create and sustain the service were secured from various sources, including the Montana Department of Transportation, city and county governments, and Opportunity Link.
A non-profit based in Havre, Opportunity Link serves an 11-county region in Northcentral Montana that looks to encourage partnerships that will create and implement strategies for long-term poverty reduction.
“Lack of access to affordable and convenient transportation is certainly a barrier to people meeting their basic needs,” said Terry Munson, Executive Director.
“Transportation is a priority in our work plan,” he said. “Collaborating with entities to develop new transit programs or to expand the services of existing providers is one way we can begin to break down the fundamental roots perpetuating poverty.”
Opportunity Link contracted with LSC Transportation Consultants out of Colorado Springs to complete a regional public transportation plan that examines options and coordination strategies in the eastern portion of the region they serve.
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