Town Board Backs $123K Grant to Secure New Senior Transport Van

ALDEN - Following packed public hearing testimony in September from local seniors facing transportation barriers, the Alden Town Board voted unanimously at its October 5 meeting to formally pursue federal funding for a replacement community transport van.

The Town Board approved a municipal resolution officially submitting an application to the Erie County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consortium for the 2027-2028 funding cycle. The measure establishes the Town of Alden Senior Van Project as the town’s undisputed #1 Priority Project, authorizing an estimated vehicle expenditure of $123,638.

Under federal and county CDBG guidelines, municipalities receiving equipment awards must provide a mandatory local cash commitment. The resolution, carried 5-0 by roll-call vote, pledges a 5% local municipal match of $6,182 drawn from town funds upon grant approval.

Local seniors who rely on the service to reach medical appointments, physical therapy sessions, and weekly nutrition lunches at the Alden Community Center had raised concerns during earlier public hearings regarding the mounting mechanical unreliability and frequent repair downtime of the town’s aging vehicle.

Town officials confirmed the application package and formal municipal priority ranking have been filed with Erie County’s Department of Environment and Planning for consortium review.