MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today announced that a total of 17 transportation-provider groups from across the state will benefit from a $4.1 million initiative that continues the Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP) – an ongoing and successful effort that connects low-income workers with jobs through enhanced local transit services.
“WETAP represents a proven investment in transportation services that not only benefits workers, but also strengthens our economy,” Governor Doyle said. “I am pleased to announce this $4.1 million initiative to continue this successful ‘transportation to jobs’ program.”
Enhanced transit services made possible through WETAP include additional bus and taxi routes, vanpool and shuttle services, car loan, vehicle loan and vehicle repair programs, and the hiring of local mobility managers who coordinate transportation services for area workers and employers.
“Access to safe, reliable transportation is an important supportive service for working families,” said DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman. “The WETAP program is making a world of difference for families who need that extra assistance to attain employment, retain employment, and advance in employment.”
“WETAP has established a commendable track record of connecting workers with jobs,” said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi “These awards will allow numerous groups that form the foundation of WETAP’s success to continue providing essential transportation services.”
WETAP integrates local, state, and federal funding sources into a single, coordinated program and award process administered jointly by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). WETAP combines funds from the federal Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC), along with the state Transportation Employment and Mobility (TEAM) program and Employment Transit Assistance funds (ETA). For this year, the federal and state investment totals $4.1 million, with the local funding share totaling about $1.25 million.
Editors’ note: The attached table lists the award recipients, the planned transit-related enhancements, and the amount of the WETAP award (the amount listed does not include the local share).
2008 Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP)
Grant Recipients
Applicant | County | Project(s) | WETAP award |
Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Inc. | Columbia, Adams, Dodge, Waushara | Car Loan Program, Mobility Manager, Employer Vanpool | $ 52,498
|
City of Appleton/Valley Transit The Connector | Outagamie | Public Transit Routes | $ 91,453
|
City of Waukesha Transit Commission | Waukesha | Public Transit Routes | $ 435,914
|
Community Action, Inc., of Rock and Walworth Counties | Rock Walworth | Vehicle Loan, Mobility Manager | $ 121,200
|
Couleecap, Inc.
| Vernon, Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe | Vehicle Loan, Training
| $ 156,200
|
Fond du Lac County | Fond d Lac | Vehicle Repair, Vehicle Loan, Guaranteed Ride Home, Childcare Transportation, Carpool/Vanpool | $ 218,881
|
Kenosha Achievement Center, Inc. | Kenosha | Shuttle Services, Vehicle Repair, Software, Mobility Manager | $ 307,904
|
Milwaukee Careers Cooperative (Milwaukee Area JobRide Collaborative) | Milwaukee | Shuttle Guaranteed Ride Home Training/OJT | $ 582,053
|
Milwaukee County | Milwaukee | Public Transit Fixed Route and UMOS Route 54 | $ 750,000 |
Northwestern Wisconsin Community Services Agency | Douglas | Childcare, Vehicle Loan, Vanpool, Rideshare, Bus Passes | $ 45,978
|
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc. | Lafayette, Grant, Green, Iowa, Richland | Mobility Manager Auto Loans | $ 184,874 |
V. E. Carter Development Group, Inc. | Milwaukee | Childcare Transportation, Shuttle Services | $ 488,237
|
West Central Community Action Agency, Inc. (WEST CAP) | St. Croix, Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk | Vehicle Loan & Rideshare
| $ 113,674 |
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council | Trempeleau, Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson | Vehicle Loan, Vehicle Repair, Training | $ 147,495
|
Women’s Employment Project, Inc. | Door, Kewaunee | Vehicle Loan, Vehicle Repair, Guarantee Ride Home, Rideshare | $ 49,795
|
Workforce Connections, Inc. | La Crosse, Juneau | Vehicle Loan Program | $ 271,152 |
Waukesha Ozaukee Washington Workforce Development, Inc. | Waukesha, Ozaukee Washington | Vehicle Loan Program | $ 106,841
|
TOTAL WETAP AWARDS:* |
|
| $4,124,149 |
*This figure does NOT include local funding match.
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