The Marion and Mattapoisett Councils on Aging received new vans from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) Mobility Assistance Program last month. The Mattapoisett COA received a 14-passenger minibus and the Marion COA was awarded an 8-passenger, single rear wheel Type E vehicle.

Coastline Elderly Services applied for the two vehicles in 2007. “Coastline writes the applications for the vehicles but it's a long process,” said Executive Director of Coastline Charles Sisson . “Applications need to be reviewed and approved, and there's also a procurement process that MassDot must utilize. Once approved, the vehicles then need to be manufactured.”

Over the years Coastline has ensured that all the COAs have been provided with vehicles from the Mobility Assistance Program. The cost of both vehicles was $87,274.56, and the recipients are required to provide 20 percent of the cost. After 100,000 miles or five years later the COAs will receive title to the vehicles.

Coastline's Executive Director Charles Sisson and Representative William Straus officiated at the ribbon cutting ceremony with Council on Aging Directors Vanessa Williams, Ph.D., from Mattapoisett, and Susan Schwager from Marion. The Mobility Assistance Program provides for capital assistance to public agencies for the purchase of vehicles and related equipment to be used in providing transportation services to the elderly and persons with disabilities.