The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved $115,662 in Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) funding for the Ash County Transportation Authority (ACTA) at its Oct. 20 meeting.

Amanda, representing ACTA, told the board the authority operated 19 vehicles last year, recording 654,554 miles and performing 61,469 trips, including 5,663 trips using EDTAP (Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program) funds and nearly 10,000 trips funded through RGP and employment programs. She asked the board to approve the ROAP allocation for 2025.

Commissioners asked for clarification on funding sources and program structure. Amanda explained that the funds are state allocations administered locally and that while federal dollars flow into the system through state channels, ACTA itself is a nonprofit that receives state-managed funds rather than direct federal grants. The board approved the funding by voice vote after a motion and second.

County staff stressed the importance of coordination with federally supported community transportation systems and that the county requires subrecipients to use coordinated services when appropriate. The action preserves the authority's ability to continue rural transit service for older residents, working riders and the general public in Ashe County.