A 14-passenger bus that was donated to the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments last month by the local Active ReEntry needed repairs when it was received.
The cost to fix the van was estimated to be between $1,000 and $1,500. Money to repair the vehicle was in short supply, but getting it fixed was critical since it is going to be used to help a number of people in the area that have no transportation.
Step forward, Joe Piccolo, the owner of Supreme Muffler.
Piccolo agreed to fix the van at no cost for the agency. It was delivered repaired on Aug. 27.
The former Utah Transit Authority bus will open up possibilities for the transportation of people in need, said Geri Gamber the Executive Director of SEUALG.
“What we would like to do is use it for youth who are living in county housing so they can get to activities, events and sports they want to participate in,” said Gamber.
The agency just received a grant to help in the maintenance and operation of the bus to the tune of $3,500.
Along with the Active Re-Entry bus donation, Four Corners Behavioral Health donated a van to the agency as well. Passengers will be able to ride the vehicles for scheduled trips to medical, social, and shopping trips.
“The good thing is that because they are under 15 passengers, a driver operating it does not have to have a CDL to drive it,” she said.
Now the problem is finding drivers. Easter Seals will provide one driver, but other volunteers are needed.
Those who may want to volunteer can contact Duane Baker at 435 613 0021 or can email him at dbaker@seualg.utah.gov.
Local shop donates auto repairs for SEUALG van
Joe and Lori