Hanover Township Awarded $100,000 Grant for Inclusive Mobility Study

Published on March 02, 2021

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Disability Services has awarded the Township of Hanover a $100,000 capacity-building grant to help the community promote the inclusivity, health and well-being of individuals with disabilities as a part of the Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant Program.

Prior to applying, the township conducted interviews to learn of either barriers or opportunities that exist for the special needs community to fully participate in community life. Adding input were individuals with disabilities and local organizations, advocates, political leaders, educators, and businesses.

The findings from these interviews guided Hanover’s proposal for the development of a mobility plan and to allow for transportation service and infrastructure upgrades to better assist these residents in need. Work on the mobility study and plan will begin in 2021, while updates to Hanover’s existing transportation infrastructure and Dial-A-Ride program will begin in 2022.

“This is a major opportunity for the township to make a demonstrative difference in the lives of our residents with special needs," said Mayor John L. Ferramosca. "The township will be able to plan and develop strategies for long-term transportation upgrades and begin implementing some infrastructure changes as well.”

The IHC Grant Program has awarded $1.4 million in grant funds to several non-profits and local county or municipal government agencies in New Jersey who sought either capacity-building grants of up to $100,000 or implementation grants of up to $250,000. The goal of the IHC Grant Program is to promote change at the local level by addressing pre-existing physical, environmental, social and economic challenges that prevent people with disabilities from having full access to the conditions that support health and well-being.

To learn more about the grant program please visit http://eac.rutgers.edu/ihc-grant-program/ .