This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Boyack launches new round of rural transport funding
30/07/2001
More rural transport projects are in line for funding after Transport Minister Sarah Boyack invited bids for the seventh round of the Rural Community Transport Initiative.
Speaking at a conference today in Perth, Ms Boyack formally invited delegates and interested organisations to submit applications for the initiative which has already provided grants for 100 community-run projects across rural Scotland.
Ms Boyack said:
"With the £18 million from the Rural Transport Fund over the next three years, the Scottish Executive is committed to improving transport in rural areas and this initiative is a valuable part of our work, funding schemes which make a real difference to people's lives on a day-to-day basis.
"It is absolutely vital for rural communities to have transport links and community-run transport - such as dial-a-bus and voluntary car schemes - can often be the best and most cost-effective solution.
"The Rural Community Transport Initiative has already benefited people living in remote and rural communities across Scotland and the latest round of awards will ensure even more people will benefit, helping the Executive to deliver on its commitment to tackle poverty and disadvantage."
BACKGROUND
1 On 20 March, Sarah Boyack announced that £18 million would be made available for the Rural Transport Fund over the next 3 years - an increase of £4.5 million over the previous 3 years. The Rural Transport Fund provides funding for rural public passenger transport services, rural community transport projects and rural petrol stations. £2.7 million was allocated to the Rural Community Transport Initiative.
2 Previous successful applicants have come from across Scotland. These have included six projects in the Western Isles, five in Highland, four in Dumfries and Galloway, three in Aberdeenshire, two each in Orkney, Shetland, Moray and Scottish Borders and one each in Argyll and Bute, the Lothians, East Ayrshire, Perth and Kinross and South Lanarkshire. Fifteen of the previous awards have been for continued funding to projects supported by earlier rounds of the scheme.
3 Completed applications should be submitted to the CTA Rural Transport Officer by 1 October 2001.
News Release: SE1779/2001
30 Jul 2001