By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham seniors will travel in style after the city purchases a new 14-passenger bus with an Alabama Department of Transportation grant and city match, the Pelham City Council announced during a Dec. 17 meeting.

Pelham Library Director Barbara Roberts said she investigated multiple means of funding for a new bus.

Roberts credited the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging for assisting with the grant application.

The bus will cost about $45,400, and the state requires a 20-percent local match. The Shelby County Commission agreed to pay $2,512 toward the match, which leaves about $6,500 for the city to fund, according to Roberts.

The seniors currently have a 25-person bus for traveling. The 14-person bus won’t require a CDL license to drive, and will be “more economical” for the city, Roberts said.

Mayor Gary Waters said while the bus will be designated for the seniors, the city would be able to utilize the bus in emergency situations.

“It’ll be a true advantage to have organic transportation for evacuations. There are other uses for the bus as well,” Waters said.

During the City Council meeting, council member Ron Scott commended Roberts for working through the grant process.