Community Action Agency Becoming Lead Agency for Transportation in Walker County

Photo: Al Blanton

JASPER, Ala. – Recently the Walker County Commission approved a request from the Walker County Community Action Agency (WCCAA) to become the lead agency for transportation needs in Walker County. 

Diedre Tatum, Executive Director of the WCCAA, made a proposal to the commission for the WCCAA to become lead agency after a needs assessment determined that transportation was one of the top 5 needs in Walker County. 

“There is a huge need for transportation availability, especially outside of the city of Jasper,” Tatum said. 

Local citizens often need help going to and from work, to and from the grocery store, or to and from the doctor, and Tatum hopes the WCCAA will serve the citizens of Walker County in this capacity. 

Currently there are 20 community action agencies in the state of Alabama, including the one in Walker County. Needs assessments drive the services offered by such agencies, and the organization is funded by a mix of federal, state, local, and private funding, with the majority of aid coming from federal grants. 

“Our mission is and has always been to help families and communities overcome the obstacles of self-sufficiency,” Tatum said. 

Every three years, the agency is required to conduct a community needs assessment as part of the community service block grant. Part of this year’s grant is to provide money to the WCCAA for new staff and new vehicles, including a handicap-accessible minivan and a pair of 15-passenger vans. Tatum said the agency will be looking to hire part-time drivers and office workers in the near future. 

The majority of funding for the grant will come through the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), but local entities contribute as well, including the Walker Area Community Foundation (WACF), Walker County Commission, City of Jasper, and other municipalities. 

Tatum said a phone line will be designated for those in need of transportation services, and asks that 24-hours notice be given so that administrators and dispatchers can coordinate the driving schedule. The fare will be $2 for every five miles. 

Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

The long-term plan is to provide transportation outside of Walker County.