In the 70's it was ran an out of a garage with only 2 employees. Today BSA serves 20 people and is the 2nd largest employer in Big Sandy. BSA currently consists of the Woman's Home that 6 women live in and that is staffed entirely with women staff, a Co-Ed Home that is home to 7 people, and 3 Supported Living Homes. BSA also provides Day Services for 20 people.
**Big Sandy Activities, Inc. C
oordination Plan**
**Reviewed and Adopted by the Board of Directors of Big Sandy Activities, Inc., acting as the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)**
**Date: February 3, 2025**
**Guidance**
This plan is in accordance with the Federal Register Volume 79 and FTA Circular 9070.1.G. Federal transit law, as amended by MAP-21, mandates that projects selected for funding under the Section 5310 program must be included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan.
**Agencies Involved**
Big Sandy Activities, Inc. (BSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is licensed to support 17 adults with developmental disabilities. BSA manages a transportation fleet consisting of six vehicles. Our list of vehicles include:
2007 ADA Ford bus 123651 miles (this does not run and will be going up for sale),
2001 ADA chevy bus 157043 miles (runs but not good for highway use, in town only), 1996 ADA ford bus 91108 miles (ADA but the lift does not work, also not suitable for out of town use, this will be going for sale also),
1988 Chevy suburban 162214 miles (garbage van only, not used for client transportation),
2003 ford windstar 156361 miles used for transport to day program in town only vehicle), 2013 chevy impala 108458 miles,
2006 chevy uplander 155886 miles (currently not working and will be sold),
2024 ADA ford bus 576 miles,
2024 Chrysler Pacifica 923 miles( not ADA). These are the vehicles that are dedicated to serving its consumers, many of whom reside in group homes or participate in supported living programs. The fleet provides transportation for all consumers to their work programs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM, returning them home by 3:30 PM. During weekdays, the vehicles are also used to transport consumers to medical appointments, clinical meetings, grocery shopping, and various activities including Eagle Mount and Special Olympics. Over the weekends, the vehicles are available around the clock for recreational outings to local museums, sporting events, parks, church services, shopping, and emergency medical transportation. BSA similarly facilitates transportation services for clients in Home and Community-Based Services, adult day programs, and vocational services, operating from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Additional transportation is provided throughout the day and during weekends for community activities, medical appointments, daily living activities, and special excursions tailored to individual needs.
**Agencies Not Involved**
As a remote agency, the nearest Developmentally Disabled Organization is located 35 miles away. Although there is a local medical facility, it does not contract transportation services for external use. Additionally, the local Senior Center does not offer transportation services within the community. The nearest public transportation option is situated 80 miles away.
**Needs Assessment**
This assessment focuses on the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and low-income individuals. Common concerns highlighted include the absence of public transportation in our rural area limits job opportunities, as many available positions are located too far to walk. While some individuals may arrive at work on time, they may struggle with consistent access due to limited affordable transportation options. BSA is situated 80 miles from Great Falls, which constrains access to employment, educational opportunities, medical facilities, shopping, recreational activities, and special events in the region. There is an expressed need for additional mobility device accessible transportation during hours and days when social services and public transportation agencies are non-operational. Currently, there are no mobility device accessible transportation options available within our area or provided by our agency.
**Public Involvement**
All our clients are individuals with developmental disabilities and low incomes, who rely exclusively on Big Sandy Activities for transportation to day activities, medical appointments, and social needs. No alternative transportation options are available in our community or county. Our vehicles are accessible for public group use when not in deployment for agency purposes. They have previously been used by the Senior Center, the Medical Center, and various local organizations. Big Sandy Activities was the sole agency involved in the development of this plan.
**Private Sector**
Our agency is located in a remote area of Montana, and there are no other private transportation services or taxi companies available. Big Sandy Activities was the exclusive agency involved in the formulation of this plan.
**Plan for growth and/or increase ridership**
Acquiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle would be a valuable asset to our agency, enhancing our capacity to provide individual transportation for social, medical, and work-related needs. This wheelchair accessible mini van would significantly promote a sense of independence among our clients. Additionally, our agency could offer this vehicle to seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community who lack transportation to essential medical and social events. Given our status as a rural agency, the ability to collaborate with other organizations is somewhat limited. However, we could extend the availability of this vehicle to the senior center and the medical center during times when it is not in use by our agency. We could also promote this service through local newspaper advertisements to increase community awareness.
