Senior center upgrades vans

Grant funding from the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department has allowed the Tucumcari Senior Citizens Center to replace its 10-year-old transportation vans with newer, safer models.

Jared Langenegger, city manager, said the initial application for funding was submitted in 2013, and in November 2015, the center received a grant agreement in the amount of $190,000 for the purchase of new vehicles.

The center has used the funding to purchase two Ford 12-passenger transit vans for $34,881 each and one Dodge Grand Caravan at a cost of $30,471.

The first transit van was put into use this month, and the second is scheduled for delivery soon.

The Tucumcari Senior Citizens Center provides transportation service to seniors over 60, according to Mary Ann Dominguez, center director, who said the transportation service is provided from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with rides provided to the center, doctors, the hospital, grocery store and other destinations within the city, free of charge.

She said the center averages 700 transports per month.

Langenegger said the center plans to purchase a van with lifts to assist seniors in wheelchairs with the remaining $89,767.

To find out more about the services offered by the senior center or to request a ride, call 575-461-2307.