Minnesota Gets $1M to Improve Transportation for Vets

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Minnesota is getting a federal grant to help veterans and their families get around in their communities.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has received $1.2 million to better connect military families in rural areas with transportation. Minnesota is one of more than 30 states receiving the grants.

The head of the Federal Transit Administration, Peter Rogoff, says the program grew out of a desire to better serve returning veterans.

The grant won't put more wheels on the road, but it will update a statewide call center and website to include information on transportation services. The resources are aimed at veterans but will be open to all.

MnDOT officials say they'll focus their efforts first in southwestern Minnesota.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)