Posted on February, 16 2011

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino has awarded a Community Betterment Grant for $10,000 to the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority to underwrite DART’s Opportunity Thru Transit program, which offers bus passes at reduced rates to low-wage earners, job seekers and those taking job-training courses.

“This grant will help DART fulfill one of the most important roles of public transit – connecting employees with employers, and potential employees with new jobs,” said Angela Connolly, Polk County Supervisor and DART Commission Chair. “So we are very pleased to be receiving this grant from Prairie Meadows. They are helping people get back to work and stay employed.”

Prairie Meadows’ Community Betterment Grants are given to projects in one of four categories: Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Education, and Human Services. This is the second year in a row that Prairie Meadows has supported the Opportunities Thru Transit program with a grant.

DART’s Opportunity Thru Transit program allows for about 3,500 bus passes to be sold annually at a significant discount. Those who are eligible for the program include people who are taking job-training courses or are enrolled at a higher-learning institution; are actively seeking employment; or are employed but whose income is still at or near the federal poverty line.

Prairie Meadows has given more than $1 billion through taxes, grants and charitable donations to the State of Iowa. More than $435 million of that figure has remained right here in our community to promote education, economic development, agriculture, jobs and tourism. Prairie Meadows stands alone in its charitable giving by returning 43 percent of its revenues back to the community, and continues to work towards improving the quality of life for every Iowan, every day.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is the public transportation provider that serves Polk County. DART operates a family of transportation services that makes getting around the Greater Des Moines area easier and more convenient. For more information about DART services, schedules, route changes, or directions to the nearest DART stop, visit our website at www.ridedart.com or call (515) 283-8100.
 

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