NORFOLK, Neb. -- During Monday night's City Council meeting, the city of Norfolk agreed to assist in the funding of North Fork Area Transit.

In a unanimous 7-0 vote, the City Council agreed to provide just over $309,500 in cost to North Fork Area Transit (NFAT).

According to city engineer Steven Rames, approximately $201,200 will be used for start-up costs for NFAT's Flex Route system and the development of Express-Lift, an on-demand transportation service.

Another portion of $108,333 will also be given to NFAT, one-third of the estimated costs needed for operational and administrative costs of the transit system. 

"I think this is an important thing to do," said Mayor Josh Moenning, during last night's meeting. "The need for it has proven itself in the community, and that with the reforms made to date in North Fork Area Transit we've seen a significant increase in ridership of people. So, I think this is serving a very important need."