NORFOLK – The efforts to resume public transportation services in Norfolk have potentially received a significant boost.

The Johnny Carson Foundation has agreed to provide a $500,000 matching grant to North Fork Area Transit as a way to help eliminate the agency’s existing debt and provide funds for sustainability. The Carson Foundation funds will be made available if $500,000 can be generated through local fundraising efforts from January 31, 2023 and by February 28, 2023.

“We’re so grateful to the Johnny Carson Foundation for this support," said Corinne Donahue, NDOT Mobility Management Team. "Now we hope Norfolk and area businesses, organizations and individuals will help raise the needed matching funds.”

The financial problems facing North Fork Area Transit, which is a nonprofit entity, came to light last month with the discovery of financial improprieties and missing funds. Former general manager Jeffrey Stewart is accused of embezzling $750,000 to $1,000,000 worth of the organization's funds. Because of the financial woes, all transit services were suspended last month. Stewart, who is no longer a part of the organization, has not yet been located by authorities.

Since then, members of the North Fork Area Transit say they have taken steps to improve financial safeguards by working closely with the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Mobility Management team and also securing the services of a Norfolk CPA firm.

“We want nothing more than to rebuild the trust that has been lost and get back to providing the transportation services that so many senior citizens, disabled individuals, school children, business employees and others need,” Donahue said.

To that end, the North Fork Area Transit’s board has added three new members to bolster the board’s work and reform practices where necessary. The three new board members include attorney Jan Einspahr, former city councilman Rob Merrill, and small business owner Chuck Waite.

Donahue said the transit agency has about $590,000 in debt and unpaid invoices that it needs to resolve. If the full $1 million can be raised thanks to the Carson Foundation and local donations, the remaining funds will go toward ensuring sustainability once services resume, she said.

Those wanting to help the transit agency with donations are able to drop checks off at any Elkhorn Valley Bank location or by sending donations via Venmo to @northforktransit. Questions can be directed to Corinne Donahue at admin@northforkareatransit.com or 402.370.6252.