NORFOLK, Neb. -- The North Fork Area Transit reached its goal of $500,000.

With NFAT's goal being met, that will also bring in a matching gift from the Johnny Carson Foundation of $500,000. 

NFAT said the $1 million raised will allow them to pay off past debts, hire drivers and get vehicles back on the road. 

In the press release, it was reported that the Johnny Carson Foundation will be issuing a check for the match immediately, to help with an expedited return to service. 

During a city council meeting on Feb. 21, they said that if the money were raised, their expected date for services to return would be March 13, 2023.

"We are so grateful to our community and the Johnny Carson Foundation," said Lacy Kimes, Transit Board vice president. "Thank you to each and every donor who made out reopening possible."

Board Chair Traci Jeffrey said they wouldn't have been able to get up and running "without the generosity and tenacity of our community."

"It would have been easy to give up, but the Board and members of the community wouldn't let that happen," Jeffrey said. "We've all seen how our community is a better place with public transportation."

NFAT said the State Mobility Management Team will provide a lead role in making immediate preparations to restart service with priority to the most vulnerable in the community. 

Services will include TeleLift as well as the ForkLift being reintroduced. Service will focus on the most used routes and times that riders used most.