Maine has launched a significant initiative to enhance workforce transportation across the state, particularly in rural areas, through its Workforce Transportation Pilot Program. Funded by $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act under the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, this program, administered by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), aims to address critical transportation barriers that hinder workforce participation and economic recovery.
The competitive grant program is designed to support a variety of pilot projects focused on innovative transportation solutions. These projects can range from regional initiatives connecting rural workers to employment hubs, to localized efforts improving transportation access within rural communities themselves. The program recognizes the diverse transportation challenges across Maine and encourages applicants to develop tailored solutions that meet specific regional needs.
Funding from the Workforce Transportation Pilot program is flexible, covering both capital and operating costs, including the crucial initial start-up expenses for new transportation services. MaineDOT’s Bureau of Planning, overseeing the program, initially considered a maximum award of $750,000 per project. However, the program guidelines emphasized adaptability, indicating that this cap could be adjusted based on the volume and needs demonstrated in the applications received. MaineDOT also retained the prerogative to discuss and refine project scopes with applicants to ensure the most effective use of funds.
The program adopted a rolling application process, encouraging potential grantees to apply as soon as their projects were ready. This approach allowed the Bureau of Planning to review applications, make funding decisions, and disburse grants continuously until all allocated funds were committed. This ongoing evaluation process acknowledged that applicants would be prepared to apply at different times, ensuring fair access to funding throughout the program period. Successful projects were generally expected to commence within four months of the grant contract being finalized, although this timeline could be adjusted based on justifiable circumstances outlined by the applicant.
A key emphasis of the Workforce Transportation Pilot program is on bolstering workforce transportation within rural Maine. While projects facilitating commutes from rural areas to urban employment centers were eligible, the program specifically targeted initiatives that enhance transportation options within rural regions. This focus recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural communities in connecting residents to local job opportunities.
The program’s federal funding source, the American Rescue Plan Act, mandates that initiatives address the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, particularly on sectors like tourism, travel, and hospitality. MaineDOT broadened this focus to include other industries demonstrably affected by the pandemic, such as healthcare and social assistance, construction, trade and logistics, manufacturing, education, agriculture, fishing and forestry, information technology, and clean energy. Applicants were required to demonstrate how their proposed projects would support workers and potential employees within these key industries.
Eligible applicants were diverse, including individual employers and employer groups, municipalities, non-profit organizations, human service agencies, and both public and private transportation providers. Collaboration and partnerships were strongly encouraged, with applicants urged to engage with regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations, county governments, workforce development boards, and community action programs to develop comprehensive and impactful transportation solutions.
Through the Workforce Transportation Pilot Program, Maine is taking proactive steps to strengthen its workforce by tackling transportation barriers. This investment in Pilot Transportation projects promises to enhance economic opportunity, particularly in rural communities, and contribute to the state’s overall economic recovery and resilience.
