Maine DOT Disburses Transportation Workforce Grants

Nearly $1 million in grants were recently issued by the Office of Governor Janet Mills (D) to help support transportation employers in York and Oxford counties, as well as enhance existing transportation options for workers in Lewiston-Auburn.

[Above photo by Maine DOT]

The grants, administered by the Maine Department of Transportation, are part of the Workforce Transportation Pilot Program launched by Gov. Mills to support local and regional pilot projects that connect workers to employers through ridesharing, vanpools, and other transit options.

That pilot program is also part of the larger $1.3 billion “Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan” established by the governor and approved by the state legislature in May 2021.

 “Lack of transportation shouldn’t be a barrier that keeps anyone who can work from holding a job – especially at a time when Maine businesses desperately need workers,” the governor noted in a statement. “These investments from my Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan will support innovative projects that help to connect workers with the Maine businesses that need them.”

“We are proud to keep working to help Maine employers find solutions to their workforce challenges,” added Bruce Van Note, Maine DOT commissioner. “[The] Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan funding continues to fill specific transportation needs and help support economic opportunities in our state.”

The Workforce Transportation Pilot also aligns with strategies from Maine Won’t Wait initiative, the state’s four-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas or GHG emissions – in part by promoting public transportation.

Maine DOT noted that applications for the Workforce Transportation Pilot program continue to be accepted as there is no deadline. However, applicants are encouraged to submit projects as soon as possible, as with this most recent disbursement only some $2 million remains to be awarded through the program.

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