Deadline nears for federal funding
The news: Maine governments and nonprofits have until 5 p.m. March 31 to apply for consideration to receive direct federal funding for eligible projects through an online portal set up by the office of Sen. Angus King (I-Maine).
 
Congressional Directed Spending funding is included in annual federal appropriations legislation and provides a specific amount of discretionary funding to a state, locality, or nonprofit organization for projects with demonstrated civic and community value. 

Interested organizations can email cdsrequests@king.senate.gov 
 
2022 Annual Summit set for May 26
Our Annual Summit at St. Joseph's College will be our first in-person gathering since 2019! Join us under a big tent overlooking Sebago Lake.

The GPCOG General Assembly meeting begins at 1 p.m. The public event kicks off at 2 p.m.

This year's focus will be on providing an opportunity for everyone to see each other again – in person! - and talk about what we've accomplished together as a region and the challenges we face.

More details will be coming!

Later in the day, we’ll gather in the Stone Barn for some local beer and live music. A three-piece instrumental band, Gary Richardson and the Municipal Cats, will provide a cool background vibe.

Vision Zero project team
kicks-off policy development
The news: Director of Strategic Partnerships Belinda Ray is leading the newly formed Vision Zero team as it develops a Vision Zero policy for potential adoption by the PACTS Policy board in 2023.

Why this matters: Last year, there were 7,000 crashes in our region. Fourteen people died, and 128 people were seriously injured. Cyclists and pedestrians were disproportionately harmed. Adoption of a Vision Zero policy would commit the region to reducing these numbers and open up funding opportunities.

Regional Complete Streets policy
draft nears the finish line
The news: We're drafting a regional Complete Streets policy and expect to bring a draft to our PACTS governing body this spring.
 
What it means: Adopting a Complete Streets policy serves as a critical step towards providing a safe, accessible, and connected transportation network for all transportation users, particularly those who are most vulnerable. 
 
The background: In 2018, PACTS’ Getting There from Here: An Active Transportation Plan, recommended the implementation of a Regional Complete Streets Policy. In 2021, GPCOG staff in collaboration with a working group composed of representatives of the City of Portland, Town of Windham and Bicycle Coalition of Maine began drafting a regional Complete Streets policy. Recently, the Maine Department of Transportation and City of Portland began an update of their Complete Streets policy, making this a great time to adopt policies that make our region’s streets safer and more comfortable for all users on all travel modes.  
Casco Bay Lines and Metro awarded major grants
The news: Casco Bay Lines will receive $3.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration to implement diesel-electric hybrid propulsion in its down-bay replacement vessel. Metro will receive $1.9 million in federal discretionary funding to fund 85 percent of the cost to replace/upgrade its four existing BREEZ commuter shuttles.
 
Why this matters: This is a step toward cleaner, greener power for the ferry and will provide bigger buses to accommodate more people. These grants also free up our region’s annual transit funds for other transit investments.
Get ready for our call for transportation projects
The news: Next month, we expect to announce a call for transportation projects for inclusion in the PACTS region's long-range transportation plan, Connect 2045.   

What is it? Federal regulations require that long-range transportation plans include a list of regionally significant projects within our anticipated financial means. Additionally, the plan will likely have a list of "aspirational" projects. This way, our region is increasingly prepared to take advantage of discretionary grant opportunities, particularly those found in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

What next? Submitting a proposal is the first step in getting a project included in the plan. We will score the projects based on how well they address the region's transportation needs and align with the Connect 2045 vision and goals and relevant state and federal policy directives. The Call for Projects will remain open for about two months. While sponsors are submitting eligible projects, GPCOG staff will consult with the Connect 2045 Project Advisory Committee and the PACTS governing boards to develop and finalize a scoring process and associated criteria.   

Why this matters: Getting listed in the plan is an important milestone for a project (Disclaimer: Connect 2045 is not a funding program, and ultimately, all funding decisions are made during the Transportation Improvement Program process).    

For more information on any of the above contact Rick Harbison rharbison@gpcog.org.
Five towns enroll in state Community Resilience Partnership to identify climate action priorities
The news: Our Sustainability Team was awarded $50,000 from the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation & Future (GOPIF) to support Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport and Brunswick to enroll in the state Community Resilience Partnership and complete a process that identifies key priorities for climate action in their towns.
Community leaders in our region are working to
find temporary housing for asylum-seekers
The news: Community leaders are responding with efforts to help hundreds of asylum seekers find temporary housing and avert a crisis. There are more than 200 recently-arrived families who need homes. We're working to find temporary housing with an eye toward a long-term solution to this ongoing issue. 
 
Why this matters: The Metro Regional Coalition has asked us to help because it's regional problem that is having a big impact on our member communities. These new Mainers are resilient and motivated. While their arrival may be viewed as a regional challenge, it also presents an opportunity for all of Maine to grow our workforce and strengthen our economy.
Celebrating our Resilience Corps during
AmeriCorps Week
The news: Today marks the last day of AmeriCorps week, a time to recognize AmeriCorps members across the country.

Since we launched the Resilience Corps program in 2020, our fellows have supported a wide-range of projects in our region. We are so grateful for their service!
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Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG)
970 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 201
Portland, ME 04103
Phone: 207-774-9891
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