$8.1 million in federal pandemic relief funding to support our region's transit system
The news: PACTS will allocate $8.1 million in federal pandemic relief funding to support our region's transit system.

The region's transit agencies submitted applications for funding to support innovative projects that will enhance the transit system and create long-term ridership recovery.

Why it matters: Transit service across the country has been hard-hit by the pandemic, with significant revenue and ridership reductions. As the pandemic subsides, we're ensuring our region's transit system can continue to meet the changing needs of our riders.

What's next: An independent scoring committee is now in the process of scoring the applications. The scores will be made available to the public on the ARPA project applications page on the GPCOG website. Decisions about the allocations of the funds will be made by the PACTS Policy Board in March.
Is Your Municipality EV Ready?
The news: Maine Clean Communities and Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission have been collaborating to create the Municipal EV Readiness Toolkit. We'll be hosting a webinar on Feb. 17 to discuss the toolkit, funding opportunities, and more.

The toolkit aims to support municipal electrification efforts by providing technical guidance on encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, fleet transitions, zoning & ordinance language, the permitting process and how to be a leader in EV development in Maine.

Why it matters: Transportation is responsible for 54 percent of Maine's greenhouse gas emissions.

Thursday public meeting to focus on ideas for improving transit in our region
The news: We’re holding a virtual public meeting on Feb. 17 for the Transit Together study, which is developing recommendations to improve public transit in southern Maine.
 
Why it matters: The plan will recommend specific solutions to increase coordination among the region’s transit providers, improve the transit experience for current riders, attract new riders and make the transit system more efficient. The study is building on the needs identified in Transit Tomorrow and is coordinating with Connect 2045, the region’s long-range transportation plan. 
 
GPCOG Executive Committee grants $200,000 to the Portland Housing Authority to expand affordable housing in East Deering

The News: GPCOG Executive Committee on Tuesday approved a $200,000 grant from its Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund to the Portland Housing Authority. The funds will help the housing agency build 113 mixed-income family housing units, including 45 income-restricted units for persons with disabilities and seniors ages 55 and up, at 34 West Presumpscot Street. The demolition of the current 50 public housing units is set for early this year, and construction of the new units is set for mid-2022.
Speak out about our region's transportation future
The News: Now's the time to get involved in shaping the future of transportation in our region. The next round of public engagement for our Connect 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan is underway. Here are the top three things you need to know:  

1) Stakeholder meetings will be held throughout February and March.
The project team will be hosting more than 40 meetings with municipalities, transit agencies and key stakeholder groups. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss our transportation systems’ strengths, needed improvements and ideas for how we can achieve Connect 2045’s recently adopted vision and goals.  

2) “Call for Projects” notice is planned for late February.
Submitting a proposal is the first step in getting a project included in the plan. Projects in the plan are more likely to receive PACTS funding in the future and more competitive for discretionary funding opportunities.

3) Public workshops are set for May.
The workshops (and an accompanying survey) will be an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the plan’s draft objectives, strategies, performance targets and other topics.

Why It Matters: The long-range transportation plan sets the tone and direction for how PACTS invests in the transportation system. We want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the plan reflects the shared vision of our region and includes the best ideas for how to achieve it. 

For more information on any of the above contact Rick Harbison rharbison@gpcog.org.
Funding opportunities available through
the Village Partnership Initiative
The news: Maine communities have the opportunity the receive project funding through the Village Partnership Initiative. Village projects can vary from small, spot improvements to large, transformative investments.

Speak out about our region's transportation future
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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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