RPO Models: Maine

Maine’s commitment to meaningful inclusion of rural communities into the transportation planning process is noteworthy. In 2005, the Maine Department of Transportation recognized that the system for gathering input from local officials and the public was insufficient, so the state turned to the six existing regional development organizations for help.

The regional planning agencies were selected because of their connections to local governments and their planning backgrounds in land use planning and economic development. This is particularly relevant in Maine because of a state law requiring every municipality to maintain a comprehensive plan that is consistent with state transportation goals and law and another law based on a statewide referendum that requires early public involvement in the statewide
transportation planning process.

An example of the new state-regional partnerships is the revised work program of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG). The COG is developing a regional six-year plan that includes a fiscally constrained list of projects. The process involves the participation of elected and appointed municipal officials, representatives of regional environmental, business and alternative transportation entities and other parties.

The COG also identifies and prioritizes potential multi-modal projects in previously targeted corridors and they will help the state DOT update the standard format for communities to use in the development of their comprehensive plans. In addition, the

COG provides technical assistance to local communities and governments, provides access management training and sponsors regional forums for state officials to meet with municipal officials and regional transportation stakeholders. Organizations such as AVCOG receive about $55,000 each year to perform the needs assessment and other tasks related to land use and transportation planning at the local and regional level.

Robert Thompson, Executive Director at AVCOG stated: “It’s an open table. Our transportation committee was formed to discuss ideas and encourage the exchange of information. Projects and ideas that come from the committee are often folded into our regional work program and participants are encouraged to discuss more opportunities with our legislators.”

Interestingly, Maine’s regional approach to transportation planning is increasingly viewed in the context of economic development. Thompson describes it as a “strategic investment tool that communities in the region and the state are using to leverage for a stronger economy.”

For more information, see:

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments Work Program (PDF)

Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission Work Program (PDF)



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