Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Friday the state would provide nearly $1 million in grants for innovative workforce transportation projects aimed at connecting workers to employers in southern, western and central Maine.
The Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan grants are part of Mills Jobs Plan that supports employers in York and Oxford counties, as well as enhances existing transportation options for workers in Lewiston-Auburn. The Workforce Transportation Pilot Program seeks to support local and regional pilot programs connecting workers to employers through ridesharing, vanpools, and other transit programs, Mills’ office said.
“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,” Mills said. “These investments from my Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan will support innovative projects that help to connect workers with the Maine businesses that need them.”
Mills’ office said the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce will received $476,000, to develop a new transit service from the Biddeford and Sanford areas to downtown Kennebunk, and to provide local transportation connections for workers in Kennebunk’s Lower Village and in Kennebunkport.
Additionally, Western Maine Transportation Services will receive $225,000 to extend its existing service hours and review possible route adjustments so it can address the needs of workers and employers in the Lewiston-Auburn region. And Maine West, a part of the University of Maine System, will receive $283,000 to purchase vehicle that will connect students in four school districts to job opportunities in the outdoor recreation field.
“We are proud to keep working to help Maine employers find solutions to their workforce challenges,” said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. “Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan funding continues to fill specific transportation needs and help support economic opportunities in our state.”
The state said approximately $2 million in grants remains to be awarded and that the application process is still open.