Maine is planning billions of dollars for infrastructure projects to improve, maintain and modernize the state’s transportation system over the next three years.
The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has unveiled an updated work plan for transportation and infrastructure, which includes approximately $4.8 billion worth of projects through 2027. The work plan outlines the estimated funding totals and costs for all capital projects and programs, maintenance and operations activities, planning initiatives and administrative functions delivered by or coordinated through MaineDOT.
“This work plan represents smart and steady progress across transportation modes,” Commissioner Bruce Van Note said. “It will benefit everyone who lives, works or does business in the state of Maine.”
MaineDOT transportation and infrastructure projects are funded through a combination of federal, state and local sources. While future revenues are estimates, the work plan projects 38% of the requested funding will be sourced from the state, including over $1 billion from fuel taxes and vehicle fees. Proceeds from liquor sales, automotive sales and use tax revenue, TransCap revenue bonding, multimodal funds and general bond funding will all contribute to the state’s portion.
Federally, MaineDOT anticipates nearly $1.05 billion in formula funds from the Federal Highway Administration, or 22% of the work plan’s total. The Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and a few other departments will deliver approximately $273 million for railroad, airport, transit and non-highway projects.
State officials note competitive program funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Congressionally Directed Spending will be essential to the success of the work plan, hinging on an estimated $979 million contribution.
The updated work plan features estimated funding totals from the private sector as the state continues to pursue public and private partnerships for transportation projects. Private contributions, including pledges through MaineDOT’s Business Partnership Initiative, total approximately $154 million for the plan’s three-year timeframe.
Matching funds from local municipalities account for about $203 million and will support local initiatives, such as transit operations, bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, airports and MaineDOT’s Municipal Partnership Program.
MaineDOT plans on utilizing the combination of funding to develop over 2,700 projects in the next three years. In accordance with the state’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and the State of the Transportation System Report, these projects are designed to support economic opportunity, residents’ quality of life, public safety and freight efficiency.
By far, the largest portion of funding, over $3.4 billion, will encompass capital work, maintenance and operations on the state’s highways and bridges. Among this funding, the work plan outlines a plethora of new and existing capital initiatives, including:
- 337 bridge construction and engineering projects.
- 157 miles of highway developments and rehabilitation.
- 1,210 miles of preservation paving.
- 255 highway safety and improvement projects.
- 2,100 miles of light capital paving.
Maintaining over 23,000 miles of highways and over 2,700 bridges, MaineDOT will earmark approximately $669 million over three years for routine highway and bridge operations and maintenance.
MaineDOT is emphasizing a shift toward diversified transportation options for residents, allocating $1.1 billion, or 22% of the work plan, to multimodal transit systems. Of this, $757 million will support capital improvements for aviation, transit, ferries, rail, ports and active transportation and $325 million will fund multimodal services and operations.
Building on this multimodal effort, MaineDOT is planning $105 million for the state ferry service and access to local islands. The work plan features $33 million in funding for new ferry terminal infrastructure in Lincolnville and Islesboro and support for electrical and transfer bridge upgrades in Swan’s Island, Bass Harbor, Peaks Island and Vinalhaven.
Maine airports will see $170 million in total investment, primarily slated for capital projects. Some proposed upgrades include airfield lighting improvements, snow removal equipment and new automated weather systems.
Freight and passenger rail service will account for a combined total of $282 million for the next three years. The work plan highlights an over $66 million contribution to improve the Brownville-to-Millinocket and Brownville-to-Vanceboro rail line and a $42.4 million for the Gray-to-Waterville CSX line—both made possible by the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement grant program.
The work plan commits $88 million for ports and marine infrastructure, including $17.8 million to expand refrigerator cargo capacity at Portland’s International Marine Terminal.
In creating this new work plan for 2025, MaineDOT reviewed capital revenues and expenditures as well as conducted rounds of community engagement and municipal partnerships. Despite this, officials are voicing concerns over the availability of funding, especially federally.
“On the federal level, the news now is uncertain and dynamic,” Commissioner Van Note said. “Some programs introduced in the federal BIL may be reduced or perhaps even eliminated. Long-standing programs may also be impacted through the policy reassessment that is currently playing out through executive orders, lawsuits and administrative processes.”
MaineDOT updates the three-year work plan annually to address new and existing needs while maintaining the state’s fiscal position.
