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Spring is around the corner!
Read on for updates, resources, and more.
| | Transportation Update: Maine DOT Work Plan Released, KACTS Public Comment Period Now Open | | |
The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced their annual Work Plan for the next 4 years. The plan includes exciting work in our region, from bridge replacements to new construction of the Eastern Trail and more.
DOT has also announced a new state-funded program available to municipalities statewide: the Active Transportation Partnership Initiative (ATPI). The new program is focused on bicycle and pedestrian improvements, with $625,000 in funding available in 2025 and additional funding anticipated in future years.
| | | KACTS, the transportation organization for southern York County, has two documents open for public comment through March 26: the draft KACTS Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), updated annually to include the projects outlined in the DOT Work Plan, as well as an amendment to the previous KACTS TIP. For more information, click the button below or visit smpdc.org/kacts. | | | Upcoming Housing Webinar: Save the Date | | |
Making Housing Attainable in Southern Maine: Exploring Successes and Barriers in Housing Development
Join us as SMPDC hosts a virtual panel discussion about housing with local experts. Professionals from Avesta Housing, South Portland Housing Authority, Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast, and Great Falls Construction will delve into innovative development projects, successfully used regulatory tools, barriers to production, and municipal-developer partnerships. You'll gain insight on tangible ways to provide workforce, market-rate, naturally affordable, and subsidized affordable housing. You'll also hear from SMPDC staff on our housing work, including a new toolkit, occurring through the Joint Land Use Study with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Town of Kittery, and other stakeholders. Leave with new ideas, new inspiration, and new connections!
When: Thursday, May 15th, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Webinar (Zoom info coming soon)
Who Should Attend: Planning staff, Town/City Managers, Economic Development staff, Planning boards, Elected officials, Comprehensive Plan committees
Mark your calendar and stay tuned!
| | | SMPDC Embarks on Strategic Planning Effort | | |
Stephanie Carver has been in the role of Executive Director for just over 6 months now, and is meeting with communities throughout the region to learn more about their needs and priorities. This year, SMPDC has embarked on a Strategic Plan, intended to better identify municipal challenges in the region, and better align our programs and services in the years ahead. We have completed a member feedback survey and engaged in inspiring conversations with our board and staff, and hope to have a plan to share later this Fall.
If you have questions or feedback related to SMPDC’s Strategic Plan, reach out to Stephanie Carver at scarver@smpdc.org.
| | | Energy Resilience Plan Kicks Off | | |
SMPDC’s Southern Maine Energy Resilience Plan project kicked off with a stakeholder group meeting last month in Biddeford. The group – which includes representatives from electricity providers, emergency management, municipalities, and local orgs – will ensure that the plan is responsive to the diverse needs and priorities of our region. The group discussed infrastructure vulnerabilities, personal experiences with power outages, and local resilience initiatives to incorporate into the Southern Maine Energy Resilience Plan.
The plan, funded by a grant from the Economic Development Administration, will identify energy reliability challenges, recommend local and regional resilience measures, and propose areas for cooperation and partnership. Next steps in the 18-month process include coordination with state resiliency planning efforts, completing an analysis of the region’s grid reliability, and community engagement.
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| | Congratulations to Keith McBride, our new Executive Committee Chair | | |
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This January, the SMPDC Executive Committee voted to appoint Keith McBride as its new chair. Jan Williams, our chair of over three years, will continue his long-time committee membership, but was ready to pass the baton to new leadership. Keith is the Executive Director of the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, and has served on the Executive Committee for two years. Keith has a background in municipal economic development and consulting.
Interested in learning more about your member community representation on our General Assembly and Executive Committee? Reach out to Raegan Young, Communications and Special Projects Manager at ryoung@smpdc.org.
| | | Energy Equity Fellow Owen Miller joins SMPDC through the Greater Portland Council of Governments Resilience Corps program. During his 11-month term, he will be serving as an Energy Navigator on the Southern Maine Energy Navigator Pilot Program, connecting homeowners with technical and financial assistance to complete home energy upgrades. Owen graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2024, where he studied Economics: Sustainability and Public Policy and Philosophy. He is excited to have this opportunity to learn more about sustainable policy and to be a part of a community-based project. | | | Funding Opportunities & Resources | |
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The PREPA Grant Program provides funding from $5,000 to $25,000 to help communities protect their natural resources and water quality, or prepare for and adapt to climate change. Available to any of the 52 towns in the Piscataqua Region Watershed in both Maine and New Hampshire. Applications are due March 31, 2025.
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Maine DEP's Nonpoint Source Pollution program (NPS) will soon be accepting applications for Planning and Implementation Grants. Requests for applications will be listed on the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services website (use the search term “DEP” to filter results). Planning Grant applications will open April 9 with a deadline of May 23, 2025. Implementation Grant applications will open April 28 with a deadline of June 16, 2025.
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MuniGrant offers grant services for municipalities, including grant writing, grant review and editing, award management, and project management. MuniGrant also offers a comprehensive grant database specifically tailored for municipal governments.
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MaineDOT’s Small Harbor Improvement Program is currently accepting applications. Municipalities can apply for assistance to improve or create facilities, such as public wharves, piers, landings and boat ramps. There is a required 50% local match. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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The US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Program is currently accepting applications. The program will help local governments consider housing needs as part of larger infrastructure investment plans while supporting equitable development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
| | Remember to follow us on social media for more frequent news and updates, or reach out to learn more. | | Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission | Website | | | | | |
