Adaptation
Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund Notice
The Maine Department of Transportation has an upcoming funding opportunity through the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund.
Renewables
Reducing emissions through renewables
MaineDOT has identified and pursued a few ways to decrease emissions through the use of alternative fuels and through the generation of renewable energy. Electrification is not a one-size-fits-all solution and MaineDOT has recognized this and continues to evaluate other techniques for reducing the agency’s building, on-road, and fleet emissions.
Vehicle Miles Traveled
Reducing emissions through lower vehicles miles traveled (VMT)
Reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled is another key strategy to reducing emissions in the transportation sector, identified in the State’s climate action plan. Although MaineDOT can’t ask drivers to use their vehicles less, the Department can provide drivers with the choice of alternative modes of transportation. There are a number of projects underway which have goals of increasing mobility options and increasing bike/ped safety, both of which may influence a driver’s decision to drive their vehicle.
Electrification
Reducing emissions through electrification
The transportation sector accounts for 49% of total emissions in Maine and is key to reducing overall state emissions. Electrification was identified in the State’s climate action plan as the #1 strategy for transportation emissions reduction.
- Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Expansion
MaineDOT has been working with Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across
Climate Initiatives
MaineDOT has been an active member in the Maine Climate Council (MCC) and the State's Lead by Example efforts. The MCC released Maine Won't Wait, the State's four-year climate action plan in December 2020, with an updated version in December 2024.
Training
Environmental training at MaineDOT is designed to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The training includes modular sessions that cover different aspects of NEPA, as well as related laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. These modules introduce the relevant legal framework, explain MaineDOT's NEPA process, and clarify the roles and responsibilities of its technical experts and staff.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are part the Environmental Office’s process that occur at a program level and at multiple points during a project. QA is utilized to proactively focus on the prevention of issues and manage the quality of the process. QC is utilized to verify the quality of the project process and documentation. MaineDOT Environmental Office Director, NEPA Manager, and staff conduct annual NEPA quality reviews. These reviews will consist of selecting various projects.
Water Resources and Wetlands
Several laws and Executive Orders (including Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbor Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Floodplain Management) require that all proposed federally funded projects undergo assessments to determine the impacts on the natural environment resulting from projects.
Social and Economic
MaineDOT considers the impacts a proposed project may have on minority and low-income populations. MaineDOT complies with the existing Executive Orders (EO), Environmental Justice requirements, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Transportation decision-making involves properly addressing the needs of different socio-economic groups. A process which involves diverse populations in the development of a project may result in greater equity.
Historic and Cultural Resources
The Environmental Office assesses impacts of projects with a federal nexus on properties, sites, buildings, structures and places that are listed on, or may be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.