Guidance for Locally Administered Projects

Local Project Administration through MaineDOT enables cities, towns and nonprofit agencies to make transportation improvements with federal and state money. A certified staff member takes charge of a “locally administered project” in partnership with MaineDOT, which makes sure all federal and state requirements are met.

For those interested in certification and training materials, please visit our LPA Certification page

For more information, e-mail the MaineDOT Local Projects Coordinator or call the Multimodal Program at (207) 624-3420.

General Information about Locally Administered Projects

What is a typical locally administered project (LAP)?

Municipalities and other local agencies use locally administered projects to resurface and rebuild state-aid roads, make intersections safer, develop sidewalks and shared-use paths, install piers and floats at local harbors, and replace local bridges of regional importance.

Who can administer LAPs?

Municipalities, educational institutions, tribal governments and regional transportation agencies deliver most LAPs in Maine. If a project has federal money, the person in charge must be a full-time employee of the sponsoring agency who has taken certification training from MaineDOT. This responsibility cannot be delegated to a consultant.

How are projects funded?

MaineDOT makes competitive awards through the Transportation Alternatives Program, Hazard Elimination Program, Small Harbor Improvement Program, and Low Use Redundant Bridge Program. Additionally, Maine’s four metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) provide transportation assistance to larger urban areas. Organizations receive the federal and state contributions to their projects through reimbursement at rates ranging from 50 percent to 80 percent of eligible costs, depending on the funding source.

What are the federal requirements?

Projects with federal money are subject to a variety of requirements, most of which are covered during LPA certification training and in the course manual. Common requirements include:

  • Selection of consultants based on their qualifications, not the lowest price.
  • Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws.
  • Proper acquisition of property. Owners must be offered fair market value for any real estate or property rights needed for a project. Coercion is forbidden.
  • Competitive bidding for construction contracts.
  • Adherence to federal and state design standards, as well as construction oversight, documentation and materials testing requirements.
  • Compliance with civil rights and labor-standards requirements, such as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Davis-Bacon Act requiring federally determined wages.