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Maine Department of Transportation Office of Freight Transportation. 16 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 (207) 287-2841. Maine’s Freight Transportation System. 87% of all tonnage is moved by truck Economy is resource-based, but is moving towards a service sector economy
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Maine Department of TransportationOffice of Freight Transportation 16 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 (207) 287-2841
Maine’s Freight Transportation System • 87% of all tonnage is moved by truck • Economy is resource-based, but is moving towards a service sector economy • Maine ships out far more product than it consumes. Therefore, there is a serious backhaul problem for Maine shippers • Perceived “at the end of the line” but is really “in the center of the global economy”
Maine’s Freight Experience • Real Task – Change culture internally & externally as it relates to alternative modes • 1996 • Reorganized modal offices into OPT & OFT • Created system to provide increased choices to shippers • Key goals • Increase Productivity • Increase Modal Choice • Environmental Benefit • Reduce Shipping Costs for Maine Businesses • 1997 – • Freight Transportation Advisory Committee • Integrated Freight Plan
Maine Integrated Freight Plan • Completed in 1998 and currently being updated • Included 100 personal interviews of transportation managers by MDOT staff • Included over 140 returned mail survey from smaller business • Made policy and project recommendations • Solid contacts made with Maine shippers
Examples of Freight Planning • ONEDOT effort in Port of Portland • Cooperative effort between OFT and FHWA • Borders & Corridors Program • Multi -state and –provincial cooperation • Two successful grant applications to FHWA • Eastern Border Transportation Coalition • OFT is the American co-chair of this organization • State of Maine ITS-CVO Working Group • Statewide Dredging Management Action Plan
Highway Freight Projects • Developed Unified Motor Carrier Account Management System (UMCAMS) • Heavy Haul Truck Network (HHTN) Study • WIM Station System Deployment Around Maine • Truck Service Area Plan • Public - Private Partnerships • Automated Weigh Stations • Tri-state Traveler Initiative (ME, NH, VT) • Landside access to ports • State Highway Funds to connect pier with industrial park at Port of Eastport • Intermodal connector from I-295 to Port of Portland
MDOT Freight Rail Projects • Three new Intermodal Truck to Rail Facilities • St. Lawrence & Atlantic in Auburn • $2.8 million initial investments • Phase II expansion underway • Guilford Rail in Waterville • $750,000 equipment lease and land improvements • Bangor & Aroostook in Presque Isle • $1.0 million for equipment lease and track work
Industrial Rail Access Program • 16 Rail siding projects funded in 1998 • $2.2 mil. in State GO Bonds and $.8 mil. in CMAQ • Program Requirements • 50/50 Public-Private Investment • Meet Cost-Benefit Criteria • Benefits Must Accrue to Shipper • Difficulties Encountered • Federal Approvals • Constantly Changing Rail Business Markets • Understanding of Federal Process (Rail & Municipality) • Program used as an example for other State & Provinces (Vermont and Quebec)
Maine DOT Port Projects • Re-established Maine Port Authority • Searsport • Established new model for public-private partnership in port development • Portland • Container crane funded 50/50 with CMAQ and State GO bonds • Small Harbor Improvement Program
Maine Air Cargo • Support Service Sector Economy • Growing at 10% annually in Maine • Most Traffic Flows South to Boston • Major Airports • Portland – limited by land availability • Bangor – growing steadily, 2 mile long runway
MDOT’s Primary Strategiesfor Freight Transportation • ITS-CVO multiple source funding • Public-Private Partnerships • Lease-Purchase Opportunities • Proceeds from Sales of Assets • Revolving Loan Funds for Seaports and Rail • Transfer of Federally assisted assets • Corridor Preservation • Multiple funding sources • Port & Rail Revenue bonds
Things to Think About • ISTEA and TEA 21 opened a crack in the door • Look at projects generically – real public benefit • Be Balanced in Changes • Strengthen Grade Crossing Program • Fund Rail Upgrades (286,000 lb) • Create space in new programs/authorizations for smaller states • Resolve the “who pays” issue for port dredging • Get ROI on shared projects from both public and private
Maine Department of TransportationOffice of Freight Transportation 16 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 (207) 287-2841