The Fostering Advancement in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant is a new USDOT program created by the FAST Act. The program is focused on investments in regional and nationally significant transportation assets.

The total cost of the MIPPP is $15.4 million. Federal grant funds are to be matched equally by funds from state and private sources.

 

The project will include acquisition of a new crane, moving the current maintenance facility from the pier and development of additional pier area, improvements to gate operations, and the creation of additional rail capacity.

The growth of container traffic at the IMT terminal has exceeded 20 percent, year over year, according to the Maine DOT.

Further growth is anticipated to get driven by increased rail and vessel activity, “which will minimize the use of the U.S. Highway System and other roadways in Maine, as well as key border crossings,” the DOT said. “As a result, vehicle emissions will be lowered and roadway maintenance costs will be reduced, while freight is moved more efficiently and economically.”

Further details are anticipated to be announced by the USDOT in September.