Waldo Community Action Partners is one of multiple recipients sharing $1 million in 2026 grant funding from Maine Dept. of Transportation.

"Despite the Department's financial constraints, MaineDOT is pleased to be able to make these funds available to support Maine's transit operators and the people who rely on the services they provide," said MaineDOT Commissioner Dale Doughty, in a Maine Dept. of Transportation news release. "These projects enhance our goal of improving access and expanding transportation options for travelers throughout the state."

In previous years up to $2M was made available for these funds, according to MaineDOT. Due to department-wide budget constraints $1.5M was initially available this year. Of that, $500,000 is being allocated for priority public transportation projects in the Midcoast Region and the Lewiston-Auburn to Portland commuter bus service, leaving $1M available for these discretionary projects.

Applications were received from ten agencies for twenty-five projects totaling $3.8M in requested funding. The funding, distributed among nine transit operators for eleven projects across the state, advances the goals of the 2023 Maine State Transit Plan. The funds were awarded based on how well projects:

-Increase access to transit service

-Improve public information about those services

-Remove barriers for new riders

-Address the needs of under-served populations

-Upgrade transit infrastructure

-Support workers and employers

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Waldo Community Action Program is receiving $100,000 for a hybrid or electric vehicle and charging infrastructure.

Awards:

-Aroostook Regional Transportation System $174,230 to support workforce transportation

-Bangor Community Connector $75,000 to support driver training

-Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit $80,165 to support microtransit service Greater Portland Metro $93,000 for equipment to remove snow at transit stops

-Kennebec Valley Community Action Program $140,000 for trip planning technology and $5,000 for automated fare payment

-Regional Transportation Program $180,000 for microtransit service

-Waldo Community Action Program $100,000 for a hybrid or electric vehicle and charging infrastructure

-Western Maine Transportation Services $75,000 to support workforce transportation and $14,000 for vehicle location software

-York County Community Action Corporation $63,605 to support workforce transportation