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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	June, 2006	Return to newsletter index

Partner Profile: PACTS

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Since 1975, PACTS has served as the regional transportation planning and federal funding organization for the Greater Portland area MPO, or "metropolitan planning organization". MPOs are federally mandated for all urbanized areas with a core population of at least 50,000 people. PACTS is comprised of municipal and state officials, representatives of regional planning and transit agencies, and interested citizens and businesses. PACTS oversees transportation studies, identifies needs and sets priorities for certain federal transportation funds available to the area. As a result of increasing population density in the region, Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach became PACTS members in 2003.

PACTS Members and Their Roles
Maine Department of Transportation is, and always has been, the key participant in the PACTS planning and funding processes. MaineDOT provides technical and policy analysis and technical assistance for consideration by PACTS committee members and staff. MaineDOT also provides matching funds for the annual PACTS operating budget. Maine DOT support is required to implement any PACTS funding proposal.

Municipalities play a central role in transportation planning in the PACTS area. In response to public concerns, municipal staff request most PACTS studies and propose the majority of projects for funding via PACTS. Public transportation organizations typically propose studies and capital/operating funding options related to public transportation. The fifteen municipal members of PACTS are: Biddeford, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, North Yarmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham and Yarmouth.

PACTS has four standing committees: the Policy, Planning, Technical and Transit Committees. The latter three advise the Policy Committee which is the decision-making board of PACTS. Municipalities designate committee representatives; the municipality's population is used to determine the number of representatives. Member agencies also designate representatives to each committee.

Saco City Administrator Rick Michaud is vice-chair of the Policy Committee. Development Director Peter Morelli is chair of the Planning Committee. Public Works Director Mike Bolduc serves on the Technical Committee.

PACTS is wrapping up work on a regional transportation plan entitled Destination Tomorrow. The plan is written in the context of

• Substantial traffic growth in the next 20 years will bring more safety and congestion concerns.
  
  
• Transportation funding levels have consistently been inadequate during the past decade, and will fall increasingly short as demand grows.
  
  
• Transportation investments need a regional focus that addresses long-term needs.

The key elements of this Year 2025 Plan are:

• A set of 90 strategies to be undertaken by the MaineDOT, the Turnpike Authority, the fifteen municipalities, our region's seven public transportation and our regional planning partners. We are already working on the sixteen top ranked strategies.
• A billion dollar 20-year capital investment need - only half of which can be met due to shrinking federal funds. In fact, the region will be unable to maintain the existing system with the funds available.
  
  
• Recommendations for major improvements on I-295 and the Turnpike.
  
  
• A focus on improving the safety and mobility conditions at key intersections in the region.
  
  
• Continued PACTS support for new bus and/or commuter/passenger rail service.

PACTS has held several public forums during the past two years during the development of this plan. We will hold a public hearing at the GPCOG office on Marginal Way in Portland, at 5:00 p.m. this Wednesday, April 12th. Public comments on the draft plan will be received through May 2, 2006.

PACTS Functions

1. Provides a continuous, coordinated and comprehensive transportation planning process for the Greater Portland area.
   
   
2. Evaluates and approves proposed transportation improvement projects.
   
   
3. Recommends to the MaineDOT the use of federal funding for priority road improvements, for public transportation operating subsidies and capital improvements, for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and for other important transportation purposes in the PACTS area.
   
   
4. Performs and oversees transportation studies and policy analysis, and prepares a regional transportation plan.
   
   
5. Provides a forum for interagency cooperation and collaborative decision-making, public input, the exchange of ideas and the exploration of innovative transportation concepts.
   
   
6. Monitors compliance with national air quality goals.