John Sirois

This document outlines the Maine Turnpike Authority's Draft 4-year Capital Investment Plan for 2026-2029. The plan details numerous infrastructure projects across various municipalities, including bridge painting and repairs, pavement rehabilitation, culvert repairs, roadside clearing, maintenance facility improvements, and upgrades to Intelligent Transportation Systems. The overarching goal is to enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and ensure the ongoing maintenance of the Maine Turnpike.

The workshop included discussions on the strategic planning process, statutory Department Projects, and transit initiatives with Greater Portland Metro. Revisions to the MTA's Financial Planning Principles were presented, focusing on maintaining a reserve of 700 days cash on hand. The draft RM Deposit was reviewed, and a proposed contract for a consultant to assist in the design of the MTA's work zone speed enforcement program was introduced. Additionally, a contract for public relations services related to the Forest Avenue Bridge repairs was presented, along with proposed revisions to the MTA's Interchange and Noise Policies. The board entered an executive session to discuss legal rights and duties related to negotiations with the MTA's current ETC System vendor, TransCore.

The meeting addressed financial matters, including a report on busy Labor Day weekend traffic and satisfaction of bond resolution fund deposits. Revisions to the MTA's Financial Planning Principles were introduced, focusing on unencumbered cash and toll increase minimization for Maine E-Z Pass users. Strategic planning efforts were discussed, along with lease renegotiations and modifications to the headquarters building. The board approved the existing slate of officers for the 2025-2026 term and appointed board members as liaisons for strategic planning work groups. An amendment to the MTA's Sponsorships and Memberships budget was approved, allowing membership in the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. The board was presented with insurance renewal proposals and instructed staff to rebid property insurance with a $500,000 deductible. Updates were given on customer service improvements, policy reviews, and ongoing construction projects, including the Saco Interchange Project and bridge painting. The meeting also included discussions on a work zone safety pilot program and an executive session regarding real property acquisition and Department Projects funding.

The Maine Turnpike Authority meeting included reports on traffic and revenue, which showed increases attributed to fair weather, though with a shift in the composition of traffic. Investments were approved, and the Executive Director discussed the Gorham Connector project. The Personnel Committee provided updates on studies reviewing employee positions and management structure. The board approved an employee engagement survey and changes to the vacation accrual policy for non-union employees. Reports were given on winter maintenance activities, and a contract was awarded for pavement rehabilitation. A change order was approved to add a stretch of highway to an existing paving contract, and final payments were approved for bridge and underpass repairs. Updates were provided on the engineering procurement process and ongoing construction projects. The Public Relations Manager discussed press coverage and public comments on the Gorham Connector. The meeting moved into executive session to discuss real property acquisition and legal rights related to contractor claims.

The Maine Turnpike Authority meeting covered various topics including traffic and revenue reports, approval of investments, and updates on the Gorham Connector project. Discussions included consultant engagements for transit systems, public participation sessions, and concerns raised by the public regarding transparency, environmental impacts, and cost estimates. The board also reviewed activities of the Ethics Committee and Policy Committee, human resources updates, meetings with the Associated General Contractors of Maine, and bids for highway salt and propane. Contract awards were made for salt and propane supply, and slope and drainage repairs. Updates were provided on ongoing construction contracts and the GoMaine Commuter Program.