Maine Turnpike Authority

The meeting agenda includes the Treasurer's report and the approval of investments. Reports will be provided by the Chief Administrative Officer, the Executive Director, and various Cross-Functional Work Groups, including Customer Experience, Data & Technology, and Public Perception. Key action items involve the acceptance of the Independent Auditor's report, a budget amendment for contributions to outside organizations, and the adoption of updated policies regarding attire, smoking, and whistleblowing. Operational updates include a winter highway maintenance review, safety patrol expansion, and equipment purchasing. Furthermore, the board will review construction contracts, including advertising schedules and awards for bridge and culvert repairs, as well as final payments for pavement rehabilitation projects.

Key discussions included a report from the Chief Financial Officer on traffic and revenue, noting a slight revenue decrease and high traffic at the new Exit 35 in Saco. The Executive Director provided updates on ongoing negotiations with the service plaza operator, commencement of a communications effort regarding the work zone speed enforcement bill, strategic planning goal prioritization, and challenges related to IT investment. Reports covered the status of the company store, developing a competitive process for public relations consultants, hiring for HR Director and COO positions, the expected launch of E-Z Pass sticker tags, and changes to customer service hours. The board reviewed maintenance activities, policy changes concerning Attendance and Punctuality and Employee Verification, and formally adopted the MTA Ethics Code and Policy on Ethics. A revised Information Technologies/Telecommunication Disaster Recovery Plan was also adopted. The board approved a five-year contract for underground fuel tank inspections and maintenance. Estimated costs for 2026 toll system upgrades were presented, and the associated expenditure was approved. The Four Year Capital Plan was reviewed and adopted after incorporating feedback from various entities. Contract awards were approved for pavement rehabilitation, bridge repairs, and construction of the Crosby Maintenance Office Building. Updates were provided on construction progress for the Saco Interchange, Androscoggin Bridge, and Forest Avenue/Saco River Bridges. The department also reported on legislative preparation for the work zone speed enforcement bill and community outreach activities. Finally, the board discussed a request from the Maine State Troopers Foundation regarding a memorial at the Kennebunk Service Plaza and approved a three-year contract for generator maintenance and testing.

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.