Members of this committee, more than most, understand that transportation infrastructure impacts all aspects of Mainers’ lives; where we live, where we work, how we get between the two as well as to where we recreate and shop. The options available to us also greatly impact our personal health, our household budgets as well as the costs for municipalities as well as state and federal governments.
We support the approach presented in this bill, with a more comprehensive Maine Public Transit Advisory Council and a renewed focus on public transportation. Maine’s population is changing. Our elders are looking for options in where and how they live, more of our young people no longer consider car ownership a necessity but rather a burden, those with disabilities are more engaged than ever in their communities and families work hard in balancing the needs of all their members. In all of these instances, a comprehensive transportation policy, with input from a diverse group of stakeholder groups will make for a stronger, more sustainable Maine.

Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in favor of LD 1172, “An Act to Support the Maine Downtown Center” April 22, 2013   Senator Goodall, Representative Berry and members of the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s...

PORTLAND - Over 450 people filled the three vintage and retro treasure-filled floors of the Portland Flea-for-All at 125 Kennebec Street in Portland last Tuesday evening.  While the draw of stacks of vinyl records and a rather creepy talking clown contraption is...

Recommendations to help Downtown Revitalization efforts in Maine Prepared for the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future   Senator Goodall, Representative Berry and members of the Joint Select Committee on  Maine’s...

PRESS RELEASE April 4, 2013 GrowSmart Maine 415 Congress St, Suite #204 Portland, ME 04101 207.699.4330 CONTACT: Nancy E. Smith Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in favor of LD 825,  “Resolve, To Study Climate Change and...

Have you heard of "Greendrinks"?  Do you like supporting local businesses, sustainable organizations and making a difference all while hanging out with friends and free local beer (and soda)?  Who doesn't!?!  Please join us this Tuesday,...

Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine in favor of LD 977, “An Act To Restore Uniformity to the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code” March 28, 2013   Senator Patrick,  Representative Herbig and members of the Joint...

As a part of our commitment to strengthening Maine’s economy, GrowSmart Maine is particularly enthusiastic about well grounded, thoughtful and creative proposals which seek to grow the economy in a sustainable manner while at the same time preserving our state’s unique character and quality of place. It is within this context that I wish to speak in support of one program at the Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Complete Streets are sound financial investments in our communities that provide long-term benefits from investments. An existing transportation budget can incorporate Complete Streets projects with little to no additional funding, through re-prioritizing projects & allocating funds to projects that improve overall mobility. Many of the ways to create more complete roadways are low cost, fast to implement, and make an immediate difference. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, building sidewalks and striping bike lanes have been shown to create more jobs than traditional car-focused transportation projects.

As Committee members may be aware, in 2011, GrowSmart Maine was asked by this committee to bring together a stakeholder group to address an issue related to Site Law Review, in LD 159. In our role as convener, GrowSmart Maine invited a diverse group of organizations to evaluate the threshold between state and municipal oversight of regionally significant development. The final report, included with this testimony, outlines two recommendations: