This bill establishes the Transportation Project Selection Council to develop and manage a statewide project selection prioritization process. The council is directed to:
1. Advise the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority on the development of the prioritization process, in accordance with federal transportation
42 requirements, and in cooperation with municipalities, counties and other planning
43 organizations within the State;
2. Review projects and strategies to determine whether projects are consistent with assessment of capacity needs outlined in the department's or the authority's long-range transportation plans;
3. Weigh key goals for each of the State's federally designated planning organization regions; and
4. Solicit input from municipalities, counties and other planning organizations, transit operators, environmental groups, active transportation groups, economic development groups and other stakeholders in the development of the prioritization process. The council is required to report annually on the prioritization process to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1756, HP 1174: 23.1961