Stephanie reported that Bruce Mattson, Division Engineer for MDOT had been invited to the meeting, but couldn’t make it because of other commitments. Jean commended Jim for his explanation of the MDOT planning process at the last meeting. She also passed around copies of the 20-year plan, the 6-year plan, and the regional advisory report that was prepared by the RTAC. She said that shoulders are usually only added to roads when they are completely reconstructed because there has to be a level, 18-inch base prior to paving. Proper drainage also has to be added. Therefore, it’s not likely that shoulders can be added to an existing road. Jim added that occasionally soft shoulders were constructed with sufficient 18-inch base materials so that paving them would not be too costly.

Stephanie said that there are several Level-2 road resurfacing projects in the Biennial Transportation Plan for the MDI region, and she was wondering what that meant. Jim and Jean explained that this is the addition of layers of tar to the road surface, and that it delays road reconstruction and shoulder addition because it cheaply improves the condition of the automobile travel lane.

Glenna asked if the towns are the link to getting projects into MDOT’s plans. Jim confirmed that he sends out notices to all the towns soliciting their input on projects they would like done. Jean added that the committee should speak with town public works directors about specific projects they are interested in and should consult town comprehensive plans. Jim also said that the RTAC convened a bicycling and walking subcommittee that identified priority bike route projects over the whole region.

Glenna asked if bicycle paths have to be road shoulders, and Jim replied that they could also be off-road paths. Stephanie added that off-road paths are frequently a different funding source. Charlie also pointed out that the land ownership issues are often greater when trying to construct off-road paths.

Doug questioned why MDOT has not completed more bicycle and pedestrian projects given that it appears that the RTAC feels they are important. Jean responded that RTAC is an advisory group, not an advocacy group. Jim added that bicycle and pedestrian projects are weighted statewide and only the most important of them are completed because there is not enough funding.

Jean said that she was impressed with the efforts of Gouldsboro and Winter Harbor in advocating for paved shoulders on Rt. 186 to enable bicyclists to safely complete a bicycle loop around the Schoodic portion of the Park. Jean added that citizens conducted a petition drive that was particularly influential, and Jim said that the fact that the road connected to a scenic byway was also helpful.

Doug mentioned that Representative Faircloth was introducing legislation to prevent obesity. Rep. Faircloth has discovered that many state and federal policies inadvertently lead to obesity. Doug wondered whether other state agencies were examining this issue. Jim said that MDOT follows federal guidelines for funding, so policies are generally set at the federal level.

In summary, Jean and Jim suggested the following possible committee activities to encourage bicycle and pedestrian projects:

• Speak to public works directors
• Examine comprehensive plans for bicycling and walking information
• Speak to town leaders regarding desire for shoulder and sidewalk improvements
• Start petition drives
• Stay in touch with RTAC members regarding priority recommendations
• Submit comments to MDOT’s six-year plan

Jim Fisher described the Safe Routes to School Program – a competitive MDOT grant program providing funds for projects that enable students to bicycle and walk to schools. The program has $500K available statewide, and the maximum grant that any community can receive is $100K. Communities must contribute 40% local match minimum. Towns and school districts have to cooperate on the application.

Stephanie said that she mentioned this program to the town managers at the last League of Towns meeting. Brian said that the topic came up at the Bar Harbor Town Council meeting, but that the Council was interested in hearing results of their traffic study before submitting project ideas. The timeline for this grant program was too short. Doug said that he had heard that the town might be interested in putting up school zone signs. Brian added that they are also interested in thinning the brush hear Connors Emerson so that motorists can see pedestrians better.

Jim said that even if a town does not have money in the present year’s budget for the local match, the town might still satisfy the requirements of the grant if they can show money dedicated in the town warrant for next year. Charlie suggested that we meet with each of the towns to see if there are any projects in the budget already that this grant program could help with (e.g., any sidewalk improvements that this funding could make go farther). The committee assigned the following people to set up meetings with each of the town managers, public works directors, and school principals:

Bar Harbor – Brian (lead), Mary and Doug also interested in attending

Mt. Desert – Heather

Southwest Harbor – Doug

Tremont – Stephanie

Each of the lead folks will keep others informed about when the meetings have been set, so that they may join if interested.

The next meeting date was not set, but is anticipated for mid-February. The date will be announced via-e-mail.