Enhance island explorer bus system to improve visitor experienc via bus purchases - elfhd will be assisting NPS in providing fltp (CAT III) funding for the maine DOT and downeast transportation INC…

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $2,647,560 to the Maine Department of Transportation under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) on April 2, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2029. This Project Grant supports the enhancement of the Island Explorer Bus System serving Acadia National Park in Maine through the procurement of buses. The funding is structured as Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) Category III assistance, which the awardee is facilitating in partnership with the National Park Service, Maine Department of Transportation, and Downeast Transportation Inc. to acquire the necessary transit vehicles to improve visitor experience and transportation services within and around the national park.

The Highway Planning and Construction program, administered by the FHWA, provides federal financial assistance for a range of transportation infrastructure activities, including transit-related projects that support multimodal transportation improvements. Under this mechanism, the Maine Department of Transportation is leveraging federal funding to directly address transportation service enhancements for Acadia National Park visitors through capital purchases that will modernize and expand the Island Explorer Bus System's operational capacity.

Enhance island explorer bus system to improve visitor experienc via bus purchases - elfhd will be assisting NPS in providing fltp (CAT III) funding for the maine DOT and downeast transportation INC (DTI) in purchasing buses needed for the acad national park.