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Maine Department of Transportation

Adequate, safe, and efficient transportation facilities and services are crucial to the economic growth of a state.  In Maine, the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) is charged with the responsibility of coordinating and developing a balanced transportation policy and planning that facilitates convenient transportation facilities and services for the well being of its people.  DOT was established pursuant to 23 M.R.S. § 4205.  It is also known as MaineDOT.

DOT is responsible for the maintenance of roads and other public infrastructure in Maine.  Additional responsibilities of the DOT include: presenting reports on the adequacy of roads, highways, and bridges in Maine, and monitoring environmental factors such as storm water and ice/snow build up on roads that affect the motor public.

The DOT consists of a Commissioner of Transportation (Commissioner) appointed by the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation and to confirmation by the Legislature[i]. The Commissioner holds office at the pleasure of the Governor.

The Commissioner enjoys some powers and has to discharge certain duties.  The duties, powers, and responsibilities of the Commissioner are provided under 23 M.R.S. § 4206.  Some of the duties are as follows:

  • To develop a balanced transportation policy and planning that will meet the current and future requirements for adequate and safe transportation in Maine.
  • To provide support for the development and operation of transportation facilities and services in Maine, and to promote efficient use of all available and future modes of transportation.
  • To perform duties required to be performed by law.
  • To appear as chief spokesman for the State of Maine, before national, state, and regional organization/agencies to further the transportation interests of the state.
  • To oversee and promote transportation safety action programs throughout Maine.
  • To establish a system of scenic highways in Maine, while preserving and maintaining the scenic values along the system of highways.
  • To receive and be the sole administrator of all federal or other moneys received for transportation development purposes.

 

Pursuant to 23 M.R.S. § 4206(2), the Commissioner has the power to organize the DOT into various bureaus, divisions, and units to carry out its responsibilities.  However, the Bureau of Finance and Administration, Bureau of Planning, Bureau of Project Development, and Bureau of Maintenance and Operations will always be within the DOT.

The Commissioner can appoint deputies, directors, assistants, general counsel, and other officers and employees to help him/her in discharging his/her responsibilities  as may be needed for the performance of his/her duties[ii].  S/he also has the power to prescribe and promulgate rules and regulations necessary to fulfill the purposes of the DOT[iii].

The Commissioner has the power to conduct investigations, inquiries, and hearings concerning all matters within the jurisdiction of the DOT. In addition, s/he can administer oaths and affirmations, certify to all official acts, issue subpoenas and compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, records, books, and documents[iv].  If any person refuses to attend, testify, or produce papers, records, books, and documents as ordered, the Commissioner can submit an application before a judge of the superior court and the judge may make necessary order to aid in enforcement of the order.

Maine Department of Transportation

[i] 23 M.R.S. § 4205.

[ii] 23 M.R.S. § 4206(4).

[iii] 23 M.R.S. § 4206(5).

[iv] 23 M.R.S. § 4206(6).


Inside Maine Department of Transportation