62 years of actively promoting investment for improved roads, bridges, airports, ports and other transportation facilities for the State of Maine.

Founded in 1939 as the Maine Good Roads Association, the MBTA provides a non-partisan voice for increased transportation improvement in Maine. Originally, the Association was formed as a watchdog group to ensure that moneys dedicated to highway and bridge improvements were not diverted for other purposes. In 1983 we changed our name to the Maine Better Transportation Association to reflect our broader mission of advocating for funding of a multimodal transportation system. At that time, we also began promoting funding for air, port and rail facilities, recognizing that while roads may be the backbone of the state’s transportation system, the other modes must all be linked to provide for a safe, efficient transportation network for Maine.

What We Do:

The MBTA is very active in the legislative process, advocating for funding for roads and bridges, ports and rail facilities, airports and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to Executive Director Maria Fuentes, the MBTA employs a contract lobbyist to promote the Association’s legislative agenda with the Maine Legislature.

Led efforts to pass transportation bond referendum issues in 1998 and 1999 resulting in over $265 million in investments for roads and bridges, port and rail and marine infrastructure projects.

Spearheaded 1997 referendum campaign to widen Maine Turnpike and pass transportation bond issue resulting in $350 million for statewide transportation improvements.

Led the effort to secure passage of nearly $200 million (1995) and $165 million (1993) in transportation funds in referenda elections providing monies for needed roads, bridges, airports and port and ferry work.

Directed the successful passage of the transportation component of the Maine Jobs Bond program which netted $112 million for the state's transportation infrastructure.

Steadfastly opposes using gas tax monies for non-transportation purposes.