Resolve, To Establish a Pilot Project To Evaluate and Address the Transportation Needs of Maine's Veterans

Sec. 1. Pilot project. Resolved: That, beginning January 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022, the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, shall establish a pilot project in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties to provide transportation to veterans, including a veteran's caregiver or dependent, to and from employment or employment-related services, medical appointments, mental health services, social services and community activities. The pilot project must be administered by a regional transportation agency in a manner that will supplement existing public transit services. For purposes of the pilot project, "veteran" means any person who served on active duty, inclusive of active duty for training purposes, in the United States Armed Forces or served in the Maine National Guard or the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces and who received a discharge other than dishonorable.

Sec. 2. Funding. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation may receive funds from any public or private source for the purposes for which the pilot project has been established.

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That by July 1, 2021 the Department of Transportation shall submit an initial written report on the progress of the pilot project, including number of trips and number of veterans served, and by October 1, 2022 the Department of Transportation shall submit a final written report, including findings and recommendations, to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation, health and human services, and labor and veterans matters. The joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation, health and human services and labor and veterans matters may each submit a bill to the First Regular Session of the 131st Legislature relating to the subject matter of the final report.

summary

This resolve establishes a 30-month pilot project in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties to provide transportation to veterans and their caregivers or dependents to and from employment or employment-related services, medical appointments, mental health services, social services and community activities.