DOVER, NH: The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, has received a $25,000 lead gift from First Seacoast Community Foundation. The funds were given as part of an ongoing capital campaign to support the construction of a new administrative, operations and maintenance facility in Dover, NH.
For more than 40 years, COAST has been connecting people and communities in the Greater Seacoast region. In the last 15 years in particular, COAST has experienced its most significant growth. The new facility will ensure COAST's ability to maintain current service and quality levels, and reduce their environmental impact while also allowing them to be responsive and adaptable to future opportunities.
The project will be funded through a combination of federal, state (New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority tax credits), local, and private sources, such as the contribution from the First Seacoast Community Foundation. To date, 81% of the estimated $17.3M projected cost has been raised.
“We are so grateful to First Seacoast Bank for their incredible generosity and for recognizing the positive social and economic impacts that public transit brings to the Seacoast,” said Rad Nichols, Executive Director for COAST. “This $25,000 donation combines with their previous purchase of (CDFA) tax credits and brings the bank’s total investment in COAST’s new facility to an incredible $57,000.”
“An investment in public transportation yields big dividends for our community,” said James R. Brannen, CEO of First Seacoast Bank. “As a longstanding local business, we have witnessed firsthand the importance of the COAST transportation system on connecting people and places – including our own customers and employees. We are proud of our partnership with COAST and to support this important work that will have a positive impact on Seacoast communities for years to come.”
COAST’s capital campaign is ongoing, and businesses and individuals interested in contributing can learn more about the campaign, the new facility project and the naming opportunities available for donors over $15,000 at www.coastbus.org.
About First Seacoast Bank
Founded in 1890, First Seacoast Bank has five branch offices in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire with headquarters in Dover. Inspired by a legacy of community bank values, the bank is proud of its rich local roots and community-focused mission. For more information visit www.firstseacoastbank.com.