Moving Toward the Future - An Administrative, Operations, and Maintenance Facility for the next 40+ Years

ABOUT COAST

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization and an innovative leader in providing a broad range of public transportation services, connecting and coordinating a robust network of options for everyone.

COAST's mission is to champion and provide customer-focused public transportation with a commitment to excellence in safety and service.

COAST annual operating budget ranges between $7.5 and $8.5M. As a nonprofit, COAST's budget is funded through a blend of sources including federal, state, and local sources. Federal funding is generally required to be matched with state or local funds, most of which COAST secures through the municipalities we provide service within, charitable contributions from businesses, individuals, and foundations as well as through specific service agreements, and advertising on the buses and in the bus shelters.

CONNECTING PEOPLE AND PLACES

COAST connects people and places in two primary ways: with fixed route buses that connect 10 communities across the Greater Seacoast area; and by providing demand response services for older adults and individuals living with disabilities in and between 13 communities in New Hampshire and Maine.

COAST also supports demand response services operated by other nonprofit agencies throughout Strafford and Rockingham Counties, providing a critical link between communities and the support service their residents need.

Since 1982, COAST has given over 16 million rides to people in the Greater Seacoast region, linking them to work, school, doctor appointments, shopping, and social events.

DRIVING THE SEACOAST ECONOMY

As COAST has grown and expanded over the years from a staff of one to 70, so too has its contributions to the region both as a critical transportation resource and as a driver of the economy.

A 2021 economic impact study conducted by the Strafford Regional and Rockingham Planning Commissions found:

  • COAST's direct, indirect, and induced effect on spending on the local economy, as well as the economic impact of access provided by their services, is estimated to generate approximately $4.08 of activity in the local economy for every dollar invested in COAST.
  • Based on our FY24 operating budget of $7.6 million, COAST's economic impact for the region is currently estimated at $31 million annually.

Just as the region's road network represents a metaphorical gameboard of Life on which the region moves, COAST buses are player pieces used to move people around the region to interact with the local economy and each other.

THE NEED

COAST's ability to achieve its mission rests upon having a fleet of well-maintained and safe vehicles. The current maintenance and operations facility at 42 Sumner Drive in Dover, NH is now insufficiently sized, reaching the end of its expected lifespan, and is in need of replacement. Based on a lengthy planning and input process, COAST has embarked on a plan to build a new facility on its current property.

As a region, a robust public transportation system is an essential component in our economic growth over time. COAST's ability to maintain current transportation services or expand to meet future need will be determined by the completion of this new facility.

An investment in COAST's new facility is a down payment on the future and has the potential to be transformational for public transit in the region. The new facility will allow COAST to help further drive and support the economic growth of the Seacoast.

 

"COAST Conceptual Plan Alternative"

 

THE IMPACT

The mission-critical new facility's efficiently planned and right-sized space will result in:

  • Safer, affordable, and efficient operation for our passengers
  • Better customer service
  • Increased safety on-site for staff
  • Reduced ongoing operating costs (>$70K annually)
  • Extended useful life of our fleet and reduce weather related maintenance
  • Reduced environmental impact of fleet through reduced vehicle idle times, lower fuel consumption (vehicle idling in winter will be reduced by approx. 1,500 hrs. annually)
  • Lower carbon footprint through incorporation of current energy efficient building standards, including a solar array sufficient to satisfy the electrical demand of the facility
  • Prepare for the potential future transition to a hybrid or fully electrified transit fleet in the future.

PROJECT SCOPE

This new 48,000 square foot facility would both ensure COAST's ability to maintain current service and quality levels and to be positioned to be responsive and adaptable to future opportunities. 

The estimated cost of the new facility is just over $17M. Funds for the project will come from a blend of sources, including up to $14M in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital grants, which will require $3M in matching funds. Additional potential sources of funding for the project include the State of New Hampshire, US Department of Energy, private foundations, private contributions, and loans, if necessary.

FUNDING AWARDS TO DATE

  • SFY22 NHDOT FTA 5339(a) Bus and Bus Facilities Capital Project Grant $4,023,716
  • SFY22-23 NH CDFA Tax Credit Program $180,000
  • FFY22 FTA 5339(b) Bus and Bus Facilities Capital Project Grant $7,736,284
  • FFY23 Congressionally Directed Spending Request (Transportation Infrastructure) $2,000,000
  • Cogswell Benevolent Trust $25,000

 

 

NH CDFA TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

In the spring of 2022 COAST was awarded tax credits through the NH CDFA tax credit program.

When purchasing tax credits from COAST companies receive a minimum 75% New Hampshire state tax credit against that contribution. The credit can be applied against the Business Profits Tax, Business Enterprise Tax or Insurance Premium. The contribution may also be treated as a nonprofit donation for Federal tax purposes.

Businesses that took advantage of this opportunity include:

  • Cleveland, Waters & Bass, Professional Association
  • First Seacoast Bank
  • Formax
  • Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, Professional Association
  • Meredith Village Savings Bank
  • Newburyport Bank
  • Office Interiors Ltd.
  • Piscataqua Savings Bank

  • Proulx Real Estate

PROJECT TIMELINE

2022

  • Conceptual and Preliminary Design (Q4)

2023

  • Initial permitting process (Q2)
  • Permitting completed (Q3)

2024

  • Begin final design (Q4-Q2)

2025

  • Bid for Construction (Q3-Q4)

2026

  • Phase 1 of construction (Q2-Q4)

2027

  • Phase 2 of construction (Q2-Q4)

BUDGET

Design & Permitting

 

 $0.5M

Site work, building construction, and contingencies

 

 $14.2M

Equipment and furnishings, including such items as vehicle lifts, fuel tank and fueling system, bus wash equipment, solar array, vehicle exhaust systems, and other fixtures, furnishings, and equipment

 

 $2.6M
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $17.3M