DOVER, NH: Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, has received a $50,000 leadership gift from the Kennebunk Savings Bank 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 (including CDFA tax credits), local and private sources, such as the contribution from Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation. To date, 81% of the estimated $17.3M projected cost have been raised.
“We are so grateful to Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation for their generosity and for recognizing the positive social and economic impacts that public transit brings to the Seacoast,” said Rad Nichols, Executive Director for COAST. “Our new facility is a downpayment on the future and with forward looking partners like Kennebunk Savings by our side, COAST will be able to continue to connect people and communities for another 40 years and beyond.”
In acknowledgement of their generosity, the main lobby of the new 48,000 square foot facility will be named in honor of Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation.
“We’re excited to support COAST because of what a great job they do working to connect our neighbors and communities,” said Lex Meagher, President & CEO of Kennebunk Savings. “By partnering with them, we can play a role in supporting connectivity, overall health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability. We can help people access employment opportunities, healthcare and social services, educational opportunities, community events and more.”
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.