Connected by COAST is a capital campaign designed to fund the construction of a new 48,000 square foot home for COAST. The existing structure is outdated and does not adequately meet the organization's operational requirements. The proposed facility will enhance the transportation system by providing essential functions that are currently lacking. Improvements will include dedicated administrative space within the building to eliminate the need for off-site office rentals, sufficient meeting and training spaces, expanded maintenance bays, and indoor storage for the vehicle fleet.
Funds for the project will come from a mix of sources, including up to $16.1M in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital grants, which require $3.4M in matching funds. Potential sources of matching funds for the project include private foundations, businesses, and private contributions.
EVERY private dollar raised will put $4.68 in FTA funds to use.
Exciting News.
After raising $14.1M of the $19.5M campaign goal, we are now in the public phase of the campaign!
We hope you will join us.
As COAST has grown from a staff of one to 70+ over the years, so too have its contributions to the region, both as a critical transportation resource and as an economic driver.
A 2021 economic impact study conducted by the Strafford Regional and Rockingham Planning Commissions found:
COAST's direct, indirect, and induced effects on local spending, as well as the economic impact of access provided by its services, are estimated to generate approximately $4.08 in local economic activity for every dollar invested in COAST.
Based on our FY26 operating budget of $8.1M, COAST's economic impact for the region is currently estimated at over $33M annually.
The towns and cities connected by COAST’s public transit system are also economically, socially, and environmentally linked. Affordable housing, jobs, social supports, and medical services are dispersed broadly across the Seacoast region, requiring travel between communities. COAST is a common thread that offers everyone an affordable, reliable connection to the opportunities and services they need to succeed.
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Dover, New Hampshire. As an innovative leader in public transportation, COAST coordinates a comprehensive network of services for individuals seeking transit options.
Since 1982, COAST has provided over 17 million rides to individuals in the Greater Seacoast region, facilitating access to employment, education, healthcare, retail, social services, and community events.
Transportation costs are the second-highest household expenses, accounting for just under 17% of all household expenses on average. As the distance between the communities where people can afford to live and those where opportunities are located grows, the cost of relying on a personal vehicle for travel becomes a real financial burden. COAST’s public transit network offers a reliable and affordable alternative.
About COAST
