Who runs MARA?

MARA is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Each Board member has experience living in a private road association.

How is MARA funded?

MARA is solely funded by paid memberships. [maybe include: we run on a shoestring budget as to keep membership fees low.]

Does MARA advertise?

No. Besides hosting our website, MARA is known only by word of mouth. Please help us spread the word about MARA.

What is a road association?

As opposed to a Homeowners’ Association or a Lake Association, a Road Association is formed specifically for the purpose of providing maintenance for a road that is not maintained by the public.

What are the basic types of road associations?

Road associations may be Informal, (where abutters voluntarily contribute to share the cost of maintenance, Non-profit Corporations, (filed with the State as non-profit organizations,) and Statutory (formed under 23 MRS sections 3101-3105-A) The law provides a framework but allows a lot of flexibility to allow tailoring an association to fit the needs of each road.

What are the advantages of forming a road association?

The primary advantage is to get abutters to share in the cost of road maintenance so that one or a few landowners do not bear the entire burden, and so that funds are then available to keep the road in good condition for property access. Depending on the type of road association, it may provide some enforcement powers to get everyone to pay, and it may provide some liability protection.

How do I start a road association?

The public section of the MARA resources page has links to a number of guides and resources that detail the process for forming a road association. The Members Only section provides even more, as detailed below.

What will MARA do for me?

The MARA Resources page has links to publicly available materials such as Guides to forming road associations, Maine Statutes, materials on gravel road maintenance, and more. The MARA Resources Members Only section has additional guides, sample forms, sample bylaws, information on handling delinquent claims, and handouts from past MARA conferences.

MARA’s searchable Discussion Forum is a place where people ask questions and share their experiences and expertise. Membership allows members to not only read the forum, but also to post their own questions and laymen’s answers.

Does MARA hold any special events?

Yes, MARA holds an Annual Conference usually in early October with speakers who specialize in matters of concern to private road associations such as road association formation and operation, road maintenance, legal, insurance, and law enforcement issues, as well as other specialty issues. There is a small fee for attending the annual conference. The conference has in-person and virtually attendance options.

How much does it cost to join MARA?

Membership is only $25 per year. In addition to giving access to more resources and full access to participate in the forum, it includes a discount on the cost of the fall MARA conference. What a deal!