Bath Iron Works is among four Maine employers that will benefit from $1.6 million in grants to help with transportation needs, the governor’s office announced Wednesday.

The Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan grants are designed to help employers grow and retain their workforces by paying for pilot projects such as ridesharing, vanpools and other transit options.

“With the workforce shortage hurting businesses across Maine, my Administration is committed to advancing innovative solutions that will knock down barriers preventing people from being able to take and stay in jobs,” Gov. Janet Mills said in the announcement.

BIW will get $750,000 to support carpools and vanpools for employees, regional public transportation options and parking amenities.

More than half of the 7,000 workers at BIW travel more than 70 miles to get to work, Chuck Krugh, president of BIW, said in a statement.

“These resources enhance our ability to provide shared transportation for our workforce that can benefit both them and the environment while creating transportation options that make it possible for Mainers from across the state to contribute to the work we do at Bath Iron Works,” he said.

Another large grant will go to TimberHP in Madison, which will get $750,000 to support the construction of an electric vehicle transportation hub and the purchase of electric vehicles for an employee rideshare program.

Gagne Foods in Bath will get $59,840, which will provide transportation options in bad weather and make several electric bicycles available for employees to use.

Robbins Lumber in Searsmont will get $41,600 to offset an existing program to provide transportation to employees from a nearby correctional institute.

“This grant provides a transportation solution to help employees re-entering the workforce to learn a trade and the chance to have a stable, long-term career,” said Catherine Robbins-Halsted, co-owner of Robbins Lumber.