Maine Allocates $25 Million for Waterfront Reconstruction Following Severe Winter Storms and Flooding

Maine to Rebuild Working Waterfront Communities After Devastating Winter Storms

After a series of brutal winter storms wreaked havoc on Maine’s working waterfront communities, the state government has announced a plan to invest tens of millions of dollars in rebuilding efforts. The storms, which hit the Northeast in January, caused extensive damage to docks, wharves, and coastal businesses in Maine and New Hampshire.

President Joe Biden declared the storms a “major disaster,” with Maine alone suffering about $70 million in damages. In response, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills unveiled a $25 million funding initiative to repair and reconstruct the affected areas. This funding is part of a larger $60 million rebuilding package approved by the Maine Legislature.

Mills emphasized the importance of restoring the damaged infrastructure, particularly the wharves and piers crucial to the livelihoods of commercial fishermen and the state’s economy. Pat Keliher, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, highlighted the vulnerability of Maine’s marine economy to such extreme weather events, calling for investments in resilient infrastructure.

The funding will target wharves and piers that provide significant community benefits to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. State officials underscored the urgency of preserving the working waterfront for future generations, especially as Maine aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.

The rebuilding efforts signal a commitment to safeguarding Maine’s coastal economy and ensuring its resilience in the face of climate change challenges.