Flooding and erosion is not new to coastal communities, like ours. Camp Ellis has long been the canary in the coal mine for communities experiencing severe flooding and erosion. However, between the increase in both frequency of extreme weather events and the damage caused by these storms, it’s clear more action and support is needed.
Last month, Rep. Lynn Copeland, Rep. Lori Gramlich, and I joined local and state officials to discuss storm recovery and resiliency efforts in York County. We heard from local officials who described challenges facing Saco Bay communities, including Old Orchard Beach and Saco. After the presentations, we toured the storm damage, as well as recovery efforts, in Camp Ellis, Ocean Park, and Old Orchard Beach.
In December, January and April, these communities were severely affected by strong storms, flooding, and power outages. It’s clear that the worsening effects of climate change are already here. That’s why we need to rebuild and recover while adapting to this new reality, preparing ourselves for the storms of today – and the future. I am grateful Gov. Mills established the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, and I look forward to reviewing its recommendations. We must work together to ensure that Maine’s economy and infrastructure become more resilient.
I also made the point that we need to partner with private property home- and landowners to craft long-term solutions. In many communities, private property owners are the first line of defense against climate change, so it’s critical we include them in these discussions. As the Senate chair of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee, I am very pleased the superintendent of the Maine Bureau Insurance is on the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission. We need to be creative about ensuring insurance remains affordable and available in the future. We also need to address gaps in most conventional insurances, including flood insurance.
In the Legislature, we also took action to provide financial assistance and storm relief. In the final days of the Second Regular Session for the 131st Maine State Legislature, we passed a $60 million package, much of which will become available later this year. As of now, Maine small businesses and municipalities can begin to apply for some of this funding. The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) launched applications for $10 million in funding for Maine small businesses and nonprofit organizations through its Business Recovery and Resilience Fund. These funds will make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure to withstand future storms.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched applications for $25 million in funding for Maine municipalities through the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund. This initiative helps rebuild infrastructure, making it more resilient.
To apply for the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund, go to maine.gov/decd/business-development/financial-incentives-resources/resources/business-recovery-resilience-fund. The application deadline is June 25.
To apply for the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund, go to www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/adaptation/. The application deadline is July 1.
As more funding becomes available, I will share that information with you. You can follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/DonnaBaileyForSenate. You can also subscribe to my regular e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. As always, you can contact my Senate office at (207) 287-1515 or me directly at Donna.Bailey@legislature.maine.gov. I would be happy to try and answer your questions.
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