Updated 4-4-24
January storms have had a large impact on our members, working waterfronts, and coastal communities. Below are some links to resources and they will be updated as more information becomes available.
APPLY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDING BY MAY 20, 2024
ISLAND INSTITUTE’S BUSINESS RESILIENCE STORM RESPONSE GRANTS
To help marine businesses recover from the devastating impacts of January’s coastal storms, Island Institute is expanding our Business Resilience Grant program. More details and link to apply HERE.
Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands and in fishing dependent communities impacted by the storms on January 10th and 13th.
Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure that supports multiple individuals or that plays a critical role in communities with demonstrable impact from these storms.
Examples of acceptable uses include:
- Wharf infrastructure repair
- Equipment repair and replacement
WORKING WATERFRONT RECONSTRUCTION SURVEY
RECONSTRUCTION SURVEY LINK HERE
The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA), Maine Marine Trades Association (MMTA), New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA), Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA), and Maine Lobstermen’s Union (MLU) are surveying commercial fishing and other marine industries to understand what materials and services are required to begin to rebuild the working waterfront. The goal is to identify solutions to help lower the barriers to accessing these goods and services and identify available resources. If you have questions or would like to provide more information, please reach out to [email protected] (fisheries) or [email protected] (marine industries).
RESOURCE PAGE FROM MAINE DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
https://www.mainemarinetrades.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jan-2024-Storm-Guidance.pdf
RESOURCE PAGE FROM MAINE DEPT OF MARINE RESOURCES
STORM RECOVERY AND RESOURCES ZOOM RECORDING
In the webinar you can hear directly from key State officials about what to do now and what to expect in the coming weeks and months. In summary, the process is going to be slow and we are still in the Damage Assessment Phase. It could take months before we know if Maine qualifies for FEMA funding.
Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson, and Anne Fuchs, Director of Mitigation, Planning and Recovery at Maine Emergency Management. to discuss impacts of the storms that are affecting island and coastal communities, and resources for recovery. The discussion was moderated by Island Institute President Kim Hamilton, PhD.
INITIAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SURVEY TO REPORT DAMAGE
For now, the information that we have from the Department of Marine Resources and MEMA can be accessed HERE. Reporting damage is not an application for assistance, but it can help the State determine how much assistance may be needed for the January 10 and January 13 storm recovery.
MAINE FLOODING RESOURCE PAGE
From the Governor’s Office
https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/flood
FEDERAL DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION RAISE GRANTS
Some local governments might want to consider an application for a federal RAISE grant for help rebuilding public port/harbor infrastructure. There is a deadline of Feb 28 for grant applications. This may not be a perfect fit for storm recovery needs, but MMTA feels no stone should be left unturned as an option for our battered coastline. Maine DOT would probably offer a letter of support. Please reach out if we can help. Link for more information
Please keep us in mind if we can help in any way. We have also heard from some members who are willing to help if anyone needs anything. Just ask.
Stacey