Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission release interim report
HALLOWELL - It's been nearly one year since the winter storms that caused roughly 90 million in damage to public and private infrastructure throughout the state and along the coasts. In the wake of these disasters, Governor Janet Mills established the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, who released an interim report Tuesday.
Following the extreme storms last December and January, the state is looking towards its first ever long-term resiliency plan.
"What the storms really taught us last year, is that our people, our communities are suffering by not having this kind of plan," said Linda Nelson, Economic and Community Development Director for the town of Stonington, who also served as the Co-Chair of the Commission.
An interim report was released after six months of visiting vulnerable communities. Some of the key recommendations include bolstering critical infrastructure, and making it easier for communities to rebuild faster after disasters.
"The interim report will help governor mills, the legislature, and the state take critical first steps and make long term policy and investment decisions," said Dan Tishman, Co-Chair of the Commission.
Since March 2022, Maine has seen eight disaster declarations and one emergency declaration, and officials expect more amid the changing climate.
"Our fisherman experience that accelerating sea level rise every single day," said Nelson.
According to Nelson, coastal communities like Stonington that rely on a working waterfront for fishing are still reeling from the impact, just ahead of another winter.
"Our guys went to work, rebuilding the dock infrastructure, getting the fueling stations back up, getting the electrics back up, and they had to do that without upfront funding," said Nelson.
The Mills Administration says the state has already started taking steps towards resiliency, including committing $60 million in storm relief for working waterfronts, infrastructure projects and business recovery.
According to a recent study released by the U.S Chamber of Commerce, every dollar spent on climate resilience and preparedness saves communities $13 in damages, cleanup costs and economic impact.
