Maine Seeks Sturdier Infrastructure for Harsh Weather

Maine Tackles Climate Change with Infrastructure Resilience Commission

Maine, having declared eight significant disasters in the past two years, has appointed a 24-member commission to study disaster response and resilient infrastructure needs. Even state leaders skeptical about climate change acknowledge the need for adaptation in dealing with disasters.

Stonington, a vital lobster fishing port that supplies about 11% of all Maine lobster globally, has been a recurrent victim of extreme weather conditions. A recent winter storm resulted in significant damage to the town's infrastructure, extending into millions of dollars. This incident plausibly demonstrates the increasing frequency and severity of storms in Maine, largely attributed to climate change.

Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission

Last month, Maine's Gov. Janet Mills established the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission to help the state mitigate these disasters and develop a long-term plan for infrastructure resilience. The commission, composed of professionals from various sectors, aims to facilitate future disaster anticipation with a unique approach to infrastructure investment.

Immediate and Long-Term Needs

The recent spate of storms highlighted the need for greater infrastructure resilience. In response, the Legislature allocated $60 million for storm recovery efforts in this year's budget. The commission is tasked with ensuring the maximization of federal resources to rebuild from recent storms and prepare for future events. It is also expected to deliver a long-term resilience plan next year.

Action in Other States

Other states are also making strides toward disaster resilience. In 2018, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott convened a state task force to improve disaster preparedness. Vermont recently launched a Resilience Implementation Strategy, focusing on strengthening vulnerable public infrastructure. Maryland established a Blue and Green Infrastructure Policy Advisory Commission in 2022, aiming to develop more resilient infrastructure.

Challenges for FEMA

The federal government provides grants for states to invest in resilient infrastructure. However, FEMA's disaster relief funds only cover specific project types. The new commission's job is to understand the available federal resources and make the most of them for rebuilding and future preparedness.

Increasingly severe storms escalate the cost of rebuilding, making insurance reimbursements less reliable. The state aims to relocate vulnerable residents and businesses away from the coast, yet it also intends to protect those who must stay. According to Linda Nelson, Stonington's director of economic development, "With the working waterfront, it has to be where it is. There's no relocation. So adaptation is key."