Sen. Bailey introduces bond bill to increase climate resilience for coastal communities

On Thursday, April 10, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee conducted a public hearing for a bill from Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco. LD 560, “An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Improve Coastal Climate Resiliency.”

The bill, if approved would issue a $75 million bond for county, municipal and tribal governments, as well as regional councils, to apply for grants.

These grants would improve coastal climate resiliency and upgrade engineered beaches along Maine’s 228 miles of coastline, including in the communities of Old Orchard Beach and Saco.

“From raging floodwaters to rising storm surges, we are not fully protected from the increasingly damaging and severe effects of extreme weather in Maine. Whether it’s Camp Ellis Beach, the Hook on Chebeague Island or Popham Beach, coastal and island communities are in crisis,” said Bailey. “With this bond, we can provide Mainers the opportunity to choose to continue historic investments in climate resilience. Moving forward with this proposal means we can ensure that the Maine we all know and love will be here for generations to come."

LD 560 adds to the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to protect Maine from climate change. Earlier this year, Bailey offered testimony in support of LD 1, “An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness for Maine s Communities, Homes and Infrastructure.”

In her testimony, Bailey highlighted the proposed Flood Ready Program, Home Resiliency Program and State Resilience Office. Similar to LD 560, she advocated for the ability of county governments, such as York County, to be able to apply for funding and grants. In Senate District 31, York County has taken a leading coordinating role by allocating funds for the regional dredge or rebuilding and upgrading beaches and dunes.

In the 131st Legislature, Bailey voted in favor of the Legislature’s historic $60 million investment in storm relief efforts. That bill allocated $10 million to the Business Resilience and Recovery Fund and $50 million to the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund.

Some local businesses and non-profit organization received funds from the Business and Recovery Fund including:

●  SAMCO, Inc. (Old Orchard Beach) - $100,000.00

●  RAR Surfside, Inc. (Old Orchard Beach) - $42,742.21

●  Ocean Side Resort LLC (Old Orchard Beach) - $7,935.00

●   Ferry Beach Park Association (Saco) - $6,000.00

The City of Saco received $1,257,000 from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund to rebuild and repair the intersection of Ferry Rd and Seaside Ave.

In the coming weeks, the Committee will schedule a work session for LD 560.