On June 29,  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  to launch the Climate Ready Coasts initiative that will invest $1.467 billion in Maine’s coastal climate resiliency. The program is to help coastal communities build the future they want to see by supporting natural infrastructure and coastal ecosystems to increase their resilience to climate change.

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden supported the law. The funding is to support investments in infrastructure that increase resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. The program will also fund habitat restoration in coastal ecosystems nationwide and promote coastal resilience in underserved coastal communities as well as those most vulnerable to climate impacts.  

“For generations, Maine’s coastal communities have powered our economy and shared the natural beauty of our state with millions. As these gateways to the Atlantic face the growing threats of climate change, supporting resilient coastal infrastructure is one of the most important steps we can take to secure our state’s future,” said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden, in a news release. “The Climate Ready Coasts initiative is a historic investment in the future of our coasts that will shore-up vulnerable infrastructure, protect ecosystems, and strengthen our economy. Given that Maine has one of the longest coastlines in the country, this funding is welcome and critical to ensuring our most vulnerable communities will be successful for years to come. We’re glad to see that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to meet the needs of Maine and provide our state the support it needs to thrive.”