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Maine coastal communities wait on lawmakers to pass infrastructure bill for storm repairs

After several severe storms tore through Maine coastal communities, one bill could allocate funding to help repairs, if passed.

AUGUSTA, Maine — As the end of the legislative session continues to encroach, Maine coastal communities and businesses are holding out for a funding bill to repair infrastructure.

Governor Janet Mill’s bill, "An Act To Provide Funding To Rebuild Infrastructure Affected By Extreme Inland And Coastal Weather Events," was introduced earlier this year as a standalone portion of the supplemental budget.

If passed, it would allocate $60 million from the Maine Budget Stabilization fund, also known as the "rainy day fund." The funding would go towards the Department of Transportation, Infrastructure Adaptation Fund, and other special revenue funds to be used for repairs and infrastructure improvements.

Maine Lobstermen’s Association Executive Director Patrice McCarron says a lot of working waterfronts are relying on the funding to help rebuild, and are concerned about what to do next if things don’t move forward.

"Our infrastructure along the coast got hit with about 90 million dollars in damage through those January storms," McCarron said. "If it doesn’t pass, I don’t know what a lot of the working waterfront business is going to do."

While FEMA is sending federal money Maine’s way, Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keilher says it might not come quick enough to prevent an economic blow to fishing and lobstering businesses.

"This has been in progress since January, and here we are closing in to April with still no progress,” Keilher said. “These business owners are relying on state support."

As a result, the governor sent a letter Wednesday to the Senate president, urging the chamber take action on the bill for Thursday. However, as of Thursday night, the bill is still listed as unfinished business.

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