SMPDC is welcoming summer. Read on about projects completed and more on the way!
SMPDC Annual Report 2022
The SMPDC Annual Report includes updates from all staff members, and a breakdown of our budget and work plan for the coming year.

EPA Announces $3.9 million Award for SMPDC
We are pleased to announce the Environmental Protection Agency has awarded SMPDC with $3.9 million for assistance with Brownfields cleanup and reuse projects. SMPDC has a long history of leveraging Brownfields funds for the remediation and clean up of contaminated properties for housing, mixed-use developments, and public infrastructure. Read more to learn how you can access Brownfield funds.
6-Town Economic Resilience Plan Complete
SMPDC recently completed an EDA-funded regional planning study that assessed local and regional economic vulnerabilities from coastal storms and future sea level rise and developed recommendations to enhance coastal and economic resilience in the communities of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells.

The project assessed impacts of storm surge combined with two scenarios of sea level rise, 1.6 feet and 3.0 feet, to represent what storm events could look like in the future.

Several resources were developed to share the findings and allow communities to interact with and utilize the GIS-based vulnerability assessment results:
·  Economic Resilience Assessment and Plan for Southern Maine - Final report that summarizes results of the study and includes recommended strategies.

·  GIS Story Map - Interactive summary of key regional and municipal-specific findings of the regional vulnerability assessment along with custom interactive maps that highlight coastal flood impacts.

·  GIS Web Mapping Application - Interactive map for viewing and exploring the assessment results and underlying geospatial data.
Kennebunk Awarded 2.2 million for Pier Reconstruction
The EDA announced a $2.2 million award to the Town of Kennebunkport for the the reconstruction of the Cape Porpoise commercial pier. The pier supports 55 fishing boats and several local businesses which have been impacted by severe storms and flooding. This grant is essential for beginning economic resilience adaptation in the community and region, and SMPDC was glad to provide support on the application.
Outdoor Recreation Economic Strategy
Our communities know first hand that outdoor recreation is an economic driver and key characteristic of our region.

That's why SMPDC conducted an analysis to identify actionable steps SMPDC and partner organizations can take to further grow the outdoor recreation industry in a way that aligns with the community’s values and addresses critical economic development issues.
Progress on Regional Trails & Rail Use
Eastern Trail Celebrates Federal Funding
Mountain Division Rail Use Advisory Council
On May 20th, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree hosted a celebration of federal Community Project Funding to help complete a southern section of the Eastern Trail from Kennebunk to North Berwick.
The Mountain Division Rail Use Advisory Council, chaired by Paul Schumacher, convened to assess potential uses for the 31 mile rail corridor. The Council issued a strong recommendation that corridor becomes a paved bike trail until such time as rail becomes feasible.

Coastal Resilience Model Ordinance Complete
Interested in incorporating coastal resilience measures in your community's land use ordinances?

Check out the new document Municipal Guidance for Coastal Resilience: Model Ordinance Language for Maine Municipalities created to support municipal staff and planning boards integrate resilience measures into land use planning and regulations.
Transit Assessment Study in Progress
SMPDC is working with the municipalities and transit agencies in our region on a transit assessment study.

The study aims to evaluate the existing regional transit system conditions to guide future transportation investment that supports overall regional goals. 
Funding for Communities
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Provides funding for the development of hazard mitigation plans and for projects that reduce, or mitigate, future disaster losses.
 
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) - A hazard mitigation assistance program that provides funding for proactive investment in community resilience and projects that seek to mitigate the impacts of hazards and climate change before a disaster occurs

SMPDC Energy Audit Program - The SMPDC Energy Audit Program provides subsidized energy audits to small businesses and agricultural producers in the SMPDC region. 
 
Maine DOT Village Partnership Initiative - Funding and support available for any Maine village or downtown on a state or state aid highway where a community has a vision for significant improvements to lower-speed areas that are or could become a community center. $4M in seed money available. Contact your MaineDOT regional planner.

Navigating the Federal Funding Landscape - This resource was compiled by the New England Environmental Finance Center and details several different federal funding sources for environmental quality, agriculture, water management and sustainability & resilience for municipalities.

These grants and more on our webpage - Grants and Other Funding.
Welcome, Celeste Kilgore!
Celeste Kilgore joins us from the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center Summer Internship Program. Growing up in Cape Elizabeth, she’s now a rising senior at University of Michigan.

She will be working on various projects doing data collection, visualization, report writing and outreach. "I am looking forward to experiencing first-hand how impactful regional planning is in aiding local communities.”

When she’s not at work? “I love to spend my free time hiking, traveling, and hanging out with my dog, Luna.”

Welcome on board, Celeste!
SMPDC In the News
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