he Maine Office of Community Affairs has announced $550,000 in grant funding to help coastal communities prepare for storms, flooding, and other climate-related risks. The funding comes through two state programs—the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant—both supported by federal dollars from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Communities can use the grants to:
- Study long-term coastal risks
- Plan or design stronger infrastructure
- Improve coastal access
- Update local planning rules to reduce future damage
Funding Details:
- Individual applicants: up to $50,000
- Group applicants: up to $75,000
- A 10% non-federal match is required
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on January 5, 2026. Questions must be submitted by December 15, with written answers posted online by December 22. The state expects to award grants in early 2026, and projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
Eligible applicants include counties, towns, unorganized territories, tribal governments, and regional councils within Maine’s coastal zone.
For full details and application instructions, visit the original article on NEWS CENTER Maine
