On Thursday, Senator Angus King, Chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, announced the passage of two bills through committee.
The first is legislation that will bring affordable workforce housing to Acadia National Park. The legislation would transfer an undeveloped parcel of land in the Village of Town Hill on Mount Desert Island (MDI), from Acadia National Park to the Town of Bar Harbor for the specific development of affordable housing. The remainder of the parcel would be used by the National Parks Service (NPS) to construct staff housing to keep pace with the park’s popularity and increased visitation.
The proposal is cosponsored by Senator Susan Collins and is supported by the NPS, the Town of Bar Harbor, and the Island Housing Trust.
“Mount Desert Island is one of the jewels of America, and as more people from around the world look to visit this natural wonder, we must make sure the island has enough affordable housing for the workers required to maintain this global attraction.” Said Senator King. “From the National Park to Bar Harbor businesses, every part of MDI’s economy is currently feeling the squeeze of a significant affordable worker housing shortage–causing businesses to run limited hours, or even shut their doors completely. This bipartisan bill will directly address the housing crisis facing the community and create more year-round and seasonal staff housing for both the park and the island’s towns. ”
Senator Collins added that “The dedicated staff who work at Acadia National Park and in the hospitality industry in the surrounding towns make it possible for millions of visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of MDI every year. Unfortunately, a lack of affordable housing has contributed to workforce shortages and created significant hardships for employees who need to live nearby.”
The other bill is entitled the RISEE Act, and it will give coastal communities like Maine infrastructure funding from wind development. The act will redirect revenue from future offshore wind construction to shoreline states like Maine for the purpose of coastal protection and resiliency.
“Offshore wind technology presents one of the most promising opportunities to grow America’s economy and protect our environment. As we continue to invest in these innovative technologies–which can support good jobs and boost clean energy availability–it is essential that states like Maine who are supporting offshore wind construction see the benefits.” Said Senator King. “The RISEE Act is an important step to make sure Maine’s coastal communities receive the funding they deserve from offshore wind, directing millions from development straight to shoreline states that have made the investments. This bipartisan bill will help the fishing towns, tourism hubs, and seaside cities across our state invest in the resilient infrastructure they need for the challenges of today and the future.”
