Maine now has resources to help towns, homeowners, businesses and first responders prepare for and withstand severe storms.

Governor Janet Mills signed a bipartisan bill Tuesday, which is a direct response to historic storms in December 2023 and January 2024 which badly damaged buildings and coastal infrastructure.

It will provide $15,000 grants to homeowners to help stormproof their properties and invests $10 million in the state’s Disaster Recovery Fund.

“My bipartisan bill to help Maine better prepare for extreme weather and protect homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure across our state,” said Mills in a statement

Mills introduced L.D. 1, “An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness for Maine’s Communities, Homes and Infrastructure” in January with the support of both Democratic and Republican leaders in the state House and Senate.

The program will still need to be set up and go through the rulemaking process.

According to Mills’ office, the bill does not rely upon the state’s general funds but is paid for by $39 million in existing state and federal funds.

The bill was sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart, and House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham.