U.S Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today celebrated a $1.467 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help coastal communities like Maine’s prepare for the potentially devastating impacts of climate change.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Ready Coasts initiative will support the future of coastal communities by making substantial investments in infrastructure that will increase resilience and to extreme weather events and many other effects of our changing climate.  The law, which was supported by all 4 of Maine’s delegation, is the one of the nation’s largest infrastructure packages ever.  Main investment points include broadband access, road and bridge repair, and preparation for our ever-changing climate.

“For generations, Maine’s coastal communities have powered our economy and shared the natural beauty of our state with millions. As these gateways to the Atlantic face the growing threats of climate change, supporting resilient coastal infrastructure is one of the most important steps we can take the secure our state’s future,” said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden.  “The Climate Ready Coasts initiative is a historic investment in the future of our coasts that will shore-up valuable infrastructure, protect ecosystems, and strengthen our economy.  Given that Maine has one of the longest coastlines in the country, this funding is welcome and critical to ensuring that our most vulnerable communities will be successful for years to come.  We’re glad to see that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to meet the needs of Maine and provide our state the support it needs to thrive.”