Storm Recovery Resources

Posted 2025-01-13

In the wake of the winter 2024 storms, our island and coastal communities are grappling with the devastating impacts of severe flooding and storm damage.  To support the families and businesses through this difficult time, we are sharing resources to recover, rebuild, and prepare for the future. If you have questions or need additional assistance please contact Nick Battista, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer: nbattista@islandinstitute.org.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR IMPACT IN 2024, DOWNLOAD THE STORM RESPONSE IN ACTION COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT HERE. 

Jump Menu:

 Webinars   |   Financial Resources  |  Insurance   |   Permitting   |   Emergency Assistance   |   Additional Resources

 

Webinars

January 16, 2025 Webinar: Storm Response in Action | Business Owners on Recovery and What’s Next

On January 16, Island Institute hosted a webinar with working waterfront business owners on how they were impacted by the storms, where they are now, and what they see coming in the future. The webinar also featured Lissa Robinson, a Civil Engineer based out of Portland, ME, who shed light on what it takes to rebuild stronger and more resilient. Featured speakers included Christina Fifield,Owner, Fifield Lobster Company, Stonington, ME; Jason Chipman, Owner, Chipman’s Wharf, Milbridge, ME; Derek Lapointe, General Manager, Thurston’s Lobster Pound, Bass Harbor; Lissa Robinson, P.E., C.G., M.C.P.D., Senior Civil Engineer, Hydrologist, Geologist, Land Planner, GEI Consultants, Portland, ME. The webinar was moderated by Sam Belknap, Director, Center for Marine Economy, Island Institute.

Tune in and learn about:

    • The impacts of the storms on Maine’s working waterfront business owners
    • Where working waterfront business owners are now, and what they see coming in the future
    • The engineering perspective on planning, design, permitting, and construction
    • The latest updates on storm recovery action in the state of Maine
    • And more!

Watch the recording.  

December 10, 2024 Webinar: Storm Response in Action | New State Efforts to Help Rebuild

On December 10, Island Institute hosted a webinar with state policy officials as they shared the latest updates on Maine’s recovery efforts following last year’s storms and how the State is rebuilding and planning for a more resilient future. Featured experts included Deirdre Gilbert, Director of Policy and Management, Maine Department of Marine Resources; Sarah Curran, Deputy Director, Climate Planning and Community Partnerships, Office for Policy Innovation and the Future; and Rob Wood, Director, Bureau of Land Resources, Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The webinar was moderated by Nick Battista, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, Island Institute.

Tune in and hear from state policy officials as they discuss:

    • How working waterfronts support the economic engine of Maine’s commercial fisheries
    • State working waterfront programs and grants
    • Updates from the Maine Climate Council
    • Details about permitting for resilient working waterfronts
    • And more!

Watch the recording. 

November 26, 2024 Webinar: Storm Response in Action | Maine’s Climate Action Plan and the Science that Supports It

On November 27, Island Institute hosted a webinar with experts participating in the Maine Climate Council process to discuss climate science, Maine’s updated climate action plan, and how the new recommendations will positively impact our coastal communities. Featured speakers included Susie Arnold, Ph.D., Senior Ocean Scientist, Island Institute and co-chair; Curt Brown, Marine Biologist, Ready Seafood; Commercial Lobsterman; and Judy East, Director, Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning, Maine Department of Agriculture. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Jennifer Seavey, Chief Programs Officer, Island Institute.

Listen in and learn directly from experts on the Maine Climate Council to discover:

    • The goals for Maine’s Climate Action Plan
    • The scientific data surrounding Maine’s changing weather patterns and storm trends
    • How the Maine Climate Council plans to build healthy and resilient communities
    • And more!

Watch the recording. 

January 30, 2024 webinar: storm science | understanding the new normal

On January 30, Island Institute hosted a webinar with Susie Arnold, Ph.D., Co-chair, Science and Technical Subcommittee, Maine Climate Council; Director of Center for Climate and Community, Island Institute, Hannah Baranes, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Gabe McPhail, Founder, Resilient Communities, L3C, and moderated by Jennifer Seavey, Chief Programs Officer, Island Institute.

Listen in and hear directly from a panel of expert scientists to learn:

    • How severe were the January storms?
    • What is sea level rise, and how did it influence the January storms?
    • How did each element of the storm – sea level rise, tides, storm surge, waves, and freshwater – affect flooding?
    • How are climate impacts changing the frequency and intensity of storms?
    • What tools are available to help communities with short-term and long-term planning?
    • How can communities assess and address vulnerabilities? What factors impact social vulnerability?
    • And more!

Watch the recording. 

January 19, 2024 webinar: Storm Assessment and Recovery UPDATES | DMR, DECD, MEMA

On January 19, officials from Maine’s Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) shared updates on the storm’s damage and recovery efforts. Watch the recording.

January 16, 2024 webinar: Storm resources and recovery | ISland institute

On January 16, Island Institute hosted a webinar with Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher and Department of Economic, Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson, and Maine Emergency Management Agency Director, Mitigation, Planning and Recovery Anne Fuchs.

Listen in and hear directly from these State officials about what to do now and what to expect in the coming weeks and months. Topics include: 

    • Roles and responsibilities of various state agencies 
    • Processes and timelines to access federal assistance funding 
    • Existing programs and resources for recovery and relief 
    • Special considerations for working waterfront businesses, homeowners, and municipalities
    • And more!

Watch the recording. To address additional questions from the webinar, we have compiled more information about the most frequently asked questions.

Financial Resources

Glenn Fund Loans

Island Institute offers a limited number of loans to coastal and island businesses. For more information, please contact Alex Kravitz: akravitz@islandinstitute.org

Maine Funding Network

If you’re looking for funding to start or grow your business, you’re in the right place. Welcome to the Maine Funding Network—your gateway to finding alternative funding opportunities from agencies throughout Maine. For businesses at every stage and every size, we make the process seamless. Learn more and find your funding match here.

GRANTS.GOV 

Grants.gov is a gateway for discovering and applying for federal funding opportunities.  It’s a vital resource for individuals, organizations, and businesses seeking to secure funding for innovative ideas, projects, and programs that can make a meaningful impact.  The website provides a comprehensive database of federal grant programs across a wide range of sectors, including economic development, research, small business support, and community-based initiatives. To search for grants and apply, click here.  

The FAME Direct Loan

The FAME Direct Loan (formerly known as the Economic Recovery Loan Program) provides subordinate or gap financing to businesses affected by their current economic situation. For larger loans, up to $1 million may be available if substantial public benefit is demonstrated and sufficient funds are available. Most often, however, FAME Direct Loans are less than $500,000. We now offer a fixed rate: Wall Street Journal Prime plus 2% at time of loan commitment, currently capped at 8%. Learn more and apply.

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

CDBG Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grant Program: Grants of up to $10,000 to existing businesses to be used for working capital, purchase of inventory, supplies and equipment. Existing businesses that have five or fewer employees, one of whom owns the enterprise, and whose household income is Low/Moderate as defined by HUD will meet the project benefit. Request advising appointment with SBDC to review your eligibility for this program: www.mainesbdc.org/ 

Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC): Washington County

SCEC oversees various gap-financing microloan programs for qualifying businesses. For more information on loan programs, visit: sunrisecounty.org/business/loan-programs/

Down East Commercial Fisheries Fund: Created to invest in Washington County-based commercial fisheries and marine-related industries.

    • The first option is for higher-risk clients looking for loans of up to $2,500. These clients usually would not qualify to borrow from banks. For these loans, DECFF acts as the primary lender and provides up to 80% of the loan request. The client would provide the remaining 20% from other sources.
    • The second option covers loans ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. It is set up to assist existing businesses that need financial assistance to grow, expand, hire and sustain their operations. DECFF provides up to 50% of the loan request with the client providing the remaining 50% from other sources.

Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI)

CEI and its subsidiaries offer business and project financing and technical support for a wide range of small business, community facilities, renewable energy, affordable housing and mixed used real estate projects and ventures. CEI offers short- and long-term financing from less than $10,000 to greater than $500,000.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA Lenders: U.S. SBA backs loans from multiple lenders. At sba.gov/lendermatch , you can find lenders who may be interested in working with you.

U.S. Small Business Administration Microloans

The SBA offers microloans of up to $50,000 for small businesses. These loans come with technical assistance for the life of the loan, helping business owners navigate how to use and repay loan funds once they receive them. Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, and equipment but cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate. For more information visit this link here.

NOAA Fisheries Finance Program (FFP)

The Fisheries Finance Program (FFP) provides long-term fixed rate loans for the fishing and aquaculture industries. The FFP provides long-term fixed rate financing for the cost of:

    • Refurbishing, modernization or purchasing of existing fishing vessels, fisheries facilities, or aquaculture facilities;
    • Harvesting privileges in federally managed limited access systems (Catch Shares); and
    • Individual fishing quota in the Northwest Halibut/Sablefish and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Crab Fisheries.

The FFP will also refinance existing debt incurred for these purposes. The FFP will not finance a vessel refurbishing project that materially increases a vessel’s harvesting capacity. For more information, visit this link for more information.

Insurance

For those with insurance, this is the most direct way to get help quickly. The Maine Bureau of Insurance has several resources to help Maine people navigate insurance questions during flooding and natural disasters.

 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 

The program helps communities participating in or interested in joining the NFIP by providing technical information, floodplain maps, and model ordinances. The program offers workshops on how to read and use flood maps, interpret ordinances, and administer floodplain management requirements. Program staff also reviews local ordinances for compliance with the NFIP standards. Staff also provides information about flooding or the NFIP to: homeowners, businesses, lenders, realtors, surveyors, engineers, and others. Visit the link here for more information.

Permitting

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is providing information and guidance on their permitting process to help people navigate recovery and rebuilding. Don’t forget about other permits that may be required, including local ones that are necessary to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program and the Army Corps of Engineers permits that are required for filling submerged lands or adding rocks and dirt to harbors and bays. Learn more here. Download the Permitting Guidance for Storm Recovery Activities PDF.

Emergency Assistance

First and foremost, contact your County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). County EMAs are the critical link between cities and towns and the State. They provide support for response, recovery and mitigation to local, business and volunteer partners.

Additional resources:

Island Institute is offering storm recovery grants of up to $5,000 for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands and in fishing dependent communities. For more information and to apply, click here. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Jeff Frank jfrank@islandinstitute.org.

Additional Resources

MAINE EXPLAINED video from Maine public: How vulnerable is Maine’s coast to climate change?

Many coastal communities were impacted by several major storms during the winter of 2024. That’s put a spotlight on a major question facing the state: just how vulnerable is Maine’s coast to a warming world, and what steps do we need to take to prepare? That’s what we dive into in this episode of Maine Explained. Watch the video.

MAINE WORKING WATERFRONT BUSINESS RESOURCES from DECD

Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has compiled resources to support storm recovery efforts for Maine’s working waterfront. Download the PDF

Maine Working Waterfront Financial and Technical Assistance Resources from DMR

Maine’s Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has compiled a list of financial and technical assistance resources to support storm recovery efforts for Maine’s working waterfront. See list of resources.

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK FROM DACF

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) provides more information on flood plain management in their handbook. See the handbook.

Flood-Related Oil Clean-up Resources

During flooding, basement fuel oil tanks can float and release oil. If your home is affected by flooding, the Maine DEP will inspect your oil system and advise on cleaning up any spills free of charge. If you have an oil spill requiring cleanup, Maine DEP can often provide cleanup services at little or no cost to you. This service is available after any weather event. Request it by calling Maine DEP at (800) 482-0777. The line is staffed 24/7.

We are continuing to assess community impact and need in the wake of this disaster and will be in touch with additional programmatic responses and support as they become available. Sign up for news and updates from Island Institute.