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** Dear Friend,

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** Governor Janet Mills and Senate and House Democratic and Republican leadership today introduced legislation to strengthen the ability of Maine communities, homeowners, businesses, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and withstand future severe storms.
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On December 18, 2023, the Kennebec River rose more than 30 feet, flooding inland buildings and businesses along Water Street in Hallowell.


** The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart, and House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, is directly responsive to the interim recommendations from the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission ([link removed]) , which the Governor established last spring ([link removed]) in response to a series of devastating storms that caused an estimated $90 million in damage to public infrastructure across the state.

LD 1, An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness For Maine’s Communities, Homes & Infrastructure, would launch new initiatives designed to enhance emergency planning at all levels of government, prepare communities and infrastructure for severe weather, and reduce long-term storm-related risks and costs for Maine homeowners and businesses. It uses federal funding and existing fee-based funding through the Bureau of Insurance and does not rely on General Funds during a tight budget cycle.
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See the LD1 News Release ([link removed])
Read the full legislative document ([link removed])


** Much of the proposed LD1 legislation is directly aligned with the updated state climate action plan's Strategy F ([link removed]) to build healthy and resilient communities. Those recommendations include:
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** Read the Infrastructure, Resilience and Rebuilding Commission's interim report here. ([link removed])
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Read the Commission's interim report ([link removed])


** Career Opportunities
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Are you looking for a career aligned with Maine's climate action goals?

Last year, Maine was awarded a $69 million climate resilience grant ([link removed]) through NOAA’s highly competitive Climate Resilience Grant Challenge ([link removed]) to protect its communities, environment, and working waterfronts from extreme storms, flooding, and rising sea levels. A portion of these funds will support positions with the state to address vulnerabilities, protect people, and ensure critical infrastructure is prepared for future impacts.

Our office and partner agencies are currently looking to hire for these positions:
* NOAA Coastal Flood Risk Fellowship ([link removed]) (GOPIF)
* NOAA Inland Flood Risk Fellowship ([link removed]) (GOPIF)
* Habitat Resilience Biologist ([link removed]) (Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife)
* Coastal Hazard Specialist ([link removed]) (Maine Geological Survey)


Learn more and apply online ([link removed])


** Funding Opportunities
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** Grants available for food waste diversion
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**
Food waste is a major contributor to climate change ([link removed]) , and Maine Won’t Wait set an ambitious goal to reduce food loss and waste 50% by 2030.

To support this goal, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued a special request for proposals (RFP) ([link removed]) to fund projects up to $60,000 geared at rescuing and recovering food scraps and diverting them from landfills. Learn more by reading the RFP - and note key deadlines:
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** January 11, 2025 –questions about the RFP or Process are due.
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** January 31, 2025 – proposals are due and must be submitted electronically to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=RFP%20Inquiry%3A%20DEP%20Food%20Diversion) .
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** Sand Dune Restoration Grants
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**
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is requesting proposals for projects that restore and protect sand dunes in coastal areas. The updated Maine Won’t Wait recommends that “Maine’s approach to natural and working lands and waters should emphasize restoration as well as protection, to reduce harm from climate impacts and sustain ecosystems for generations to come." Learn more and read the request for proposals (RFP) here ([link removed]) . Key deadlines:
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** January 21, 2025 –questions about the RFP or Process are due.
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** February 24, 2025 – proposals are due and must be submitted electronically to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=RFP%20Inquiry%3A%20Sand%20Dune%20Restoration) .
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** Upcoming Meetings
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** Versant Power to host public climate planning meetings in Penobscot County
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**
Versant Power is holding public meetings to inform the public and collect input on its Grid and Climate Planning process. Click here ([link removed]) to learn more and RSVP.
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** GREATER BANGOR: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, Brewer Auditorium, 318 Wilson St., Brewer. RSVP at [email protected] (with “Brewer” in the subject line).
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** ORONO/OLD TOWN AREA: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, Orono municipal building council chambers, 59 Main St., Orono. RSVP at [email protected] (with “Orono” in the subject line).
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** LINCOLN/MILLINOCKET AREA: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Lincoln town office council chambers, 29 Main St., Lincoln. RSVP at [email protected] (with “Lincoln” in the subject line).
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** CORINTH/CHARLESTON AREA: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, Location TBD. RSVP at [email protected] (with “Charleston” in the subject line).
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**
Versant Power will hold additional virtual meetings in early 2025 to reach additional local stakeholders, share information and gather community feedback.

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** Upcoming GOPIF Meetings
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** Jan 22, 2025 | 1 - 4pm: Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission – Commission Meeting #10 ([link removed])
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