State of Maine Land for Maine’s Future Program Issues Call for Proposals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
DATE: January 26, 2022
CONTACT: Jeff Nichols, Maine Department of Marine Resources

Augusta – The Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) Board and the Maine Department of Marine Resources are seeking proposals for Working Waterfront Access Protection Program (WWAPP) projects. The Board will make awards from the $40 million in Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) funds approved by Governor Janet Mills and the State Legislature in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget.

The Maine Working Waterfront Access Protection Program provides funds to protect and secure commercial fishing access in Maine. WWAPP requires future development of funded property retain its use for commercial fishing and closely related activities.

“The Working Waterfront Access Protection Program is critical for the long-term viability of our coastal economy and the livelihoods of Maine fishermen,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Maine’s working waterfront is under tremendous development pressure that can limit or outright block access, which is why it is imperative that we do all that we can to preserve that access for those who make a living on the water and who sustain one of Maine’s vital heritage industries.”

“A lack of access to the waterfront is one of many threats facing our maritime industries,” said LMF Board Chair and Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “This program will preserve and protect the valuable coastal facilities and infrastructure necessary to ensure a strong and resilient coastal economy for Maine’s future.”

“The partnership between LMF and DMR in implementing the Working Waterfront Access Protection Program has been a true success, with the protection of 29 working waterfront properties statewide,” added LMF Director Sarah Demers. “But there is more work to be done, and we look forward to leveraging our shared resources to ensure Maine’s commercial fisheries businesses can access these funds.”

A copy of the Working Waterfront Access Protection Program (WWAPP) workbook, which includes all information necessary to apply for LMF funds, can be obtained online at:

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf/docs/wwapp/2022-wwapp-workbook.pdf

Eligible applicants for WWAPP proposals include private landowners, non-profit land conservation organizations, counties, cities, towns, and state agencies.

Potential applicants can contact Melissa Britsch, Senior Planner with the Maine Coastal Program at (207) 215-6171 with any questions.

To apply for WWAPP funds, a project MUST be sponsored by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR).  In order to receive a sponsorship, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent (LOI) by Monday, February 28, 2022.  Details on the LOI can be found in the WWAPP Workbook located at the link above.

Applicants are required to submit a completed proposal by June 3, 2022, by 5:00 PM EST, to Melissa Britsch (Melissa.Britsch@Maine.gov) at the Maine Coastal Program, ME DMR, 21 SHS, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta, ME 04333-0022.  Proposals received after these dates and times will not be considered.