PRESS RELEASE: Storm Recovery Grants Awarded to 43 Small Businesses, Totaling $215,000

July 29, 2024

January's storms may be a distant memory for some, but for many who live and work on the coast, there are daily challenges arising from the losses these storms incurred. The pounding surf and storm surge wreaked havoc on local infrastructure, damaging wharves, destroying gear, and impacting waterfront access throughout Maine. 

Federal and state dollars are helping communities rebuild (including the recent announcement of $21.2MM by Governor Mills’ administration). However, many small businesses have struggled to access funds. 

In response, the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA) made 43 grants of $5,000 to small working waterfront properties. Recipients hail from island towns like Beals, Long Island, Criehaven Island, and Vinalhaven as well as coastal communities of Milbridge, Searsport, Friendship, Harpswell, Stonington, Ellsworth, Bristol, and more. 

“Governor Mills, the state legislature, Senator Collins, Senator King, Rep. Pingree, and Rep. Golden have all stepped up to deliver resources and help rebuild in the wake of these storms,” said Ben Martens, the Executive Director of MCFA. “The outpouring of support from communities has been inspiring. MCFA has been on the front lines from day one supporting fishermen throughout this process, and we’re committed to ensuring that they get back on the water with safe and resilient infrastructure.”

Tora Johnson, a professor at University of Maine Machias whose research focuses on community resilience and natural resources, said she was very glad that she could direct some property owners from her community, who reached out seeking resources for support, to the MCFA storm recovery grant program: “A few of those folks said they wouldn't be fishing this year if they couldn't get some help with recovery. Any amount of relief that can be provided has an impact.”

After the January storms, MCFA set up a fund to accept donations to the working waterfront disaster. The organization decided to use these funds to make small grants directly to working waterfront properties that were most at risk of being lost. “We wish we could do even more,” shared Monique Coombs, MCFA’s Director of Community Programs. “These fishing businesses are integral to our local and state economy, bringing in the high-quality seafood we love in Maine. Working waterfronts need to be protected and supported.” 

Many of the applicants plan to rebuild what was lost, better than before. With the anticipated increase in frequency of severe storms, their hope is to make their properties safer and more able to withstand the punishing surge. Sadia Crosby, an oyster farmer and co-owner of OystHERS Raw Bar & Bubbly, has deep family history on the waterfront: “the property has been in our family for four generations. My great-grandfather and father rebuilt the wharf in the 1990s to support their commercial lobster and ground fishing business. I grew up on this wharf and watched my dad make a career landing fresh Maine seafood from it; I want to carry on that tradition. Now I use the wharf for my oyster farm, and share access with clammers. I would like to see the wharf not only repaired but built back stronger and more resilient, with increased stabilization and heightened to protect it from future sea level rise and storms.”

Hundreds of individuals and businesses came together to make these grants possible. Many made financial donations in the immediate aftermath, and local businesses and community groups held creative fundraisers. Maine Island Trail Association designed and sold a unique t-shirt to raise funds for storm recovery. Numerous restaurants hosted benefit nights. The students and staff at Harpswell Community School collected coins to support their neighbors and friends, while Harpswell Aging at Home welcomed over 200 people to a special soup and bread sale. Coastal Performance Training Facility held a special fitness challenge to raise funds. Special thanks is due to all who went above and beyond to help, including the Manton Foundation, Maine Beer Company, Cook's Lobster & Ale House, Farm Credit East, Maine Community Foundation, and the Maine Lobster Community Foundation.