Working waterfront resilience
Maine’s working waterfront is the lifeblood of our coastal heritage and economy—where generations of fishermen, boatbuilders, and maritime entrepreneurs sustain our coastal communities. Ensuring the resilience of these vital shoreside industries is critical. This page provides resources to support coastal resilience and preparedness efforts, with a focus on working waterfronts.
maine working waterfront coalition
The Maine Working Waterfront Coalition is a statewide collaboration of public and private marine sector partners dedicated to supporting and enhancing Maine’s working waterfront through policy, communication and outreach, data projects, and pursuing funding opportunities for collaborative work.
Founded in 2006 to stem the loss of vital shorefront sites, the Coalition spearheaded the creation of Maine’s working-waterfront tax designation and the Working Waterfront Access Protection Program. Today, the Coalition continues to provide a collaborative network that ensures Maine’s waterfront industries endure and thrive.
storm response series
Ten community conversations happened in fall 2024 and early winter 2025 throughout Maine’s coastal and working waterfront communities. The series explored how we can better respond to and prepare for storms like the ones in winter 2023/2024. Each convening was organized collaboratively with local leaders and contacts, and we are grateful for their help!
state working waterfront efforts
funding opportunities
grants
Maine Public Working Waterfront Infrastructure Fund Notice
Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund
Working Waterfront Resiliency Grants
Working Waterfront Access Protection Program
Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund
Conservation and Recreation Funds
Shore and Harbor Planning Grants
Coastal Community Planning Grants
Boating Facilities Fund
USF&W Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG)
Northern Border Regional Commission, Catalyst Fund
Community project funding through HUD
Maine Coastal Program Shore and Harbor Planning Grant
Libra Foundation
Land and Waterfront Conservation Fund
Philanthropic support from foundations, nonprofits, and individual donors can also offer a valuable opportunity to help protect, enhance, and expand coastal access across Maine.
business support
Coastal Enterprises Inc, financing for fisheries and aquaculture
NOAA Fisheries Finance Program
Maine Small Business Development Center
Maine Funding Network
EPA Brownfields Program
