Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BBHWP) has received one of the Working Waterfront Resiliency grants awarded by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF). This program was created and approved by the state legislature to  provide funding to the owners of critical working waterfront infrastructure that provides significant and compelling community benefits.  Specifically, these funds were approved for the purpose of rebuilding wharves and piers of importance to Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries that were damaged in the winter 2024 storms, with the intent of improving their resilience to the impacts of climate change.  As stated in the Bangor Daily News, “The properties, spread out along the coast from Kennebunk to Lubec, are considered important pieces of the working waterfront infrastructure.” 

The program, which required a 1 to 1 match, awarded BBHWP $86,500 to support raising the boathouse 3’3” above the existing pier deck on the south pier. The south pier is dedicated to the fishing industry and currently serves as the buying station for Luke’s Lobster. When the work is completed, the historic boathouse, which went under water during both surges, will be able to house a workshop and vital equipment and supplies for fishermen who maintain and service their boats while docked at the pier.  

The program awarded $21 million to nearly 70 programs in the state. Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation was the only entity in our area to receive a grant.

“This funding is so important to our mission to provide a fully equipped dock for our fishing industry,“ stated John O’Connell, BBHWP Board President. “This grant from the state underscores our recognition of the critical need to do everything we can to support working waterfront in our community.”