A state grant will assist Southport with engineering design-related infrastructure projects at Beach Road, Lighthouse Lane, Hendricks Head Beach Seawall and parking lots. The $50,000 Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund grant is through the Department of Transportation. Under grant terms, Southport is required to provide $43,070 as a match. 

Southport selectmen announced the grant during their March 6 meeting. Director David Gardner works at Maine DOT’s environmental office. He notified Southport of their grant via email. “MaineDOT is excited to be part of Southport’s effort to adapt critical infrastructure to vulnerability to climate change,” he wrote. The Southport Climate Action Team submitted an application on behalf of the town. SCAT members are Smith Climo, Kathy Jacobs, Ella Long and Claire Tomlin.

SCAT was created as part of a state program assisting municipalities implementing strategic priorities identified in Maine’s Climate Action Plan, “Maine Won’t Wait!” Shri Verrill of Sunrise Ecological, LLC of Boothbay worked as a service provider helping Southport enroll in the state’s Community Resilience Partnership.

In other action, selectmen approved Hodgdon Yachts’ liquor license request for a one-day event. Selectmen also approved a town hall rental, May 29 and June 5, for the Southport Central School concert.

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 in the town hall.