The July 1 special town meeting saw 71 Southport residents pack the town hall for the debate followed by a vote. On a voice vote, residents rejected the proposal. Selectman Gerry Gamage believed the project's complexity in design and financing may have swayed voters' minds. "The average voter didn't understand the proposal exactly. That is the reason it probably lost," he said. "We now have to meet with Shri (Verrill, project consultant) and consider what changes to make."

 

The article read "To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not to exceed $292,000 to provide the town's required 25% local matching share of the Hendricks Head Beach Coastal Resilience Project, and to authorize the select board to apply for, accept and expend any and all federal and state grants awarded for the project. The local matching grant shall be contingent upon receiving additional grant funding."

 

During a 43-minute public debate preceding the vote, residents had concerns about the size of the sea wall culvert, potential cost over-runs and whether the costly project provided enough protection from  storms. 

 

Resident Charlie Britton used his years of experience as an educator to drive home his point. Britton grew up in Southport and attended local schools. He now lives on Beach Road. Britton questioned why no safety studies were done on the potential hazard caused by the large culvert. 

 

Britton was also concerned about likely expense over-runs. "As an education consultant, I've witnessed $150 million in school construction projects. They all end up costing more, and here in Maine, we are at the end of the supply chain which will likely create an even greater cost," he said. "Grants aren't a sure thing, and I think there are more important projects our tax dollars can be used for." 

 

Selectman Smith Climo told voters state officials were in support of the project and Southport would be in a strong position for the 25% matching grant and potential over-run grants. "You're right, there are no guarantees. With that said, the state is paying attention to what we are doing and supports the project. So, the chances of us receiving more grants are probably high. Shri (Verrill) knows what she is doing, and is good at grant writing," he said. 

 

Resident Sarah Sherman cautioned residents about rejecting the proposal. She used the town of Surry's recent federal grant rejection as an example. "Surry didn't fund a similar project, and the federal government put them on a 10-year no grant list. This town has other projects which need federal projects," she said.