Governor Mills Announces $4.7 Million in Grants to Strengthen Infrastructure and Improve Energy Efficiency
Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today announced that her Administration has awarded $4.7 million in grants to 72 cities, towns, and Tribal governments to support 63 community-led projects that will improve energy efficiency and help Maine communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change. The Community Action Grants were made available through the Community Resilience Partnership, a program established by Governor Mills in 2021 to support local governments in undertaking projects that increase resilience to climate effects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Partnership has grown to include 308 towns, cities, and Tribal governments representing 81% of Maine’s population. To date, the program has awarded over $29 million for projects in 305 communities across the state.
“Investing in stronger infrastructure and energy efficiency helps communities withstand and recover faster from severe storms—saving money and easing pressure on local property taxpayers,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I’m proud that my Administration’s Community Resilience Partnership has invested more than $29 million to empower hundreds of Maine communities to strengthen their resilience and secure a strong future for generations of future residents.”
“Maine communities are proposing innovative and forward-looking projects that will increase their resilience and save tax dollars in the future. The Maine Office of Community Affairs is pleased to be able to offer this easy-to-access funding to support them,” said Samantha Horn, Director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs.
“Municipal officials greatly appreciate the Community Resilience Partnership’s commitment to supporting and investing in initiatives that advance the State’s policy priorities,” said Catherine Conlow, Executive Director of the Maine Municipal Association. “The fact that the most recent round of Community Action Grants will support 26 projects submitted by first-time municipal applicants demonstrates the Office’s dedication to making this valuable program accessible to communities of all sizes and capacities across Maine, and its willingness to meet municipal leaders and residents where they are.”
“These investments in energy efficiency, local clean energy projects, and community resilience can help lower energy costs and make taxpayer dollars go further. At a time when global energy prices have been volatile, these grants are helping towns and municipalities reduce energy use, strengthen critical facilities, and deliver savings for local residents and businesses,” said Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources.
Highlights from this round of conditional grant awards include:
- The Town of Bingham will install high-efficiency heat pumps and a rooftop solar photovoltaic system to improve the energy efficiency and resiliency of the municipally owned Veterans Building as part of the Town’s planned consolidation of municipal office operations into the facility.
- The Town of Freedom will take a “three-pronged approach” to building resilience by preparing engineering, design, and permitting plans for a Stream Smart-qualifying stream crossing bridge replacement across Hustus Brook on Mitchell Rd.; developing a Complete Streets plan that includes improvements for pedestrian safety and active transportation access through Freedom Village along the Rt. 137 Corridor; and conducting an energy audit of Town office and Fire Department buildings.
- The Town of Madawaska will launch the RIDER Program, a shared e-bike fleet to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve access to jobs, healthcare, and services that will address both emissions reduction and transportation equity in a rural community without transit infrastructure.
- The City of South Portland will pursue enrollment in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS) at Class 9 or better and establish an Action Plan for continued advancement within the CRS program to improve long-term flood resilience and reduce flood insurance premiums, with support through the Flood Ready Maine initiative. The city will also create a resource guide to share with other municipalities that want to pursue participation in the CRS program.
A list of awardees is available HERE. Visit the Partnership webpage for more information about past awardees.
“The Town of Freedom is pleased to receive this timely grant award. Replacing an aging stream crossing with an environmental stream-friendly design has been a priority for the town for years. Funding for the design and engineering of a new box culvert across Hustus Brook will better prepare us for extreme weather events that already impact rural roads. The transportation funding for downtown pedestrian access and safety meets a critical need as we plan to connect two parts of the village separated by Route 137 but connected by Sandy Stream where historic mill remnants are found. Being able to connect infrastructure needs with community history, accessibility and environmental improvement will energize our collective work in this small rural town,” said Lissa Widoff, Select Board member, Town of Freedom.
"Living in a rural community means we don’t always have the transportation options that larger communities do. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, even a short trip to work, the doctor, or the grocery store can be a challenge. This investment will help us create a practical, affordable transportation option that connects people to jobs, healthcare, businesses, and essential services, while also reducing our reliance on vehicles for short trips. What I love most about this project is that it isn’t just about e-bikes. It’s about creating another way for people to access and experience their community,” said Kristen Henry, Economic and Community Development Director, Town of Madawaska.
This latest round of grants is sourced from both state general funds and federal funds. The federal funding is part of a five-year grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Resilience Regional Challenge grant awarded to the State of Maine in the fall of 2024.
The Community Resilience Partnership was launched by Governor Mills in December 2021 as a recommendation of Maine's climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait, to support local and regional climate resilience and carbon emission reduction initiatives. In addition to Community Action Grant funding provided directly to communities, Service Provider Grants are available to support service provider organizations to assist communities with climate action, energy, and resilience planning.
The Partnership is now part of the Maine Office of Community Affairs, which was established by the Maine State Legislature in 2024 as a one-stop-shop to assist municipalities, Tribal governments, and regional planning organizations in building a more resilient future. For more information, visit the Maine Office of Community Affairs website.
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