Maine Emergency Management Agency Invites Local Governments to Submit Proposals for Low-Interest Hazard Mitigation Loan Program

State of Maine
Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Maine Emergency Management Agency

CONTACT: Vanessa Sperrey CELL PHONE: (207) 592-6201 EMAIL: vanessa.sperrey@maine.gov

AUGUSTA, ME - Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is working to help local governments obtain low interest loans (1 percent interest rate or less) to implement hazard mitigation project and planning initiatives designed to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

MEMA is collecting this information as a prerequisite to applying for federal funding under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund. Any local government who wishes to be considered for future loan opportunities if funding becomes available should complete the online Project Proposal Form by 5:00pm EST on July 25, 2025.

The Project Proposal Form is not a loan application. MEMA is collecting project proposal information in support of a grant application that would allow Maine, if awarded, to build out a low-interest loan fund designed to support county, municipal and tribal government infrastructure projects that reduce risks from extreme weather events and other natural hazards to the extent allowed by federal laws and regulations. This solicitation is for local governments only.

Types of projects that could be funded through this program include, but are not limited to:

• Drainage/Stormwater
• Shoreline Stabilization
• Building Code Adoption & Enforcement
• Infrastructure/Utility Protective Measures
• Aquifer Recharge & Storage
• Wildfire Mitigation
• Engineering Studies/Risk Assessments
• Acquisition/Demolition
• Structure or Road Elevation
• Generators for Critical Facilities/Infrastructure
• Developing Local Hazard Mitigation Plans

Thanks to Governor Mills and bipartisan legislation to strengthen community preparedness and resiliency for future storms, MEMA will be able to pursue up to $6,750,000 in federal funds to jumpstart Maine's first hazard mitigation revolving loan fund. Actual award will be based on the need as supported by aggregated project proposal form information collected on or before July 25, 2025. An Intended Use Plan inclusive of all project proposals will be posted for public comment prior to MEMA's application deadline of September 30, 2025.

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