Coastal Conversations Radio Program: Storm Response
Coastal Conversations show: January 26, 2024
WERU 89.9 in Blue Hill and 99.9 in Bangor
Host: Natalie Springuel, Maine Sea Grant
Listen to the show on WERU archives
The January 10 and 13, 2024 storms, along with compounding record high tides, storm surge, and strong southeasterly winds, caused much damage throughout the Maine coast, including the loss of many piers and wharves, erosion of roadways, and destruction of private and municipal coastal access infrastructure.
On today’s show, we share portions of a January 16th information session about storm impact and response with leaders from the Departments of Marine Resources, Economic & Community Development, and Maine Emergency Management Agency. The online information session, hosted by the Island Institute just three days after the storm events, reflected the early nature of storm response.
One thing emphasized during the show is that the state needs everyone who experienced storm damage to report their losses. Whether you are a waterfront business owner or homeowner, your information will help ensure that the level of aid from FEMA and others is in line with the actual needs on the ground. You can still report damages by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting the Department of Marine Resources website to fill out the forms online.
If you want to hear the complete information session (the show will only re-broadcast a portion of it), and access other storm related resources, please check out the Island Institute and find a link to “January 2024 Storms” on their home page. We are grateful to the Island Institute for sharing this important information with our listeners.
Guests
Commissioner Pat Keliher, Maine Department of Marine Resources
Commissioner Heather Johnson, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
Kim Hamilton, Director of the Island Institute
Anne Fuchs, Director, Mitigation, Planning and Recovery, Maine Emergency Management Agency
More information
All of the agencies featured on today’s show and several other organizations have useful storm response and damage reporting information on their websites, including:
Maine Emergency Management Agency
Department of Marine Resources
Department of Economic and Community Development
Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub (Office of Governor Janet T. Mills)
Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association
Listen to the show on WERU archives
More information about Coastal Conversations Radio Program