MAINE PUBLIC • January 26, 2023
Maine's rocky shoreline insulates many coastal towns from the more severe impacts of rising seas. But it's a different situation for communities surrounded by water. Even a gradual rise of a foot over the coming decades — which is the lower end of many predictions — will pose a threat. So, many island communities are identifying their weak spots. Vinalhaven’s $7 million project is funded mostly through grants with about $1 million in town reserve accounts that had been slated for infrastructure improvements. The 2-year project will begin by raising sections of the road Downstreet, replacing sidewalks, upgrading or replacing the water main and stormwater system, and making the sewer system more resilient to periodic flooding. Later aspects of the project include upgrading the public parking lot, improving the town’s boat launch. The project is intended to buy more time.