WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) today announced that the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) will receive federal funding to improve Maine communities’ resilience to shifting sea levels and climate. GMRI will be awarded $996,977 to collect needed coastal flooding data and to build coastal flood resilience. The funding from the National Science Foundation will allow GMRI to initiate pilot research programs in four coastal cities: Portland, Boothbay Harbor, St. George, and Machias.

Scientists predict that the Maine coast will continue to see a prominence of severe, geographically focused storms. With an estimated quarter of Maine’s infrastructure facilities already at risk of disabling floods, this grant prepares Maine for the climate and sea level realities of the future.

“Maine’s coast has long been at the economic and cultural heart of our state, but it now faces historic weather-related challenges,” said Senators Collins and King. “By increasing data collection and building research networks across our communities, the people of Maine will be better prepared for the future implications of changing weather patterns. We’re so grateful for all the work that the Gulf of Maine Research Institute has done for our coast and for the people of Maine.”  

GMRI is a Portland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that rely on it. With the Gulf of Maine being a prime testbed for adaption to environmental changes, the relevance of the institute’s research and initiatives extends around the globe.

Senators Collins and King have long been proponents of GMRI’s work to address local and global environmental threats. Senators Collins and King have previously announced over $1.3 million to support the long-term health of Maine’s water and coastal economy, nearly $750,000 for GMRI to support local seafood startups, and another $750,000 to boost the competitiveness of the Maine seafood industry.