Maine agencies planning new disaster aid rollout [Video]

The Legislature included the relief in the supplemental budget, and some Mainers hope it reaches those who haven’t yet found solutions.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Just before Thursday’s sunrise, the Legislature passed a supplemental budget, including some $60 million in storm disaster relief funds for both coastal and inland counties.

Commissioner Heather Johnson’s Economic & Community Development Department will handle $10 million of it for small businesses and nonprofits.

“What does strengthening going forward look like,” Johnson posed. “How do we build and support resilience?”

She explained the funds would not only be used to rebuild damaged structures but make those structures resilient to future storms. For instance, if an existing breaker box was now below the flood line, the funds could help move it or install a new one.

Commissioner Patrick Keliher of the Maine Department of Marine Resources will help MaineDOT with the other $50 million, aimed at infrastructure.

“The devastation is at a real critical level for Maine’s …