York County Commission Demands Federal Expediency for Coastal Storm Recovery

Our County Commission has sent a letter at my request to Maine's Congressional Delegation demanding immediate intervention to fast-track critical coastal protection projects that have been dangerously delayed by federal bureaucracy.

The Crisis: A Lingering Disaster
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The memory of the devastating January 2024 storm—which brought the highest tide in recorded history—is still fresh. The damage was catastrophic:

• Over $40 million in municipal damages.
• Over $15 million in damages to local homes and businesses.
• A staggering $110+ million loss of our protective dunes and beaches, leaving coastal communities exposed.
• $660+ million in critical property and infrastructure now directly vulnerable to the next major storm.

​The Problem: Bureaucracy at a Snail's Pace
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Three essential FEMA Category B emergency protective measures—for Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Wells—are effectively STUCK in an endless loop of EHP review.

• Saco – 8 months
• Wells – 8 Months
• Old Orchard Beach 7 Months

The Ticking Clock ⏳

Even once the EHP review is finally complete, FEMA requires an additional 60-day Secretarial Review because project costs exceed $100,000. This additional, unnecessary, and duplicative review instituted under the Trump Administration creates an administrative burden and puts at risk our ability to complete work this dredge season. We need Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to prioritize this new review step because of the time-sensitive nature of our local projects. Dredging activities must be completed between November and March, so it’s crunch time for our coastal communities.

The Impact: Another Year of Exposure

The result? Projects that were originally scheduled to start this past November could be delayed to next November if we don’t see an overall sense of urgency by this administration. This translates to:

• A nearly three-year delay since the January 2024 federally-declared disaster.
• Our coastal communities must face another full storm season without the essential natural defenses they lost.
• Commercial infrastructure and private properties remain at continued, unnecessary risk.

The County's Demand: Direct Congressional Action

The Commissioners' letter is a clear, urgent plea for our Congressional Delegation to use their authority to:

1. Expedite the EHP Review: Push FEMA to immediately conclude the Environmental and Historic Preservation review process for all three projects.
2. Accelerate Secretarial Approval: Cut through the 60-day review to ensure projects can meet the March 2026 dredging deadline.
3. Authorize Alternatives: Establish different, faster approval pathways for emergency protective measures that are facing seasonal construction constraints like ours.

The Bottom Line

York County should NOT be forced to wait any longer for protection and recovery from a federally declared disaster. The County is ready to provide all necessary technical information to get these projects moving, use our County-owned dredge, and work with our communities to advance coastal protection measures. No more delays.

We need our Federal representatives to act NOW to protect our coast, our infrastructure, and our future.
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We’re waiting on Washington. Bureaucracy is drowning our beaches. Our coastal communities can’t wait any longer. We need Federal action now. 

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Latest news on the Saco and OOB projects that are currently being held up:

• https://sacobaynews.com/dune-repairs-to-begin-in-november-with-york-county-dredge-beach-nourishmen.htm
• https://sacobaynews.com/old-orchard-beach-scheduled-for-beach-replenishment.htm

Contact Our Congressional Delegation to Demand No More Delays

U.S. Senator Susan Collins

Washington, D.C. Office Phone (202) 224-2523

Augusta: (207) 622-8414

Bangor: (207) 945-0417

Biddeford: (207) 283-1101

Portland: (207) 618-5560

Email: https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact

U.S. Senator Angus King

Washington, D.C. Office Phone (202) 224-5344

Augusta: (207) 622-8292

Bangor: (207) 945-8000

Biddeford: (207) 352-5216

Portland: (207) 245-1565

Toll-Free(800) 432-1599

Email: https://www.king.senate.gov/contact

U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree

Washington, D.C. Office Phone (202) 225-6116

Portland: (207) 774-5019

Waterville: (207) 873-5713

Email: https://pingree.house.gov/contact/