Sen. Lawrence celebrates Community Action Grants awarded to South Berwick, Ogunquit and York

Posted: May 21, 2025 | Senator Lawrence

AUGUSTA — Senator Mark W. Lawrence, D-Eliot, today announced that communities in Senate District 35 are recipients of a Community Action Grant award from the Community Resilience Partnership. The partnership is administered by the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to help Maine communities reduce emissions and prepare for the effects of extreme weather events brought on by climate change.

The Town of Ogunquit received a $75,000 award to enhance resilience of Ogunquit’s Main Beach Natural and Physical infrastructure through nature-based strategies. The Town of South Berwick received a $75,000 award for energy efficient upgrades to aging infrastructure at the South Berwick Town Hall. The Town of York received a $75,000 award to further enhance storm resiliency at the York Sewer District.

Sen. Mark Lawrence

“As we plan ahead for the future — including intense weather that brings heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous wind — our municipalities will be on the front line of both storm preparedness and recovery,” said Sen. Lawrence. “I am pleased the towns of Ogunquit, South Berwick and York worked to secure these funds and continue their efforts to ensure our region remains a safe and ready place to live, work and raise a family for years to come.”

Funding for the grants came from several sources, including measures passed by the Maine Legislature with Sen. Lawrence’s support:

  • The Supplemental Budget that was passed by the Legislature in 2024 to increase community resilience and preparedness in the wake of the December 2023 and January 2024 storms;
  • Funds from the biennial budget authorized by the Legislature in 2023; and
  • A federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The grants in District 35 are part of a historic $8 million in Community Resilience Partnership grant funding announced by Governor Janet Mills on May 1, 2025. This round of funding will support projects in 166 communities across Maine. For a full list of grant awardees, click here.

Sen. Lawrence represents Senate District 35, which includes Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick and York.