Sustainability & Resilience
MCOG works with communities across Midcoast Maine to plan ahead, reduce risk, and secure funding for projects that protect infrastructure, natural resources, and local economies.
Sustainability and resilience are about protecting what matters and making smart investments so communities can continue to thrive over time.
Community Resilience Partnership Support
MCOG helps communities participate in Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership, which provides funding and support for local resilience and energy projects.
Through this program, communities can access:
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$5,000–$75,000 in funding (up to $175,000 for partnerships)
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Peer-to-peer connections with others working on similar issues
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No-cost project scoping and grant writing
Climate Action Planning
MCOG works with communities to develop climate action and resilience plans that reflect local priorities and provide a clear path forward.
This work typically includes:
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Assessing vulnerabilities across infrastructure, economy, public health, and social systems
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Analyzing greenhouse gas emissions to understand where action will have the most impact
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Engaging residents, businesses, and community groups
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Identifying and prioritizing practical, locally supported actions
This work helps communities align with state goals and access funding opportunities tied to the Maine Won’t Wait Climate Action Plan.
Project Development & Grant Writing
MCOG helps communities turn ideas into fundable, competitive projects and secure the resources to move them forward.
This includes:
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Project scoping and refinement
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Identifying funding opportunities
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Developing strong grant applications
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Coordinating partners and supporting materials
Project-Specific Consulting & Technical Assistance
MCOG works directly with communities to carry out specific projects, bringing a range of in-house expertise to advance the work.
We help:
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Define challenges and identify practical solutions
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Conduct analyses and develop project scopes
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Coordinate with engineers, agencies, and partners
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Move projects from concept through funding and implementation
What We Do
Projects
Weathering the Storm: Regional Culvert Initiative
This initiative responds to the critical need highlighted by the storm events of 2021 and 2022, which resulted in significant culvert failures across Knox and Waldo Counties. This project positions municipalities for implementation funding by determining characteristics of vulnerable culverts, conducting pre-engineering work for highest priority culverts, matching culverts with specific funding opportunities, and working with towns to budget for matching funds. By addressing vulnerable culverts and tidal crossings, we will help create a safer, more resilient transportation network that supports our communities even in the face of extreme weather events. Together, we can build a resilient future for our region.
View the Regional Scale Culvert Assessment.
View the Regional Culvert Upgrade Plan.
View the Stream Smart Culvert Upgrade Appraisals.
The Topsham Climate Action Plan (CAP) serves as a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience to climate change impacts. This plan builds on Topsham’s previous climate initiatives and aligns with the state’s Maine Won’t Wait climate goals. The CAP was developed with community input and supported by a Community Action Grant through the Community Resilience Partnership.
Topsham Green House Gas Inventory
The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for the Town of Topsham provides an overview of the town’s emissions sources. The inventory was conducted to support the community’s climate action plan update. This report breaks down emissions into three major categories: stationary energy, transportation, and waste, with transportation and energy use in buildings being the largest contributors.
Facilitating sub-regional collaborations
MCOG is involved in facilitating regional conversations around sustainability. Specifically, these groups are:
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Southern Midcoast Resilience Collaborative: Energy Efficiency Outreach
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Coastal Knox Resilience Group: Shoreland Stabilization
St. George Working Waterfront Vulnerability Study
This work is designed to provide an initial assessment of St. George’s marine industries community, the economic benefits it generates and its vulnerability to shifts in economies and climate change. The purpose of the assessment is to identify the potential impact a decline or shift in the marine industry would have on the St. George community. It also offers some areas to consider for investment in new opportunities as the fishing industry looks to diversify itself and reduce dependence on a single product. In that sense, it is a way in which St. George can reinvest in its fisheries future.
Rising Tides: Safe Roads, Working Waterfronts and Protected History
MCOG is assisting the Town of St. George in undertaking a unique engineering study to address flooding roads and impacts to their historic places caused by rising seas. Focusing on ten sites, this project will help residents understand the challenges and visualize solutions. At the same time, MCOG is helping to gather information on the important economic and community value of St. George’s local fishing and aquaculture activities and how sea level rise and increasingly severe storms impact the working waterfronts. Planning now will save time and money later!
St. George & South Thomaston Climate Resilience Planning
A collaborative plan for becoming stronger and more adapted to climate change for the future prosperity of the towns. Check back here for updates or reach out to Meg Rasmussen.
For more information on Sustainability and Community Resilience, contact Meg Rasmussen at mrasmussen@midocastcog.com.
Resources and Contact
Work With Us
Interested in starting a sustainability project or exploring funding opportunities?
Contact MCOG to discuss how we can support your community.
Meg Rasmussen
Sustainability Planner
Resources
Maine Climate & Resilience Programs
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Community Resilience Partnership — State program supporting municipal climate and resilience projects.
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Maine Won’t Wait Climate Action Plan — Maine’s statewide climate action plan.
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NOAA Resilient Maine Program — Information on Maine’s NOAA-funded resilience initiatives and coastal adaptation work.
Funding & Technical Assistance
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Maine Community Funding Finder — Funding opportunities and resilience resources for Maine communities.
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Southern & Midcoast Maine Resource Hub – Funding, technical assistance and training for Community Resilience Partnership communities.
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Environmental Funding Navigator — Searchable funding database for environmental and resilience projects.
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Efficiency Maine — Rebates and incentives for homes, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits.
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Maine Connectivity Authority — Broadband funding and digital infrastructure resources.
Coastal & Community Resilience
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Maine Community Resilience Workbook – A comprehensive guide to help communities plan for the impacts of climate change.
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Gulf of Maine Research Institute – Community Resilience Training — Training and planning tools for coastal communities.
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Island Institute Climate & Energy Resources — Coastal resilience, working waterfront, and clean energy resources for Maine communities.
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Maine DEP – OUR SHORE — Guidance on nature-based shoreline stabilization approaches.
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Resources for Working Waterfront Resilience - Guide to funding, planning tools, and resilience resources for Maine’s coastal and working waterfront communities.
Energy & Greenhouse Gas Resources
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EPA Local Climate and Energy Program — Local government energy and emissions reduction resources.
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Efficiency Maine - Rebates, incentives, and technical resources to help Maine homes, businesses, and municipalities improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Data & Mapping Tools
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Sea Level Rise/Storm Surge Scenarios - Maine Geological Survey interactive mapper
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Maine Stream Habitat Viewer - Interactive map showing stream habitats, dams, and road crossings that affect fish, wildlife, and stream connectivity.
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Maine Climate Dashboard — A compendium of Story Maps summarizing the current and potential future impacts of climate change in Maine
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NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer — Interactive coastal flooding and sea level rise mapping.
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FEMA National Risk Index — Community hazard risk data and maps.