Coastal homeowners in Maine are facing challenges in receiving federal disaster relief after being hit by consecutive storms. The problem arises because federal housing assistance primarily supports the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as primary residences.
Maine, famous for its bustling summer tourism, has a high number of second homes and the country’s highest percentage of vacant homes. A significant portion of Maine homes, over a fifth, are not regularly occupied, especially along the coastline and near recreational attractions like ski areas and lakes.
As a result, seasonal, part-time, or vacant residences in many coastal communities devastated by last week’s storms do not qualify for relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, FEMA does not cover damages sustained by small businesses. However, there are alternative options such as insurance and grassroots relief efforts available for Maine’s second homeowners.
Daniel Aldrich, a political science professor at Northeastern University, has pointed out that coastal areas hit by floods may receive less assistance compared to urban areas due to the prevalence of second homes. He mentioned an alternative option used by homeowners in another state after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Homeowners who lease their second residences as rentals or use them as “rent-free” family residences could apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to assist with repairs. Thousands applied for these loans in the days following Hurricane Ian.
Maine is actively encouraging anyone with property and infrastructure damage to report it by calling 211 or completing surveys on an online flood assistance hub launched by Gov. Janet Mills. These surveys do not serve as applications or guarantees of financial assistance but help the state determine if it meets the criteria for requesting a federal disaster declaration.
The lobster fishing industry, a significant part of Maine’s economy, is also contemplating its next steps in the wake of the storms. Virginia Olsen, political director of the Maine Lobstering Union Local 207, has urged fishermen to document and share damage photos with local town offices. She has also discussed challenges related to insuring wooden docks with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden.
While larger boats were largely spared, the back-to-back storms caused damage to buildings, skiffs, walkways, and equipment, resulting in many unstable docks. Some commercial operations in Down East may remain closed for the rest of the year, with this being the most extensive infrastructure damage observed.
Coastal towns like Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach were particularly hard-hit. Many homes in these areas are not owner-occupied, rendering them ineligible for FEMA relief.
While initial cost and damage estimates are not available yet, residents are advised to contact their insurance companies. Fishing companies have been directed to seek assistance from the Department of Marine Resources.
Officials acknowledge that the damage surpasses recent historical records. They continue cleanup and recovery efforts as Maine prepares for another round of snow.
