Coastal Resilience

Coastal resilience is a complex, multi-faceted topic. While there are no quick or easy solutions to mitigating the effects of climate change, the City of South Portland is taking steps to make our seaside community more resilient and prepared for the future. 

South Portland is ahead of many Maine communities in terms of beginning to prepare for sea level rise and worsening storms. Portland and South Portland collaborated on a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment in 2019. This was the precursor to the two cities' joint One Climate Future plan (adopted by South Portland City Council in 2020). Even with the assessment and a bold plan in place, we still have a long way to go. The January 2024 storms that caused damage at Willard Beach and Bug Light Park made the urgency of this work clear. In recognition of this, the City Council voted for climate resilience and sustainability to be one of their goals for 2024, which they also continued with their 2025 goals.  

There are a variety of avenues and options to make our community more resilient. These range from policy and ordinance amendments to nature-based solutions to hardened/man-made solutions. These options warrant careful scrutiny for effectiveness, and require input and assistance from experts. Such a planning process also needs input and engagement from the public, and will require a significant amount of funding to 1) understand viable options, and then 2) implement the decided upon option(s) for building a more resilient South Portland.

Given the significant scope of this work and the various funding sources involved, residents can expect this to unfold over a couple of years, perhaps more. While there may be some near-term solutions the City could consider, it will take a while for the City to have a full understanding of all of its vulnerabilities and potential options, and even more time to apply for and secure grant funding should the preferred solutions be capital intensive (which is likely). Ultimately, the City Council will determine which solutions are appropriate for South Portland.

Please use the tabs on this page to learn more about the options and funding the City is exploring, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Information will be added as projects evolve and funding is secured.

Current Initiatives

Comprehensive Plan

The City is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, the guiding document for South Portland’s future through 2040. Ecology and Climate Readiness is a theme in the Comp Plan Vision & Goals, supported by many targeted goals and policies. Visit the Comp Plan website for more information and ways to engage.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Continuing Authorities Program

On November 7, 2024, City Council authorized the City Manager to submit a request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct a study under their Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) to address coastal storm flooding and erosion concerns along South Portland's shoreline, including Willard Beach, SMCC, and Bug Light Park. The study would also cover coastal storm flooding concerns on outer Front Street (near the Coast Guard Facility) and the Anthoine Creek section of Broadway. CAP studies are fully funded by the federal government for up to $100,000, with any amount over this split 50/50 with the community. If the study identifies deficiencies and offers proposed solutions, the federal government will pay for 65% of the design and construction costs, with 35% coming from the locality. (45 years ago, the USACE recommended a jetty to South Portland, which South Portland declined, and this is one of the solutions they would revisit).

In fall 2025, the USACE requested additional information from the City of South Portland, which was provided on October 23, 2025. Shortly thereafter, the USACE confirmed that South Portland was one of four communities selected for a CAP study for the federal government's fiscal year 2026 (Oct 1, 2025 - Sept 30, 2026). However, the funding was paused and possibly in jeopardy due to the federal government shutdown. The City is currently awaiting news from the USACE as to whether the study received funding.

FEMA Assistance for Storm Damage

Following the President's Public Assistance Disaster Declaration for the windstorm and flooding events that occurred between January 9-13, 2024, the City submitted a FEMA Request for Public Assistance. FEMA approved two projects, one for tree and brush debris removal and one for repairs to damage at Bug Light Park. In fall of 2025, the City received the disaster assistance from FEMA totaling $536,436.58.

Resilience Overlay Zoning Amendments

The goal of this project is to develop zoning amendments to ensure new development and redevelopment are prepared for and do not exacerbate climate impacts. The City was awarded $32,000 in funding from Maine’s Shore & Harbor Planning Grant to supplement the City's budgeted $75,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The Climate Resilience Zoning project will focus on how the city’s land use code can be updated to help us become more resilient to three major climate risk factors facing South Portland: coastal flooding, stormwater management, and high heat.

Risk-based Assessment Management Tool

South Portland partnered with Portland and applied for a $175,000 Maine Community Action Grant to build a climate resilience risk-based assessment management tool. This tool will help the cities identify and assess risks to City owned infrastructure from climate-related hazards, which will help City officials prioritize resources and investments for resilient solutions based on a vulnerability matrix and overall costs. The project will start in 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. 

Willard Beach Dunes

The Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department, with guidance from Maine Geological Survey and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, worked with contractors to conduct beach scraping at Willard Beach in March of 2025. This project redistributed existing sand on the beach as a temporary storm protection measure. This is a near-term coastal resilience effort City Council directed staff to pursue following an October 2024 presentation this past fall by Peter Slovinsky of the Maine Geological Survey. Read FAQs about the completed project.

The City Council held a workshop in March 2025 to discuss the potential creation of a Dune Management Plan, which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires in order to consider granting funding for dune rehabilitation in the event of a natural disaster. Representatives of the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA), a subsidiary of FEMA, discussed what comprises a Dune Management Plan, how FEMA funding/reimbursement works. Staff outlined what a potential plan could look like and associated costs of such a plan. Due to the expense and time involved, and the fact that FEMA funding isn't guaranteed even if a Dune Management Plan were in place, City Council directed Parks, Recreation & Waterfront staff not to pursue a Dune Management Plan, but to continue to manage the beach with attention to conservation and resilience efforts that could help protect it.

Historical Marker to Memorialize the Fishing Shacks

The South Portland Historical Society is working with the City to create a historical marker to memorialize the fishing shacks that were lost in the January 2024 storms and educate visitors about the history of Fishermen’s Point. For updates, follow South Portland Historical Society on Facebook or visit their website.

Trout Brook Culvert Improvements

The Water Resource Protection Department’s Engineering Division secured a $272,000 grant in 2024 from the NFWF National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) Grant. One of only two projects in the state to receive this highly sought-after funding, the Trout Brook Improvement Project entails the design of five upgraded culvert crossings in Trout Brook identified as fish passage barriers to “Stream Smart” standards. In particular, one of the culverts poses some significant engineering challenges for which the design team has developed a creative and innovative solution to ensure adequate fish passage. The project also includes an assessment and recommendations for hydrologic and habitat improvements to the Sawyer Marsh. Finally, it will identify several potential locations throughout the watershed for “Green Infrastructure” systems (rain gardens, tree boxes, etc.) designed to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. The engineering phase of this project will be completed by early 2026, and the City will pursue construction funding shortly thereafter. 

Pearl Street Pump Station

The Water Resource Protection Department is currently planning the replacement of the Pearl Street Pump Station, which conveys all of the wastewater from the western half of the City to the Wastewater Treatment Facility and is beyond the end of its useful life. The replacement of the pump station and associated force main is also necessary to comply with the City's DEP Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Facility Plan. The new facilities are currently in the design phase, and are being planned with a first floor elevated above the anticipated 100-year flood line to ensure they are resilient and future-ready.

Recently Completed Initiatives

Coastal Resilience Solutions Assessment

The City worked with EA and CMA Engineers to conduct a site assessment at six coastal City sites (Willard Beach, Ferry Village/Front Street, Mill Cove/Trout Brook, Anthoine Creek, Barberry Creek, and Long Creek) and to propose and evaluate a suite of engineering strategies to improve resilience two of the sites – Mill Cove/Trout Brook and Ferry Village/Front Street. The recommended strategies were assessed based on five criteria: coastal flood protection; freshwater flood protection; stormwater management; shoreline stabilization; and roadway and utility improvements. The project culminated with conceptual designs for the six leading strategies. This project was funded with $133,000 of ARPA funds. 

Preparing for Coastal Flooding in South Portland - View the map

This map shows different sea level rise scenarios, along with different storm scenarios and the impact on South Portland. This mapping tool was produced by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in concert with the City of South Portland with financial assistance provided by the Maine Coastal Program from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. (2023)

Understanding Coastal Flooding in South Portland - View the map

Among the first of its kind in the state, this map hones in on 3.9 feet of sea level rise (the intermediate sea level rise scenario projected for 2100), and shows impacts at average high tide, highest astronomical tide, and with a 100 year storm. The map enables the public to see the effects of expected sea level rise in various neighborhoods and helps the City plan for the future. This mapping tool was produced in collaboration with the Greater Portland Council of Governments with financial assistance provided by the Maine Coastal Program from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. (2024)

Willard Beach Stormwater System Improvements

The City received a grant through the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to improve key sections of stormwater pipe in the Willard Beach watershed. This project, completed in December 2025, consisted of lining the stormwater pipes (inserting new pipes within the aging pipes) to prevent sewage infiltration from nearby public and private sewer lines. In addition to reducing bacterial contamination at Willard Beach, the lining will greatly extend the life of the stormwater pipes without the need for disruptive excavation work. It will also preserve hydraulic capacity in the stormwater system by reducing groundwater infiltration. Notably,  2024 was the first year that stormwater infrastructure improvements were funded through the DEP’s CWSRF program.

Visit the News Hub to see press releases, public notices, Council news and more about the City's climate resilience work and other initiatives and activities. You can also sign up for updates.

Maps

Preparing for Coastal Flooding in South Portland - This map shows different sea level rise scenarios, along with different storm scenarios and the impact on South Portland. This mapping tool was produced by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in concert with the City of South Portland with financial assistance provided by the Maine Coastal Program from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. (2023)

Understanding Coastal Flooding in South Portland  - This map builds on the 2023 map and hones in on 3.9 feet of sea level rise (the most likely sea level rise scenario in the next 25-75 years), and shows impacts at average high tide, highest astronomical tide, and with a 100 year storm. This mapping tool was produced in collaboration with the Greater Portland Council of Governments with financial assistance provided by the Maine Coastal Program from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. (2024)

The City is currently working with GPCOG to make even more user-friendly maps to give residents improved access to the detailed flood-risk maps.

Resources

Coastal Resiliency Planning - Appendix II: Resources for Coastal Resiliency planning in Maine's Shore and Harbor Planning Grant Program Statement is a great summary of helpful resources. 

Coastal Resilience in South Portland Workshop Packet - Information distributed and discussed during the City's June 20, 2024 Coastal Resilience Community Workshop. Download the packet.

In 2024, two historic back-to-back wind and rainstorms took place on January 11 and 13, causing flooding and damage. The storms took place during an astronomical high tide. The City saw street flooding, pavement damage at Bug Light Park, and losses at Willard Beach. Dunes and the former fishing shacks on Fisherman’s Point washed away.

A coastal resilience action group made up of leadership staff across the City met regularly in 2024 to strategize and report on our new and ongoing coastal resilience efforts. The City also held various public engagement events related to coastal resiliency, and the City Council held two workshops focused on the topic.

Public Engagement Events

• February 13, 2024 – The City Council held a Storm Recovery/Coastal Resiliency workshop. Watch the video recording of this meeting and read the recap in this meeting summary.
  
  
• May 7, 2024 - The Sustainability Department hosted a Waterfront Resilience Open House to debut the City’s new Dynamic Flood Model Storymap. This mapping tool was produced by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in concert with the City of South Portland with financial assistance provided by the Maine Coastal Program from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. These maps are the product of the City’s work to analyze and plan for risks to coastal neighborhoods posed by sea level rise and extreme weather.
  
  
• May-June, 2024 – The Planning Department held a series of engagement events across the City. Participants shared their preferred approaches to key policy issues that will be addressed in the updated Comprehensive Plan (underway). Topics include waterfront planning, economic development, housing needs and more.
  
  
• June 20, 2024 – The City’s Planning and Sustainability Departments held a Coastal Resilience Community Workshop. During the event, community members learned about and discussed potential approaches to building resilience to sea level rise, flooding, and heat events across our community by 2040. Feedback will be incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan update. Download the Workshop Packet.
  
  
• October 8, 2024 – City Council held a Willard Beach Short-Term Resilience Workshop (read the workshop recap). During the workshop, City Council discussed options for short-term resilience efforts that may help to protect Willard Beach. Pete Slovinsky, Marine Geologist with Maine Geological Survey, presented, and Nathan Robbins, Maine DEP Climate Change Specialist, was present. View Pete Slovinsky's presentation to Council. Watch the video recording of the workshop.

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Following the Emergency Declaration, the City submitted a FEMA Request for Public Assistance for the damage the City incurred from the storms. The City is claiming reimbursement for specific public infrastructure that was damaged. Our Emergency Management team will continue to work with FEMA staff on our application for federal assistance.

Willard Beach

• Former Fishing Shacks – After the former fishing shacks were destroyed, City staff investigated what would be required to rebuild them. On August 6, 2024, the City of South Portland Code Officer submitted her research findings on requirements for meeting federal shoreland zone standards. As noted in the memo, "The shacks were clearly in a flood velocity zone...the structures cannot be built in their former location without costly engineering to design them because they would need to be elevated to the base flood level of 12 feet plus one foot." As a result, staff made the decision not to pursue rebuilding a modified version of the fishing shacks. If there is a desire in the future to rebuild the shacks, City Council will need to provide direction that it wishes to do so.
  
  
• Dunes - The January storms washed away the dune system at Willard Beach. In order to be eligible for FEMA funds to restore the dune system, the City needed to have satisfied several conditions. Because we had not periodically nourished the system with imported and matching sand (a costly endeavor), we failed to meet that one requirement, and thus the City was not eligible for disaster relief funds. Peter Slovinsky of Maine Geological Survey provided recommendations for short-term coastal resiliency strategies that the City could employ at Willard Beach, including consideration of the dune system. The City has also met with neighbors interested in rebuilding the dunes. A workshop will be held in early 2025 to continue to discuss this topic. 
  
  
• Breakwater/Jetty - In the 1980s, the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) recommended the City install a breakwater to help protect the Willard Beach area from storms. At that time, USACE offered to pay half of the cost, but the City did not pursue the breakwater. Following the January 13 storm discussions, the City again engaged USACE to gain their insight into whether a breakwater might be a feasible option to help protect Willard Beach today. USACE met with City staff and gave their input that it is very unlikely that USACE would recommend or contribute to such a project. The City formally submitted a letter to the USACE in November to request they provide a formal, updated study where the USACE would provide recommendations for coastal resiliency projects in several areas of the City, which could include a breakwater. If the USACE believes there are viable projects, the City would become eligible for federal funding to pay for a significant portion of these projects. The USACE has received the City’s request and will be visiting South Portland in 2025 to determine if the sites requested would qualify for the study.

Infrastructure

• Trout Brook Culverts – The National Coastal Resilience Fund announced in November, 2024 that the City of South Portland will be awarded $272,000 to pay for the final design to upgrade five culvert crossings in Trout Brook, which have been identified as fish passage barriers, to “Stream Smart” standards. Read more.
  
  
• January 13, 2024 Storm Recovery FAQ –  Water Resource Protection department head Brad Weeks answered questions regarding stormwater and wastewater infrastructure following a February 2024 City Council Storm Recovery/Coastal Resiliency workshop. Read the FAQ.
  
  
• City Infrastructure on Private Property –  There are occasions where residents wish to do more to protect their property but need to utilize City land in order to do so, such as the building up of dunes on Willard Beach in front of private homes. In certain instances when possible, the City has worked with property owners on agreements allowing them to do so. Other times, private property owners wish to take action to protect their property, and there is also City infrastructure located on their property, such as sewer and stormwater lines. In these cases, the homeowners have sought financial assistance from the City to help pay for a portion of the overall project. The Maine Constitution requires that taxpayer funds must serve a public purpose. This means taxes may only be spent on activities that will provide a clear benefit to the general public or a broad section of the public. The City’s attorney has determined that on a case-by-case basis, there may be times when the City can contribute to a project that has a clear public benefit, even if there is a resulting private benefit. In other words, there may be occasions where the City can work with residents on a resilience project that serves both private and public interests.

Engage with City Council

Subscribe to the City Meeting Calendar to receive email notifications when meetings and workshops are added. Meeting agendas are available by 4:30 PM on the Thursday prior to a scheduled meeting on BoardDocs.

If you would like to reach out to City Councilors about coastal resilience or any subject, their contact information is posted on the City Council page.

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Contact Staff

Do you have a resilience-related question or something you'd like to discuss with a City of South Portland staff member? Use our Citizen Request Portland and your message will automatically be directed to the correct staff member, or use our Staff Directory to look up an individual's contact information.