Residents in Bethel, Otisfield, South Paris and Woodstock are discussing climate resilience this summer through a series of public meetings.

These meetings aim to inform each town’s enrollment in Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership, a program that helps Maine communities reduce emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change through direct support and grants of up to $50,000, according to a news release from the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy, based in Norway.

The schedule for the first round of meetings is as follows:

• Bethel: Tuesday, July 19, 6 p.m., Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, 99 Main St.

• Otisfield: Monday, July 25, 6 p.m., Otisfield Community Hall, 292 Route 121.

• South Paris: To be announced.

• Woodstock: Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m., Woodstock Town Office, 26 Monk Ave., Bryant Pond.

The meetings, which will be facilitated by the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy, will provide community members with the opportunity to share their perspectives on current resilience efforts and next steps that their town should take through the partnership. The partnership offers no-match grants every six months for more than 70 community actions that range from installation of municipal heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, or renewable energy projects, to assessing climate threats to vulnerable populations and community infrastructure.

“After nearly 10 years of working on local community resilience, CEBE is delighted to be working with the Governor’s Office on Policy Innovation and the Future on this critical program,” said Scott Vlaun, CEBE’s executive director. “It’s great to be able to help municipalities access funding to increase local resilience while helping Maine meet our ambitious climate goals.”

The center also is seeking additional towns to help enroll in the program for the next round of grant funding. Interested town staff or community members are encouraged to reach out to learn more about enrolling their town in the Community Resilience Partnership.

Those who need remote access, a stipend, or other accommodations to participate can contact the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy at resilience@ecologybasedeconomy.org or 207-739-2101.

 

Check out other upcoming area events!

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