Collaborative action – starting in 2021

Blue Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility 

• $1M Congressional earmark

• $1M from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund

Regional wildfire protection

• $225K Congressional earmark for planning

• property owners will reduce risk

• towns will qualify for implementation funding

Infrastructure improvements

• Hale’s Hill Road – Brooklin-Sedgwick:  new stream crossing

• Mill Creek tidal marsh resilience project – Penobscot

Energy efficiency

• Expansion of Brooklin’s energy coaching/weatherization home visits

• Assistance for those affected by natural disasters, climate stressors

Interviews with vulnerable community members

• Blue Hill, Castine, Penobscot, Surry

• Recommendations for coordinated social service in nine town (in development)

2021 – Early success

During American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) public-comment period

• Joined other commenters

• Urged Treasury to expand eligible uses of ARPA funds

• Final rule:  “stormwater management” covers many project

• Result:  new road sand-salt facilities:  Brooksville, Penobscot

2021 – First steps

 Formally organized as a nonprofit corporation in January 2026, Blue Hill Peninsula Forward continues the work began in 2021 as “Blue Hill Peninsula Tomorrow.”

 At that time, the Maine Climate Council and Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future provided opportunities for communities to address climate change – especially collaboratively

 New state and federal programs provided funding for projects that addressed intermunicipal needs for community resilience, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction.

 Municipal officials and community leaders from nine Blue Hill Peninsula towns began meeting viz Zoom on the third Friday of the month – and still do!