In Machias, Maine, residents and business owners are facing ongoing challenges due to frequent flooding caused by eroding dikes and violent storms. Subsequent delays in decision-making processes have left the community in limbo, with no clear plan in place for mitigation measures. The Maine Department of Transportation’s proposed “in-kind” replacement plan for the dike has come under scrutiny from experts, who argue that it will not effectively prevent or address flooding issues.
Community members, conservation groups, and government agencies have been working together to develop a flood mitigation plan, with concerns raised about the lack of transparency and communication regarding the status of the DOT’s plan. As the public hearing on the matter continues to be postponed, residents are left to speculate on the timeline for construction of a new dike.
Meanwhile, conservation efforts to restore salt marshes along the coast are in progress, with the hope of providing natural protection against storm surges. However, funding and approval for these projects still need to be secured. Business owners like the Barkers, who own Helen’s Restaurant, have taken proactive measures to protect their property from flooding, but the uncertainty surrounding the dike’s future remains a source of concern.
With calls for urgent action and a need for long-term solutions to address the flooding risks faced by the Machias community, stakeholders are hoping for timely decisions and funding to ensure the area’s resilience in the face of future storms.
Source
Photo credit www.bangordailynews.com