Coastal Flooding & Economic Resilience in Southern Maine
Assessment for the Towns of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells
The planning study and assessment were funded by the Economic Development Administration.
The information presented in this StoryMap is for general planning purposes only.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Coastal storms and climate change pose significant and growing threats to southern Maine communities where coastal resources drive the local and regional economies. Towns already experience flooding and damage from storms and extreme high tides. Sea level rise and increasingly frequent and severe storm events will exacerbate vulnerabilities, exposing people, properties, businesses, the economy, and natural resources to intensifying natural hazards.
This StoryMap highlights the results of a planning project that:
- Assessed the impacts of coastal storms and future sea level rise to the economy.
- Evaluated impacts to businesses, municipal fiscal health, infrastructure, and socially vulnerable populations.
- Developed recommendations to enhance coastal and economic resilience.
As sea level rises in the future, normal high tides will be higher and storms, as well as accompanying surge, will be more impactful. This project assessed impacts of storm surge combined with two scenarios of sea level rise to represent what flooding from storm events could look like in the future. The two flooding scenarios, listed below, align with the Maine Climate Council's planning recommendation of committing to manage 1.5 feet of rise by 2050 and preparing to manage 3.0 feet by 2050.
Inundation Scenarios Used for Assessment
- Storm surge from 1% annual chance event (i.e. 100-year storm) + 1.6 feet of sea level rise
- Storm surge from 1% annual chance event + 3.0 feet of sea level rise
Economic Resilience
Economic resilience is the ability to withstand, and recovery quickly from a shock and the ability to avoid shock altogether. Coastal storms and future climate change threaten to disrupt critical components of local and regional economic activity, especially tourism-based and fisheries activity, which relies on the existence of and access to healthy coastal resources.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs. Studies have shown that coastal hazards and climate change diminish the market value of impacted properties. Municipal fiscal health could be affected by future coastal flooding as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk. Across the six towns, almost $2.6 billion in assessed property value is at risk of flooding from storm surge plus 1.6 feet of sea level rise.
Infrastructure Impacts
When buildings and infrastructure systems are damaged by flooding and storms, economic losses mount, travel is disrupted, social services are interrupted, and limited municipal resources must be allocated to repairing and rebuilding impacted infrastructure.
- Roughly 38 miles of roads in the six-town region are inundated by the 1.6 ft flooding scenario.
Economic Impacts
Coastal York County's economy is inextricably linked with, driven by, and dependent on its coastline. Coastal storms and sea level rise threaten to disrupt critical components of local and regional economic activity, especially tourism-based and fisheries activities, which rely on the existence of and access to healthy coastal resources.
- 13.9% of regional gross domestic product in the project area is tourism-dependent.
- 18% of the people employed in the project area are in tourism-dependent industries.
Social Impacts
Individuals who already have increased social vulnerability will be disproportionately affected by sea level rise and climate change as they have lower capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from coastal hazard events.
- Across the six project towns, 34% of the population located in areas vulnerable to flooding from the 1.6 ft scenario is 65 and older.
- Roughly 32% of all households that are at risk are within the EPA's threshold for low-income households.
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Town Results
KENNEBUNK
Town Results: Kennebunk
Kennebunk's infrastructure and neighborhoods along the open coast and tidal rivers are particularly vulnerable to flooding. In recent years, Town staff have observed an increase in the occurrence and severity of damage to seawalls, road flooding, and debris from wave splash-over, espcially along Beach Avenue. Portions of Lower Village, including the Route 9 bridge, a critical state road and connection between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, are also vulnerable to existing flooding and future sea level rise and storms.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs. Municipal fiscal health could be affected as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk.
- More than $388.9 million in assessed property value in Kennebunk is at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario and almost $480.5 million in assessed value is at risk from the 3.0 ft scenario.
- 12.8% and 15.8% of the entire assessed property value is at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario and the 3.0 ft scenario, representing 11% and 14%, respectively, of the Town's municipal budget.
Kennebunk's assessed property value impacted by the two mapped inundation scenarios.
Municipal revenue from beach parking is also at risk from as many parking areas are located in areas vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, as sea level rises, there will be less dry sandy beach available, especially in areas where hardened shoreline structures like seawalls prevent the landward migration of beach systems. Losses in dry beach could reduce beach visitation and subsequent parking revenue.
- In Kennebunk, 1.6 feet of sea level rise alone (no storm surge) is projected to reduce the dry beach by almost 60%.
Municipal revenue generated from parking fees and beach passes for the years 2017 through 2020.
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Economic Impacts
Kennebunk's local economy is heavily dependent upon the tourism industry. Coastal storms and sea level rise threaten the sandy beaches, seaside infrastructure, and coastal businesses that drive tourism activity, putting the local and regional economy at-risk.
- Business and the road through Lower Village are inundated in both scenarios and the Route 9 bridge is inundated in the 3.0 ft scenario.
- Beaches are almost entirely inundated under the 1.6 ft scenario.
- More than 300 jobs, over $20 million in labor income, nearly $30 million in area gross domestic product, and over $53 million in revenue may be affected in some way by sea level rise and storm surge.
- 1 out of every 25 jobs in Kennebunk is impacted by the 3.0 ft scenario, and nearly $1 out of every $20 generated in Kennebunk is connected to a business that is directly impacted by flooding.
Infrastructure
Roads
Flooding of coastal roadways disrupts travel, interrupts emergency services, and impacts the lifespan of those roads.
- Beach Avenue and Route 9 are critical routes that are particularly impacted by coastal flooding.
- Roughly 5.5 miles of road are impacted by the 1.6 ft scenario and almost 8 miles are impacted by the 3.0 ft scenario.
- Town staff have observed that roads are not holding together as they were designed and as they have in the past; the lifespan of pavement and road sub-components is getting shorter due to exposure to floodwaters.
Culverts & Crossings
Road crossings and culverts are particular areas of concern for over-topping of roads, and detirorating infrastructure.
Impacts to transportation infrastructure in Kennebunk
- 9 roadway stream crossings are vulnerable to the 1.6 ft inundation scenario and 11 are vulnerable to the 3.0 ft scenario.
Sewer & Water
Public utility infrastructure located in coastal areas is vulnerable to flooding, which can cause damage and disrupt service. The majority of infrastructure impacts in Kennebunk are associated with sewer system components.
- 3 sewer pump stations are at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario, and 8 (28%) are at risk from the 3.0 ft scenario.
- 11.3% and 14.9% of sewer force mains in town are at risk from the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios, respectively.
- 10.5% and 12.9% of watermains are at risk from the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios, respectively.
- Observations from Town staff indicate that the sewer pump station on Boothby Road has been routinely impacted by floodwaters.
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Social Impacts
Individuals who already have increased social vulnerability will be disproportionately affected by sea level rise and climate change as they have lower capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from coastal hazard events.
- The second greatest number of households at risk have an annual income range of $25,000 to less than $50,000, which is below the US EPA (2021) climate change and social vulnerability threshold for low income ($51,500 for households) and also less than the Kennebunk median household income of $75,517 (US Census, 2019).
- Most people impacted by the two inundation scenarios are 50 or older, representing 14% and 19% of Kennebunk's total population under the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios, respectively.
- Kennebunk has the most individuals 65 or older impacted of all six towns, in both inundation scenarios.
KENNEBUNKPORT
Town Results: Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is known for its sandy beaches, working waterfront area of Cape Porpoise Pier, and small village areas. Bordered to the west by the Kennebunk River, east by the Little River, south by the open coast, and cleaved by the Batson River, Kennebunk is vulnerable to flooding from coastal storms and rising seas.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs. Municipal fiscal health could be affected as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk.
- More than $388.9 million in assessed property value is at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario.
- Kennebunkport has the greatest percentage of valuation at risk from both inundation scenarios out of the six study towns.
Kennebunkport's assessed property value impacted by the two mapped inundation scenarios.
Municipal revenue from beach parking is also at risk from as many parking areas are located in areas vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, as sea level rises, there will be less dry sandy beach available, especially in areas where hardened shoreline structures like seawalls prevent the landward migration of beach systems. Losses in dry beach could reduce beach visitation and subsequent parking revenue.
- In Kennebunkport, 1.6 feet of sea level rise alone (no storm surge), is projected to reduce the dry beach width by 73%
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Economic Impacts
Like most coastal communities in the region, Kennebunkport's local economy is heavily dependent upon the tourism industry. Coastal storms and sea level rise threaten the sandy beaches, seaside infrastructure, and coastal businesses that drive tourism activity, putting the local and regional economy at risk.
- Dock Square is an economic hub and tourist destination, linked with Kennebunk's Lower Village area. Businesses and the road through Dock Square into Kennebunk are inundated in both the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenario and the Route 9 bridge is inundated in the 3.0 ft scenario.
- Cape Porpoise is the center of the town’s commercial fishing industry. The pier and only access road to it are both inundated in both the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios.
- More than 600 jobs, more than $17 million in labor income, nearly $30 million in area gross domestic product, and over $45 million in revenue in Kennebunkport may be affected in some way by sea level rise and storm surge.
- 1 out of every 6 jobs in Kennebunkport is vulnerable under the 3.0 ft scenario, and nearly $1 out of every $10 generated in town is connected to a business that is directly impacted by flooding.
- Under the 3.0 feet scenario, over 60% of the sales revenue in the hotel industry and over 50% of the sales revenue from the restaurant industry are at risk. From an employment perspective, over 80% of the employment in both the restaurant and hotel industries are vulnerable.
Infrastructure
Roads
Flooding of coastal roadways disrupts travel, interrupts emergency services, and impacts the lifespan of those roads. Beach Avenue and Route 9, Pier Road, and Ocean Avenue are critical routes that are particularly impacted by coastal flooding.
- Roughly 9.9 miles of road are impacted by the 1.6 ft scenario and almost 12.3 miles are impacted by the 3.0 ft scenario.
Impacts to Transportation Infrastructure in Kennebunkport
Culverts & Crossings
- 9 roadway stream crossings are vulnerable to the 1.6 ft scenario and 11 crossings are vulnerable to the 3.0 ft scenario.
- 2 Maine DOT large culverts are vulnerable to both the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios.
Sewer & Water
Public utility infrastructure located in coastal areas is vulnerable to flooding, which can cause damage and disrupt access to infrastructure components. The majority of infrastructure impacts in Kennebunk are associated with sewer system components.
- Roughly 9% of drainage lines are at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario.
- 12% and 17% of sidewalks, paved shoulders, and crosswalks are at risk from the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios, respectively.
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Social Impacts
Individuals who already have increased social vulnerability will be disproportionately affected by sea level rise and climate change as they have lower capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from coastal hazard events.
- Over one-third of people at risk from both inundation scenarios are aged 65 or older, a group particularly vulnerable to coastal hazards.
- The greatest number of households at risk have an annual income range of less than $25,000, below the US EPA (2021) climate change and social vulnerability threshold for low income of $51,500 for households and well below the Town's median household income of $84,266.
KITTERY
Town Results: Kittery
Kittery is the southernmost town of the Maine coastline, and is the gateway community for many visitors, tourists, and regular commuters to and from the greater Boston area and beyond.
Currently, most impacts due to storms are farther up the coast, along Fort Foster, Pepperell Cove, and coastal travel routes.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs.
Municipal fiscal health could be affected as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk.
- Approximately $140.9 million in assessed value at risk to the 1.6 ft scenario, and this increases to $186.6 million at risk in the 3.0 ft scenario.
Kittery's assessed property value impacted by the two mapped inundation scenarios.
Municipal revenue from beach parking is also at risk from as many parking areas are located in areas vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, as sea level rises, there will be less dry sandy beach available, especially in areas where hardened shoreline structures like seawalls prevent the landward migration of beach systems. Losses in dry beach could reduce beach visitation and subsequent parking revenue.
- In Kittery, 1.6 feet of sea level rise alone (no storm surge) is projected to cause a loss of almost 47% of dry beach.
Municipal revenue generated from parking fees and beach passes for Fort Foster, 2017 through 2020.
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Economic Impacts
Several small economic hubs and tourism destinations will be impacted by both scenarios across town.
- In the Kittery Foreside area, docks and marinas along the shore and on Badger's Island face risk in both scenarios.
- The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and access to the island from Route 103 are inundated in both scenarios.
- Recreational destinations at Fort McCleary, Fort Foster, and Sea Point and Cresent beaches are all impacted.
- More than 200 jobs, more than $4 million in labor income, nearly $7 million in area gross domestic product, and over $11 million in revenue in Kittery may be affected in some way by sea level rise and storm surge.
- Approximately 10% of the employment in the restaurant industry is expected to be affected.
Infrastructure
Roads
Flooding of coastal roadways disrupts travel, interrupts emergency services, and impacts the lifespan of those roadways.
- Town staff have already noted storm impacts to Route 103, a significant commuter & tourist route which collects traffic to and from the NH border.
- Kittery has a total of 5.01 miles of road at risk to the 1.6ft scenario, and 6.52 miles at risk in the 3.0ft scenario.
Culverts & Crossings
Road crossings and culverts are particular areas of concern for over-topping of roads, and detirorating infrastructure.
- 12 tidal road crossings and 2 Maine DOT owned culverts are impacted by the 1.6ft scenario.
Impacts to transportation infrastructure in Kittery
Sewer & Water
- 10% (2,273 ft of 20,819 total ft) of pressure mains are at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario compared with 3% (3,718 ft of 126,705 total ft) of gravity mains.
- In the 3.0ft scenario 3,179 ft of pressure mains (15%) and 5,847 ft of gravity mains (5%) are at risk.
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Social Impacts
While every community member stands to be impacted by future coastal storm impacts, some individuals are more vulnerable based on their ability to adapt and respond to risk.
Age
- Kittery has the second highest number of individuals 17 and younger impacted, representing approximately 4% of that age bracket within town impacted in the 1.6ft scenario, and 6% impacted in the 3.0ft scenario.
Income
Kittery also has the second highest number of households at risk who earn less than the federal poverty level ($25,000) annually. Approximately 5% of households in that income bracket are impacted in the 1.6ft scenario, and that increases to 7% impacted by the 3.0ft scenario.
Race
Kittery has the greatest racial diversity of people who are at risk among the six towns.
- 4% of their population who identify as black, 6% who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, 11% who identify as Asian, and 10% who identify as being two or more races at risk to the 1.6ft scenario.
OGUNQUIT
Town Results: Ogunquit
With a little over 4 square miles of land and a population of 1,577, Ogunquit is the smallest town in the study region. Although small, it is bustling, and sees a major influx of population throughout the summer months.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs.
Municipal fiscal health could be affected as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk.
- Approximately $98.9 million in assessed value is at risk to the 1.6 ft scenario, and this increases to $112.2 million at risk in the 3.0 ft scenario.
- This equates to 6.5% and 7.4% of all assessed property value in Ogunquit.
Ogunquit's assessed property value impacted by the two mapped inundation scenarios.
Municipal revenue from beach parking is also at risk from as many parking areas are located in areas vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, as sea level rises, there will be less dry sandy beach available, especially in areas where hardened shoreline structures like seawalls prevent the landward migration of beach systems. Losses in dry beach could reduce beach visitation and subsequent parking revenue.
- In Ogunquit, 1.6 feet of sea level rise alone (no storm surge) is projected to reduce the townwide dry beach by about 42% .
Municipal revenue from parking fees in Ogunquit, for the years 2018 through 2020.
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Economic Impacts
Several small economic hubs and tourism destinations will be impacted by both scenarios across town.
- Significant parking impacts are concentrated at the Lower Village Parking Lot and the Ogunquit Beach parking lot.
- The Ogunquit wastewater treatment plant is at risk of being entirely flooded in the 3.0ft scenario.
- Several businesses are at risk of flooding or cut off access in Perkins Cove.
- More than 160 jobs, over $8 million in labor income, over $13 million in area gross domestic product, and over $20 million in revenue may be affected in some way by sea level rise and storm surge.
- Over 20% of the revenue generated by the restaurant industry and nearly 30% of the revenue generated by the hotel industry is supported by a business in the inundation zone.
Infrastructure
Roads
Flooding of coastal roadways disrupts travel, interrupts emergency services, and impacts the lifespan of those roadways.
- Ogunquit has a small and concentrated area of roadway at risk to both scenarios. However, Beach Street is an essential access road to the Ogunquit Beach, beach parking, and a few local businesses.
Culverts
There are 2 tidal crossings at risk to the 1.6ft scenario, and 1 additional at risk to the 3.0ft scenario. These are particular areas of concern for over-topping of roads, and detirorating infrastructure.
Transportation infrastructure at risk in Ogunquit
Sewer & Water
- About 13% (19,135 ft of 150,154 total ft) of sewer pipes are at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario, compared to 1% (452 ft of 42,787 total ft) of stormwater pipes.
- Under the 3.0 ft scenario, 14% of sewer pipes and 1% of stormwater pipes are at risk.
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Social Impacts
While every community member stands to be impacted by future coastal storm impacts, some individuals are more vulnerable based on their ability to adapt and respond to risk.
- People aged 65 or older make up the largest age group of people at risk from both the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios in Ogunquit.
- Ogunquit has more households at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario making less than $75,000 per year than households making more than $75,000 per year.
WELLS
Town Results: Wells
In Wells, Route 1 is separated from the barrier beach by acres of wetlands, much of which is under conservation in the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. While development along the beach is at a fairly high elevation, these surrounding lowlands are what pose the most risk from inland flooding.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs.
Municipal fiscal health could be affected as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk.
- Approximately $864.9 million in assessed value is at risk to the 1.6 ft scenario, and this increases to $1.08 billion at risk in the 3.0 ft scenario.
- This equates to 20.4% and 27.7% of all assessed property value in Wells.
Wells's assessed property value impacted by the two mapped inundation scenarios.
Municipal revenue from beach parking is also at risk from as many parking areas are located in areas vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, as sea level rises, there will be less dry sandy beach available, especially in areas where hardened shoreline structures like seawalls prevent the landward migration of beach systems. Losses in dry beach could reduce beach visitation and subsequent parking revenue.
- In Wells, 1.6 feet of sea level rise alone (no storm surge) is projected to cause a loss of 53.1% of dry beach.
Municipal revenue from parking fees in Wells, for the years 2018 through 2020.
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Economic Impacts
Several small economic hubs and tourism destinations will be impacted by both scenarios across town.
- Beach areas and beach access roads are impacted in several locations along the Wells coast: Moody Beach, Wells Beach, and the Laudholm & Cresent Beaches.
- Areas of community and economic activity are impacted on Route 1 and by Wells Harbor Park.
- More than 130 jobs, almost $4 million in labor income, over $6 million in area gross domestic product, and over $10 million in revenue may be affected in some way by sea level rise and storm surge.
- Nearly 1 in every 4 restaurant workers and nearly 1 in every 5 construction workers will be affected.
Infrastructure
Roads
Flooding of coastal roadways disrupts travel, interrupts emergency services, and impacts the lifespan of those roadways.
- Several access roads from the Route 1 corridor to the barrier beach have already started to see impacts.
- Wells is predicted to see the most mileage at risk among the six towns, with 11.19 miles at risk to the 1.6ft Scenario, and 13.2 miles at risk to the 3.0ft Scenario.
Culverts & Road Crossings
- 8 tidal crossings are impacted by the 1.6ft scenario throughout town. These are particlar areas of concern for over-topping of roads, and detirorating infrastructure.
Transportation infrastructure impacts for Wells.
Sewer & Water
- 8,931ft of pressurized main footage (31%) is vulnerable to the 1.6 ft scenario, and 9,733ft is impacted in the 3.0 ft scenario (34% of total).
- For gravity mains, 51,832ft is at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario (19%), and 63,356 ft is impacted in the 3.0 ft scenario (23% of total).
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Social Impacts
While every community member stands to be impacted by future coastal storm impacts, some individuals are more vulnerable based on their ability to adapt and respond to risk.
- Wells has the second largest number of people 65 and older impacted by the 1.6ft scenario, representing 8% of the town population in that age bracket.
- Impacts are concentrated in the Wells_14 block group, where the most people aged 65 and older are impacted in the 1.6ft scenario, and the most households earning less than $25,000 per year are impacted in both scenarios.
YORK
Town Results: York
York is vulnerable to coastal flooding along its sandy beaches, working harbor, low-lying areas of the open coastline, and along the tidal York River. The Long Sands and Short Sands beach areas that are hubs for summer visitors and house a range of businesses that cater to the seasonal tourism industry are particularly at risk of flooding from storm surge and sea level rise.
Municipal Fiscal & Parcel Impacts
Municipal budgets are highly dependent on revenue from local property taxes, providing vital funds that sustain community operations, services, and programs. Municipal fiscal health could be affected as coastal properties, which generate a large portion of local tax revenue, are exposed to increasing flood risk.
- Approximately $460 million in assessed property value is at risk to the 1.6 ft scenario. This increases to $696 million in the 3.0 ft scenario.
- 8.2% and 12.4% of the entire assessed property value in town is at risk from the 1.6 ft scenario, representing 23% and 35%, respectively, of the Town's FY21 municipal budget.
Municipal revenue from beach parking is also at risk from as many parking areas are located in areas vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, as sea level rises, there will be less dry sandy beach available, especially in areas where hardened shoreline structures like seawalls prevent the landward migration of beach systems. Losses in dry beach could reduce beach visitation and subsequent parking revenue.
- In York, 1.6 feet of sea level rise alone (no storm surge), is projected reduce the dry beach by almost 38%.
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Economic Impacts
York's local economy is heavily dependent upon the tourism industry. Coastal storms and sea level rise threaten the sandy beaches, seaside infrastructure, and coastal businesses that drive tourism activity, putting the local and regional economy at-risk.
- Nearly 300 jobs, over $10 million in labor income, nearly $17 million in area gross domestic product, and over $30 million in revenue may be affected in some way by the two inundation scenarios.
- 1 out of 3 employees and $1 out of every $5 supported by these industries is impacted by the scenarios.
Infrastructure
Roads
Flooding of coastal roadways disrupts travel, interrupts emergency services, and impacts the lifespan of those roads.
- 5.41 miles of road at risk to the 1.6 ft scenario, which increases to 9.26 miles at risk in the 3.0 ft scenario.
- The majority of vulnerable roads in York are private.
Culverts & Crossings
- 15 roadway stream crossings are vulnerable to the 1.6 ft scenario and 17 crossings vulnerable to the 3.0 ft scenario.
- The 17 total impacted crossings represent 14% of all crossings and DOT culverts in York.
Sewer & Water
- Roughly 50% of the town’s outfalls are vulnerable to the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios.
- 46 and 134 drainage structures are vulnerable to the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft senarios, respectively.
- Approximately 21% of summer water mains are vulnerable to the 1.6 ft scenario and 25% vulnerable to the 3.0 ft scenario.
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Social Impacts
Individuals who already have increased social vulnerability will be disproportionately affected by sea level rise and climate change as they have lower capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from coastal hazard events.
- The majority of people that live in areas impacted by the two inundation scenarios in York are 50 or older, representing 8% and 11% of the town’s total population under the 1.5 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios, respectively.
- The greatest number of impacted people living in areas impacted by both the 1.6 ft and 3.0 ft scenarios are 65 or older.
- 22% of households in areas vulnerable to the 1.6 ft scenario have an annual income of less than $50,00, lower than the EPA (2021) climate change and social vulnerability threshold for low-income households ($51,500).
STRATEGIES
Local action is critical for addressing coastal storm hazards and climate change impacts. While the challenges posed by sea level rise may seem overwhelming, vulnerabilities can be addressed and resilience can be built incrementally through a variety of different options. There are numerous strategies that municipalities and regional entities can employ to enhance economic resilience to coastal storms and sea level rise. Based on the results of the coastal economic vulnerability assessment, SMPDC compiled locally relevant and implementable strategies for southern Maine. Overarching strategies are:
1. Develop financing mechanisms to fund resilience actions
2. Strengthen the resilience of infrastructure, systems, and facilities, especially in vulnerable areas
3. Incorporate coastal storm hazards and climate change into plans and policies
4. Increase preparedness for responding to coastal storm events
5. Direct development away from vulnerable areas and promote resilient development
6. Restore and support natural systems
7. Support the business community to prepare for and increase resilience to coastal storm events and climate change
These strategies and the many potential actions that could be taken to pursue them are described in detail in the Strategies Summary.
More Info
- To explore and interact with all data results, launch the Interactive Web Mapping Application .
- Read the project final report: Economic Resilience Assessment and Plan for Coastal York County
