MAINE PUBLIC • February 15, 2024
Many residents say they want the city of South Portland to recreate the historic and beloved Willard Beach fishing shacks that were wiped away in last month's storm. But city officials caution that a rebuild could get complicated. The former fishing shacks stood in a federal flood and shoreland zone, South Portland officials said earlier this week during a storm damage and coastal resiliency workshop. And the city said it could be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program if the shacks are rebuilt in their former location and elevation. Suspension from the NFIP could also prevent the 105 South Portland homeowners who have federal flood insurance from renewing their policies and restrict new policies from being issued.