PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 24, 2025
In response to last year’s winter storms, Maine allowed coastal landowners to rebuild docks, wharves, and piers higher to prepare for future storms and sea level rise. Now, Rep. Bob Foley, R-Wells, wants landowners or municipalities to be able to raise seawalls by up to 2 feet, even if they are located in one of Maine’s protected coastal sand dune systems, to safeguard buildings and public infrastructure from rising seas and storms. But opponents argue that seawalls meant to keep out rising waters can cause sediment erosion at their base, deflect water and damage neighboring properties, the sand dune system that provides natural flood protection and wildlife habitat, and the state’s 35 miles of sandy beaches.