Waterfront damage causes uncertainty for Maine lobster season [Video]

STONINGTON, Maine — According to Gov. Janet Mills, the back-to-back storms that hit the state earlier this year left behind more than $70 million in damage to Maine’s infrastructure, including the destruction of several working waterfront properties and docks, ultimately leaving the success of this year’s lobster fishing season uncertain.

Last week, the Maine Legislature signed off on a $60 million supplemental budget for storm damage relief. According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources communications director, $25 million from that budget will go toward helping waterfront property owners cover the cost of making repairs to piers along the coastline.

Another $25 million from the budget will cover the cost of public infrastructure upgrades, and the remaining $10 million will be available for businesses and organizations impacted by the …