Working Waterfront Access Protection Program Announces new request for applications

Application Deadline is May 6th for Working Waterfront Access Protection Program (WWAPP) funds

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), working with the Land for Maine's Future (LMF) program, provides funds to help purchase development rights in order to preserve and protect key properties on the coast that provide access to and support commercial fisheries activities.

Project proposals can come from private businesses engaged in, and/or directly supporting, commercial fishing activities, and from cooperatives, municipalities, non-profits or other qualified parties for projects that will provide permanent access use by commercial fisheries businesses. The applicant must be the owner of the working waterfront property or have an interest in its purchase and seek to place a restrictive working waterfront covenant on its use.  The application consists of a narrative , an up-to-date business plan, financial history, and appendices like town records, deeds, and sketches. A full description of how to apply is provided in the "WWAPP Workbook 2014". The Land For Maine's Future Board will vote on approval or denial of each application and determine award amounts in July.

Award amounts average about 25% of the property's Fair Market Value. In exchange for surrendering a property's future development rights which compete with and distract from commercial fishing uses, the property owner receives a one-time award that is determined by a standardized appraisal of the property. A legal document called a "Working Waterfront Covenant" that limits future uses of the property is signed by the property owner and a state representative. Please read the "Overview, Process and Timeline" of the program for a general overview. See the impacts of $5.018 million awarded to applicants (2006-2013).

The DMR has contracted a Working Waterfront Team at Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) to administer and implement the Working Waterfront Access Protection Program. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to work closely with the DMR's working waterfront team to assure that their project meets all the program criteria and that their application is complete. For more information, please contact Dick Clime, CEI, P.O. Box 268, Wiscasset, ME 04578 tel (207) 535-2920.