Bipartisan amendment for disaster relief bill to address urgent needs in Maine [Video]

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – The Maine senate adopted a bipartisan amendment to a disaster relief bill to address urgent needs in the state.

The bill would provide $117 million in funding to help rebuild damaged infrastructure.

The amendment states that only a maximum of $30 million must be used towards coastal projects related to wharves and piers that support commercial fisheries and aquaculture businesses.

The remaining money will go towards inlands areas impacted by the December and January storms.

Under the relief package, $31 million will also go towards nursing homes which face financial and staffing challenges.

The relief package also provides funding for LD 2237 which aims to strengthen mental health response services and LD 2217 which will provide funding for Maine Veteran’s Homes.

The bill passed with a 20-13 vote and now heads to the house.

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