The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a measure to protect Maine and the nation's working waterfronts. The bill was introduced by Maine 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree.The bill would allocate $12 million for grants, and $12 million for loans, to be distributed by states to towns, nonprofits and fishing co-ops.
Pingree, a Democrat, spoke in support of the bill from the House floor. "It will protect jobs," she said, "and it will preserve the character of coastal communities."
Pingree says about 30,000 Mainers rely on marine-related industry for their livelihoods.
The bill also aims to develop a task force to examine critical needs for waterfronts, and to mitigate effects of climate change. Pingree said the measure will support future generations involved in marine industry.