Flooding

New maps show that seven neighborhoods will be particularly vulnerable to flooding during three broad scenarios — daily high tides, the occasional astronomical, or "king" tide, and major storms — within the next 25 to 75 years.

Scientists, researchers and agriculture specialists presented a new assessment of climate change in Maine to members of the Climate Council Thursday. The council will use the projections to inform a new, four-year plan and recommendations, which is due near the end of the year.

The governor has proposed taking $50 million from Maine's nearly $1 billion Rainy Day Fund for the program, although lawmakers will have to go along with the plan.

Businesses could receive between $2,500 and $10,000 from the new fund created by Retail Association of Maine and the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association.

Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner — along with many other riverfront communities — are are still dealing with high water levels. But business owners are starting to dig out and assess the damage after the worst flooding in decades.

Sunday River and Saddleback Mountain are expected to reopen Saturday for Skiing. Sugarloaf Mountain has said it will open Friday.

As the floodwaters of the Androscoggin River subside, public safety officials say many of those who were asked to evacuate in Lewiston are allowed to return to their homes.

The Androscoggin River is expected to crest at noon on Wednesday.

Monday's storm that brought heavy wind and rain to Maine is the kind of event that scientists say is becoming more common as climate change warms the planet.

President Joe Biden has approved Maine's request for federal assistance to help cover more than $6.5 million in infrastructure damage in Franklin County from a major rainstorm earlier this summer.