Boothbay Region Water District is exploring grant options for alleviating a salt water intrusion problem in Southport. On Nov. 23, Southport selectmen voted 2-0 to send a letter supporting the district’s grant effort. Selectman Gerry Gamage, who is also a water district trustee, explained the district is seeking between $3.5 million and $6 million. “There is a pot of money out there for sea water intrusion and Jon (Ziegra, BRWD superintendent) thinks Southport is a prime candidate,” Gamage said.

BRWD trustees discussed the grant during their Nov. 22 meeting. According to Gamage, the grant would fund a three-mile water main running from Southport General Store to Newagen to Granville Road. Siri Verrill of Sunrise Ecologic is working with the district as a consultant. She asked selectmen for a letter of support to Federal Emergency Management Agency. Gamage reported FEMA created funding to alleviate a growing problem of salt water infusion with fresh water bodies along the eastern seaboard. The grant has a Dec. 31 deadline. 

Verrill is also working on another local grant opportunity. Earlier this month, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor contracted with her to seek a Broadreach Grant. Verrill explained the grant ranges from $20,000 to $200,000. The Broadreach Grant  is designed to help Maine Climate Council reaching its marine and environmental goals. Verrill reported the fund would collect data on climate change, sea level rising and storm surges. “The purpose is for a coastline suitability study for living shorelines and nature-based solutions,” she said. “The data would be coordinated with an ongoing pilot project with Gulf of Maine Research Institute and U.S. Harbors.” 

Selectmen voted 2-0 to contract with Sunrise Ecologic to apply for a Broadreach Grant. Sunrise Ecologic will receive $2,400 for 20 to 30 hours of work, according to Verrill. The grant will also help municipalities address locations already impacted by rising sea levels. 

In other action, selectmen agreed to move the annual budget committee meeting. The date was first scheduled for Monday, Jan. 17, which is a federal holiday. The school committee sent a letter requesting an alternate date. “I don’t see why we can’t just move everything to Tuesday,” Gamage said.

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the town hall.