Create replicable process and methodology for identifying working waterfronts and intertidal access points statewide (hereafter referred to as “working waterfronts”) that are critical to Maine’s marine economy. (Deliverable 1) These could include, but are not limited to, working waterfronts that have economic value, geographic relevance, serve vulnerable populations, or have potential to meet future water access and marine economy needs. Multiple types of working waterfronts (private wharves, co-ops, public facilities, access paths, etc.) with different types of ownership and protection (i.e. covenants or restrictive zoning) and serving different purposes should be considered. The criteria will also consider vulnerability, as working waterfronts are vulnerable to many social, environmental, and economic factors. Site-specific vulnerability analyses are outside the scope of this project, but criteria for listing and comparing the types of vulnerabilities should be included. The awarded Bidder will work with the Department’s steering committee to finalize these criteria. Conduct a statewide inventory of a subset of critical working waterfronts (Deliverable 2). This inventory will help prioritize investments of currently available funding, as well as provide estimates of the total number and location of critical working waterfronts statewide and a description of the social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities they face. The awarded Bidder will work with the Department’s advisory team to identify the subset of working waterfront types to inventory. The inventory should consider working waterfronts statewide and include both publicly- and privately-owned locations. A comprehensive statewide inventory of all working waterfronts is not possible with the available funding and time constraints...
