Regional Challenge Grant Opportunity

This year’s grant round will focus in the coastal zone on regional open space planning, scenic inventory, regional harbor or bay management, regional climate change planning, and regional asset development.

We currently have funds for projects in coastal watersheds and towns available through December 31, 2009; up to $25,000 per project may be requested. These grants are not competitive, nor is there a deadline for receipt of applications. Please see the Program Statement for more information.

Scenic Assessment Inventory Report completed

A ‘how-to’ guide for using the State Planning Office’s scenic inventory methodology to identify, evaluate, and document scenic resources and to identify scenic viewpoints of state or national significance for purposes of Title 35-A MRSA* Ch. 34-A (Wind Power Law). It is designed to supplement the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development’s initial handbook How to Conduct an Inventory of Scenic Areas (Dominie, 1990) that was part of the Maine Shore Access Public Access Series. Scenic Assessment Inventory Report (PDF 18.3M):

* Note: The Handbook may be used for this wind power law-related purpose upon the State Planning Office's final adoption of rules pursuant to Title 35-A, MRS Section 3457.

Amendments to Chapter 220, Methodology for Identification of Regional Service Centers (LD 2250)

The State Planning Office has amended Chapter 220, the rule SPO uses to identify municipalities serving as regional service centers in accordance with 30-A MRSA §4301, sub §14-A. Find more information here

Brochure on why municipalities create comprehensive plans

This new brochure points out a few of the many reasons why communities take on the planning process of creating a comprehensive plan. Learn about some of the key benefits your community may see with a comprehensive plan that is consistent with Maine's Growth Management Act. View the brochure (PDF 535KB)

Comprehensive Planning Impact Survey

Fourteen coastal towns were chosen for a case study on how Maine's Growth Management Act has impacted communities. All towns chosen have developed and adopted consistent comprehensive plans under the Growth Management Act (30-A MRSA §4312 et seq). The selection process captured a mix of large and small towns that face various planning issues. Towns chosen for the study span nearly the entire length of the Maine Coast, from Wells to Roque Bluffs. Find out more about this project