Board weighs in on climate resiliency grants

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO— Locally elected officials learned more about a state-wide grant program that would help towns to prepare for climate change.

On the same evening that Casco’s Special Town Meeting was held, the second meeting about Climate Resiliency Grants took place.

The Center of an EcologyBased Economy (CEBE) has partnered with the Town of Casco to enroll the municipality in the grant program and to define what measures the town wants to take to combat or to prepare for climate change.

Some of the selectmen weighed in on the discussion that took place early last week.

Chairman Robert MacDonald reacted to the presentation.

“I felt that the presentation by CEBE was very thought-provoking. For me, it raised concerns for our natural resources. I feel that we need to do whatever we can to preserve these resources, and to provide ways that the citizens of Casco can enjoy both now and in the future,” MacDonald said.

He had his eye on three categories in which using grant money is permissible.

“I would encourage us to seek grants for the following areas: 1. Develop a natural resource and habitat inventory that includes climate stressors and impacts. I feel that we need to know what resources and habitats we currently have and develop a plan to protect it for the future; 2. Adopt a Complete Streets Policy which addresses safety, bike/pedestrian uses, and transit,” MacDonald said. “If COVID has taught us nothing, it is that our citizens enjoy being outdoors and we need to make sure that they can safely enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

LIBRARY DEDICATION — The library at Tucker’s House was dedicated in the memory of the late Dr. Peter Leighton, who made substance disorder a major focus of his medical practice. Pictured are members of the TH Board of Directors (left to right) Rick Olson, Tracey Martin, Charlotte Kelly, Mary Fernald, Kimberly Leighton (wife of Dr. Leighton), Trina Sanborn, Catherine Bell, William McKenzie, (back row) Susan Rivet and TH Executive Director Kirsten Wears. Absent were directors Serena Bissonnette, Steve Danzig and Jonathan Sahrbeck, and advisor Tom Chandel. (Rivet Photos)