St. George-South Thomaston Community Resilience Plan
What is the Community Resilience Plan? The Community Resilience Plan is a road map to enhancing resilience to extreme weather and flooding, protecting vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure, and building energy systems that are more efficient, clean, and affordable.
What will it include? The Plan has two main parts. The first part is understanding exposure and vulnerability. Where does flooding occur? Who is most impacted by extreme weather events? How does heat affect different demographics? In what ways is the community already resilient, and where does it need to improve? After risks are identified, the second part is to investigate and prioritize strategies to address them. Both of these parts will be detailed in a final report, and then the towns can start using the Plan to take action!
How is it funded? The development of the plan is funded through a Community Action Grant from the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
How can I stay updated or get involved? Community engagement is an important goal every step of the way, and the St. George and South Thomaston resilience committees will be hosting several events to get community feedback. Updates and events will be posted to the two Towns’ websites as frequently as possible! To get more involved, contact Meg Rasmussen at mrasmussen@midcoastcog.com.
Vision Statement
Our planning process is rooted in environmental protection, sustainability, and stewardship, ensuring that we care for our landscape and natural resources while planning for a future that is both resilient and responsible. We believe the process is inclusive, equitable, and collaborative—bringing together diverse voices, respecting differing ideas, and working together across communities.
This process is motivational and forward-thinking, helping our communities become more self-reliant and confident in their ability to adapt. It generates hope and energy, not fear—offering achievable, inspiring solutions that prepare us for change without disrupting what we value about where we live. Above all, the plan builds trust in local government, strengthens community engagement, and leaves us better prepared, together.
Accomplishments So Far…
St. George
Solar Power - In 2020, the Resilience Committee hosted multiple seminars on solar options. Additionally, based on research by the Conservation Commission, the Town installed a solar array on the roof of the transfer station in 2018—it now provides over 90% of the electricity for the Town’s municipal buildings.
Sea Level Rise Study - In 2022, the Resilience Committee secured a Community Action Grant to conduct a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability & Resiliency Assessment, led by Sebago Technics. This report (available on the Town website) identifies areas in town that are vulnerable to sea level rise and suggests strategies to address these vulnerabilities.
Working Waterfront Report - In 2024, a Working Waterfront Vulnerability Study was completed, which assessed the state of the local maritime industries community, the economic benefits it generates, and its vulnerability to economic shifts as well as sea level rise, storms, and changing ocean conditions.
Resilient Roads - Based on the sea level rise study and using a grant from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund, the Town has hired Sebago Technics to propose designs for improving the resilience of Cold Storage Rd and Factory Rd. This process is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026 and will include multiple community engagement opportunities along the way.