The Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to take another look at data behind revised flood maps that would affect the future development of Portland’s waterfront.
FEMA had proposed reclassifying the waterfront as a zone susceptible to structural damage during severe weather, a move that would have restricted development on the city’s private and public piers. Portland city officials met with FEMA staff in Boston yesterday, to challenge the FEMA data and methodology and argue that the harbor is well developed and protected, according to the Portland Press Herald. The federal agency has agreed to re-analyze its data; a follow-up meeting is planned in two weeks.
Greg Mitchell, Portland economic development director, told Mainebiz that the waterfront is one of Portland’s greatest assets and restricting or prohibiting future development on it would be a huge obstacle. “The waterfront is an economic generator for us, whether you’re talking marine uses, non-marine uses, cruise ships, cargo activity … it’s all inter-related and key to a vibrant economy,” he said.
