Programs: Acquiring Accecss

What existing programs can help with the transfer of land that includes access rights?

Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program (WWAPP)
 The Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program (WWAPP) provides public funds to help acquire land that will preserve access for commercial fishing uses. Financial awards may be used for projects that include land used for walk-in and small boat access for worming, clamming and similar harvesting activities; property dedicated in entirety to commercial fisheries use; or mixed use properties where the portion used to support commercial fishing business can be clearly delineated and secured. There is a strong program preference for projects that protect and secure use of existing, established fishing access sites and facilities over projects that might involve development of new access sites and facilities. These funds are available to private businesses, cooperatives, municipalities, or other qualified organizations for projects that will provide permanent waterfront access to commercial fisheries business. 

As a condition of any acquisition or grant made under the program, the property may not be used, altered or developed in a manner that precludes its use by commercial fisheries businesses. This protection is to be assured through a Working Waterfront Covenant or other appropriate legally binding deed restriction. The purpose of the Working Waterfront Covenant is “to control, either directly or indirectly, the use, ownership and sales price of working waterfront real estate for the primary purpose of making and preserving the permanent availability and affordability of that real estate for commercial fisheries businesses.” The public interest is protecting or enhancing the commercial marine fisheries or related businesses in the state. As an additional condition, the state retains a permanent right of first refusal on any property receiving grant allocations.

More information is available at www.wwapp.org.

Affordable Coast Fund
 In February 2007, the Island Institute launched the Affordable Coast Fund, a grant program designed to address two critical issues facing Maine’s year-round island communities: diminishing working waterfront access and the lack of affordable housing. The Working Waterfront Grants support professional development and provide technical assistance and capital-improvements grants in tandem with the Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program and the Working Waterfront Covenant. Contact: ISLAND INSTITUTE

Land for Maine’s Future Program
The Land for Maine’s Future Program was created in 1987 in response to concerns over the loss of critical natural areas and wildlife habitat along with traditional access to undeveloped lands for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. To date, the Land for Maine’s Future Program has funded the protection of more than 445,000 acres of Maine’s best natural areas, farms, and recreation areas. The program also seeks to protect public access to water for fishing, boating, and swimming. Working with other state agencies, numerous local governments and charitable nonprofit groups, the Land for Maine’s Future Board adheres to a “willing seller only” policy.  Contact: Maine State Planning Office

Coastal Enterprises, Inc.’s Working Waterfront Loan Fund
Offers fixed-rate financing for acquiring and maintaining commercial fishing access and marine-related infrastructure serving the coast of Maine. The main goal of the program is to provide long term access to marine-related businesses even beyond the term of the loan. Loans are available for private piers, fishing coops, wharf operations, and long-term leaseholders servicing cargo and marine-service operations, commercial fishing, aquaculture, boat repair, and boat building. Funds may be granted for dredging, pier maintenance and expansion to service marine industries and property acquisition.  Contact: Coastal Enterprises, Inc.

Island Institute’s Affordable Coast Fund
 The Island Institute’s Affordable Coast Fund is a grant program designed to address two critical issues facing Maine’s year-round island communities: diminishing working waterfront access and the lack of affordable housing. The Working Waterfront Grants support professional development and provide technical assistance and capital-improvements grants in tandem with the Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program and the Working Waterfront Covenant.  Contact: Island Institute

Land Trusts
Land Trusts and conservation organizations can serve as third party interests in addressing access issues. For more information, contact Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Maine Land Trust Network, both athttp://www.mcht.org/, the Land Trust Alliance http://www.landtrustalliance.org/, and The Trust for Public Lands http://www.tpl.org/.