ME LD1433

Establishes a Working Waterfront Infrastructure Engineer Corps Pilot Program overseen by Maine Sea Grant at the University of Maine, running from the 2026-2027 through 2027-2028 academic years with 5 students per year (10 total)

Student participants will conduct vulnerability assessments of working waterfront infrastructure threatened by extreme weather, complete service-learning or summer term projects in partnership with municipalities, and receive training on permitting requirements and funding opportunities

Requires Maine Sea Grant to submit an interim report by December 1, 2027 and a final report by November 1, 2028 to the legislative committees on education and state/local government, including recommendations and suggested legislation

Directs the Maine Commission for Community Service, University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, and Maine Maritime Academy to conduct a feasibility study on creating a higher education service corps program focused on coastal issues, transportation, energy, housing, land/freshwater preservation, community resilience, education, and public health, with a report due December 3, 2025

Appropriates $90,000 in one-time General Fund money for fiscal year 2026-27 to support the pilot program