UNION — The Town of Union is launching a Severe Weather Infrastructure Risk Management project to assess and strengthen the community's infrastructure against increasingly severe weather events. With support from a Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant from the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, Union will conduct a thorough vulnerability assessment that will result in concrete strategies to protect the town's critical systems.

According to a Town of Union news release, the project will examine how extreme weather – including flooding, high winds, ice storms, extreme temperatures, drought, and combined weather events – affects Union's power grid, water systems, roads, bridges, stormwater infrastructure, internet connectivity, and municipal operations. The assessment aims to identify vulnerabilities and develop actionable recommendations to ensure Union remains prepared for weather challenges ahead.

“Resident participation is key for this project to produce the results we desire," said Todd Souza, Town Manager. "This report will allow the Town to operationally and financially plan to address infrastructure around our Community in a strategic manner, and not under an emergency weather event."

The project's first public workshop will take place Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Union Town Office, 567 Common Road. The drop-in format allows residents to participate at any time. Free pizza will be served starting at 5:30 p.m., and all ages are encouraged to participate.

The workshop will introduce the project scope and provide opportunities for residents to share their experiences with weather-related impacts on local infrastructure. The Community Resilience Partnership Committee (CRPC) is overseeing the project alongside Town Manager Souza and the Midcoast Council of Governments. Haley Ward is leading the technical analysis.

The project will culminate in late 2026 or early 2027 with a report including risk analysis, prioritized vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, cost estimates, and potential funding sources.

All Union residents are encouraged to participate in the January 12 kick-off workshop and other engagement opportunities throughout the year.

For more information, contact Todd Souza, Town Manager, at 207-785-3658 or townmanager@union.maine.gov.