Portland is expected to receive more than $6.5 million in state grant funding to repair damage to the city’s waterfront from the previous winter’s storms.

The Portland City Council gave first reading to a measure to accept the funding Monday. The money comes from the Maine Department of Transportation’s Working Waterfront Resiliency Grant program. 

According to city documents, the money will pay to help rebuild portions of Maine Wharf, Custom House Wharf, Portland Pier and Widgery Wharf.

“Preservation of working waterfront access in the face of climate change is a state-wide challenge,” Greg Watson, the city’s director of housing and economic development, wrote in a memo to the city council on the subject. “By participating in the Maine Working Waterfront Resiliency Grant Program, the City of Portland will assist Maine Wharf, Custom House Wharf, Portland Pier, and Widgery Wharf to become more resilient in the face of increasing climate pressures.” 

The area is home to several well-known Portland businesses, including The Porthole Restaurant & Pub, DiMillo’s on the Water and Harbor Fish Market.

Strong winter storms in December 2023 and January 2024, accompanied by astronomically high tides, caused severe flooding.