Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, § 3257: Maine Climate Corps Program, 2025

The Maine Climate Corps Program, referred to in this section as “the program,” is established within the commission to provide grants, technical assistance and training to community service corps programs with the mission of responding to the impacts of climate change. Eligible community service corps programs under the program must be designed to: [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] 1. Direct service projects. Conduct evidence-based direct service projects developed through community collaboration, including collaboration with indigenous communities, that address principles of equity, justice and accessibility; [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] 2. Climate impacts. Address through measurable performance one or more of the following areas: transportation, energy, housing, the State’s coastal zone as defined under the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s coastal zone management program, public health, land and fresh water preservation, community resilience and climate-related education; [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] 3. Disproportionately affected communities; representation. Prioritize assistance to disproportionately affected communities and ensure that individuals in service positions represent the economic and demographic diversity of communities, including persons who are historically marginalized; and [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] 4. Additional standards. Meet additional program standards, including, but not limited to, requirements to: A. Enroll individuals for set terms in service positions; [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] B. Provide individuals in full-time service positions with stipends, health insurance, liability insurance and accidental death or dismemberment insurance; [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] C. Provide individuals in service positions with training, education and service experiences that further employability or career preparation; and [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] D. Meet any other standards set by the commission or nationally for similar programs. [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 388, Pt. D, §14 (NEW).]