University of New England (UNE) proposes to utilize National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) funding to construct a permanent research pier on the Saco River at the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center at 11 Hills Beach Road in Biddeford, ME. The proposed activity includes a new access road, a 5,100-square-foot marine pier with 26 concrete filled steel pipe pilings, an 80-foot aluminum gangway, a total of 768 square feet of floating timber docks, a 320-square-foot covered outdoor classroom, and an 80-square-foot storage shed. This action is subject to review for consistency with the enforceable policies of Maine Coastal Program under 15 CFR 930, subpart C. More information about the project can be found by reading the Coastal Zone Consistency UNE Research Pier pdf. Public comments will be accepted through October 25, 2024 and can be sent to DMRCoastalProgram_FC@maine.gov.