This information was compiled based on information from publicly available legislation, state memorandums or executive orders, state websites, and press releases, as well as supplemental interviews with state officials with a role in administering opioid settlement funding.
It offers a snapshot of settlement spending and priorities at the state level (e.g., funding administered by state agencies or designated statewide abatement funds) as well as laws, agreements, and processes that the state has established for allocating funds. NASHP does not track spending at the local or county level, but includes any relevant state-level reports or dashboards that capture local spending within a state. For details on the definitions used here, check out the definitions at the bottom of this page. You can also get an overview of opioid settlement decisions in all states.
Settlement Spending Status
Background
The Maine Recovery Council, responsible for dispersing funds from the Maine Recovery Fund, approves grant projects across the abatement pillars of harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. The Attorney General’s Office, which oversees the state share of settlement funding, also publishes reports on activities of the Maine Recovery Council and overall state progress toward investing settlement dollars.
Has the state awarded settlement funds?
Yes. In November 2024, the Maine Recovery Council approved $13.9 million in funding across 43 projects. Funded projects are divided across the pillars of harm reduction (eight projects), treatment (12 projects), and recovery support (23 projects), with some of the larger awards including implementing a community-based drug-checking program, expanding recovery residences, and funding for Tribal healing and recovery.
Has the state announced priorities or recommendations for spending?
No publicly available information.
Previous spending details
In December 2023, the council approved $9 million in funding across four abatement pillars for two years. For the treatment pillar (receiving $3 million) and recovery support pillar ($350,000), the council recommended providing funding for two new detox facilities and a new recovery center. For the harm reduction pillar ($2.83 million), the council recommended providing funding to support existing syringe service programs and for development of one new site. For the prevention pillar ($2.9 million), the council recommended providing funding to support youth-serving organizations and whole-family service programs.
Statewide reporting of local spending
Not applicable.
State Settlement Website or Dashboard
Spending Plans and Agreements
Process for Settlement Disbursement
The State’s memorandum of understanding creates a Maine Recovery Council and authorizes it to direct the disbursement of the 50 percent Maine Recovery Fund. The attorney general controls the 20 percent state share of the funding.
State and Political Subdivision Split
Structure
Abatement-Fund Controlled (>50 percent of funding controlled by statewide abatement fund)
Allocation Formula
20 percent state, 30 percent subdivisions, 50 percent Maine Recovery Fund
Role of Advisory Committee
The Maine Recovery Council has authority to make disbursement decisions for the Maine Recovery Fund.
