U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has secured nearly $35 million in federal funding for 20 projects across Maine, her office announced. Earlier this week, Collins’ legislation to end the government shutdown included a slate of Congressionally Directed Spending items aimed at public safety, education and local infrastructure.
Collins, a Republican and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the investments will deliver “real and direct benefits” to communities statewide.
“From supporting Maine’s first responders, law enforcement, and servicemembers to increasing access to educational opportunities and generating economic development, these targeted investments will provide real and direct benefits to communities throughout our state,” Collins said in a statement. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I fought hard to ensure this important funding was included in the final funding bills.”
The package includes:
- $9 million for projects at the Bangor Air National Guard Base and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
- More than $12 million for six fire stations in Swan’s Island, St. Albans, Belgrade, Marshfield, Thomaston, and St. Agatha.
- $643,000 for the Holden Police Department to construct a garage honoring the late Police Chief Chris Greeley.
- More than $8.5 million for community centers and municipal buildings in Littleton, Searsmont, Penobscot, Northport, Westfield, and Solon.
- $750,000 for improvements at the A.B. Ricker Memorial Library in Poland.
- More than $1.3 million for the University of Maine System.
- More than $1.5 million for the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s STEM Community Center.
The funding will be distributed to local governments, public safety agencies and educational institutions once the legislation is fully implemented.
