As part of the ongoing government funding process, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, secured more than $300 million that will support 176 projects across Maine. The funding was included in the FY23 appropriations bills, which must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House before being signed into law.

These projects—which were sponsored by Maine’s state governments, municipalities, colleges and universities, and non-profits—would promote job creation and economic development, improve infrastructure, expand community resources, and protect our environment.

Examples of some of the projects that Senator Collins advocated for include:

• $116 million for UMaine research, workforce development programs, and facilities;

• $66 million for road and bridge improvements;

• $36 million for public safety facilities and equipment;

• $8 million to address PFAS contamination; and

• $6.2 million for tick-borne disease research.

Click HERE to search the full list of projects by county.

“As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I have long championed investments that support Maine’s communities and families,” said Senator Collins.  “I heard from local officials about how these projects will enhance the wellbeing of Mainers and improve the delivery of town services from Aroostook County to York County.  During the ongoing Appropriations process, I will continue to strongly advocate for these projects, which would deliver substantial benefits to our state and the people of Maine.”

Lincoln County projects

Alna Egypt Road Bridge Replacement (Alna) 

Recipient: Town of Alna    

Bill: THUD  

Amount: $570,000    

Project Purpose: To replace a 70-year-old bridge that the Maine Department of Transportation has identified as a high-priority repair.    

Child Enrichment Center Expansion (Boothbay Harbor) 

Recipient: Boothbay Region YMCA   

Bill: THUD  

Amount: $500,000 

Project Purpose: To expand the Boothbay Region YMCA’s Child Enrichment Center and McEvoy Lodge to provide preschool, daycare, afterschool, and summer programming for youth.    

Lincoln County Childcare Expansion (Damariscotta) 

Recipient: Central Lincoln County YMCA   

Bill: THUD  

Amount: $1,000,000   

Project Purpose: To build a new childcare center that will help meet demand in the Midcoast region.   

Innovation and Education Wing at Bigelow Laboratory (East Boothbay)  

Recipient: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences   

Bill: CJS  

Amount: $12,326,000  

Project Purpose: To construct an Innovation and Education Wing and expand laboratory facilities as well as construct a 300-person auditorium that will be a resource for the broader community.