U.S. lawmakers have passed a package of appropriations bills that includes $7.6 million for investments in working waterfronts and other community projects in Maine.
The spending minibus passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support, 341-88, and now moves to the Senate for approval.
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine 2nd district, helped secure funding for the projects during negotiations over a wide-ranging spending package that funded the departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development.
A breakdown of funding
Projects supported in the package include:
- $2 million to improve the Stonington Commercial Fish Pier. Funds will be used for pier improvements and flood mitigation to address sea level rise and storm surge.
- $1.4 million to rebuild the town dock in Swan’s Island. The dock is the only public access for local fishermen and the access point for emergency responders.
- $1.2 million to support working waterfront access at Henry Point in Jonesport. Funds will be used for infrastructure, including a concrete and steel pier to be built atop the existing breakwater.
- $850,000 to expand the Fort Kent Public Works Garage.
- $850,000 to build the Mi’kmaq Environmental Laboratory.
- $500,000 to support the expansion of Central Maine Community College’s Public Service Simulation Center in Auburn.
- $250,000 to increase sewage capacity and foster economic investment in Auburn.