$2 Million for Renovations to Loring’s Arch Hangar Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $2,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for renovations to the Arch Hangar at the Loring Commerce Centre – formerly the Loring Air Force Base – in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“From expanding aviation and aerospace services to increasing job opportunities, this investment into the Arch Hangar at the former Loring Air Force Base would have a positive impact on the surrounding communities for years to come,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would support the necessary upgrades needed to restart operations and attract new business in the aviation and aerospace sectors. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“We are very grateful for Senator Collins’ support in our efforts to revitalize the former Loring Air Force Base,” said Jonathan Judkins, President and CEO, Loring Development Authority. “It is crucial at this significant point in aviation history and for the state of Maine to make the most of taxpayer resources, employing them to support job creation, education, and community involvement in an underutilized and underserved region of Maine.”
In 2021, a task force appointed by the governor completed a sustainable plan that identified aviation and aerospace as long-term components for the economic recovery and sustainability of the former Loring Air Force Base. This funding would support infrastructure and technological upgrades to the Arch Hangar, revitalizing operations for large aircraft maintenance repair, air cargo operations, and aircraft testing.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate. Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
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