$2.5 Million for Caribou Police Station Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill in First Key Step

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $2.5 million for the construction of a new Caribou Police Station in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill.  

As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured funding for this project in the bill, which was officially released by the full Senate Appropriations Committee today and must now be voted upon by the full Senate and House.

“Ensuring that Caribou’s finest have adequate facilities is essential to the delivery of efficient emergency services,” said Senator Collins.  “The current police station is more than 80 years old, faces significant maintenance issues, and lacks adequate space for police officers to do their jobs as effectively as possible.  This funding for a new building will enhance Caribou law enforcement’s ability to serve and protect the community.   As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

The existing Caribou Police Station was constructed in 1937 as a fire station. According to the City's design consultant, the facility fails to meet current federal and international building standards and is unsuited for renovation. 

The funding would support the construction of a new police station for Caribou, which would serve as a vital hub for law enforcement across Aroostook County.  It would include the only centralized jail holding facility for Aroostook County, 52 miles north of the County jail in Houlton.  

A new facility would also contribute to improved morale, officer retention, and recruitment success.  Additional community benefits would include increased accessibility and parking as well as a more hospitable, welcoming reception area, all separate from law enforcement operations.