$3 Million for Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning, and Labor 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 $3,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for renovations to the Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning, and Labor (Maine MILL) 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.
“The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning, and Labor plays an important role in the Lewiston-Auburn communities, helping to preserve the region’s rich history while also promoting innovation and creativity,” said Senator Collins. “Redevelopment of the Camden Yarns Mill building for the Maine MILL would support ongoing efforts to promote job growth, improve infrastructure, and boost local economies along the Androscoggin River. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
"The federal government's critical support of Maine MILL would help secure the building of our new facility in Lewiston and firmly establish an important expansion of a major cultural institution for our entire community. We remain deeply committed to telling our community's stories of yesterday, today, and tomorrow and express deep appreciation to Senator Collins for her essential support in making this happen,” said Rachel Ferrante, Executive Director of Maine MILL.
The Maine MILL showcases the history of Lewiston-Auburn's manufacturing mills and related trades. Currently located on Canal Street in Lewiston, this funding would support the redevelopment of the Camden Yarns Mill building to serve as Maine MILL’s permanent home.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies 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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