Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $300,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Maine Science Park in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“This important funding would allow Bangor to explore the construction of the proposed Maine Science Park, helping to provide innovative opportunities for Maine children, businesses, and individuals to gain hands-on experience in science, technology, and engineering,” said Senator Collins. “As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“Bangor is excited and appreciative of Senator Collins support of proposed funding for a feasibility study for a Maine Science Park. The City’s close proximity to the vast majority of the research and scientific advances that are happening in our state, combined with our central location, makes Bangor an ideal site for exploring Maine science,” said City of Bangor Council Chair Rick Fournier on behalf of the City of Bangor.
This funding would finance a site feasibility analysis for the proposed Maine Science Park in Bangor. The Maine Science Park would allow Bangor and the state to build out a Hub of Excellence in science, creating opportunities for investment and innovation.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY24 THUD 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 $500 million for hundreds of Maine projects for FY2022 and FY2023. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
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