$3.5 Million for UNE Coastal Research Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $3,500,000 for a coastal research deployment facility for the University of New England in the Fiscal Year 2023 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill.  

The omnibus funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29.  It will now be passed by the House before heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The ocean is a vital part of Maine’s economy and heritage, sustaining jobs that strengthen our coastal communities,” said Senator Collins. “UNE is a leader in efforts to study and improve the health of our oceans and the Gulf of Maine, which is vital to preserving the health of the entire global ecosystem and the livelihoods of thousands of Mainers. This funding will help expand and enhance UNE’s research as well as create new educational opportunities.”

"This four-season pier will allow UNE students and faculty to be on the water throughout the year," said UNE President James Herbert. "This project will greatly enhance the university’s groundbreaking research into critical problems facing Maine and strengthen our ability to meet vital workforce needs in the marine sector. I greatly appreciate the advocacy of Senator Collins and the support of Congress for this project."

UNE currently has floating docks that are removed seasonally, precluding access to Ram Island and other areas of the Gulf of Maine in the critical winter and spring months.

This funding will support the University of New England’s project to construct a permanent, four-season pier directly adjacent to the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center on its Biddeford campus. This coastal research deployment facility will expand UNE’s experiential learning and research opportunities in the marine ecosphere. 

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