$4.4 Million for Maine National Guard 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 $4,400,000 for the Maine National Guard in the Fiscal Year 2023 Military Construction 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 brave men and women of the Maine National Guard are a key component of our national security and are always ready to assist our state and keep residents safe when disaster strikes,” said Senator Collins.  “This funding to begin planning for these two new facilities will enhance the Maine Guard’s readiness and training capabilities, while additionally ensuring modern and safe working environments, improving energy efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs.”

“In 2022, no less than 570 Maine soldiers and airmen – a fifth of our force – spent at least part of the year deployed,” said Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, commissioner of Maine’s Dept. of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. “Maine continues to answer our nation’s call, and these new facilities will go a long way toward enhancing the readiness of the next generation of Maine service men and women.”

$1,400,000 will support the planning and design of the Maine National Guard Woodville Training Center in Woodville.  Currently, the Maine Guard lacks range operations capability to conduct standard Individual Weapons Qualification and Crew Served Weapons Qualification within the State of Maine. 

$3,000,000 will support the planning and design of the Maine National Guard Southern Maine Readiness Center in Saco.  This facility will provide modern readiness, training, administrative and logistical space needed for the 488th Military Police Company, 243rd Engineering and Installations Squadron, and the 265th Combat Communications Squadron.

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