$5 Million for UMaine Analytical Laboratory Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $5,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) Analytical Laboratory in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Students and faculty at the University of Maine Analytical Laboratory and Soil Testing Service conduct important research that serves as the basis for recommendations to improve soil health and crop yields,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would help to ensure researchers have access to the tools needed to conduct their critical work. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
"I want to thank the Maine congressional delegation led by Senator Collins for supporting the University of Maine's Analytical Laboratory and Soil Testing Service. This federal investment would modernize New England's most comprehensive soil, plant and water analysis lab, advancing innovation and data-driven decision-making for thousands of farmers, scientists and gardeners who rely on Maine's R1 flagship research university for this vital service,” said University of Maine College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture Dean Diane Rowland.
This investment would support the renovation and expansion of the UMaine Analytical Laboratory and Soil Testing Service, which has not been upgraded since its inception more than 40 years ago. Funding would also provide the program with new analytical equipment to enhance soil research, foster hands-on student learning, and support the sustainability and growth of Maine’s natural resource economy.
This funding advanced through the markup of the FY24 CJS 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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