$50 Million for Maine Air National Guard Hangar 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 $50,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to construct a new hangar at the Maine Air National Guard’s (MEANG) Base in Bangor in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Home to the MAINEiacs, the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor plays an important role in our national defense,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would provide for the construction of a new hangar that will improve the capabilities of the Wing. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“Initiatives on a fuel cell hangar and aircraft maintenance facilities would enhance our air component’s efficiency and ensure that Bangor Air National Guard Base is prepared to support both current and future aircraft platforms that will operate from the base,” said Brigadier General Diane Dunn, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard. “The support from Senator Collins has been instrumental in advocating for this vital upgrade.”
The existing hangar in Bangor was designed and built to accommodate the Wing's existing KC-135 aerial refueling tankers. This funding would support the construction of a universal fuel cell hangar that can accommodate the Wing’s existing aircraft as well as future generation tankers, ensuring the Wing can execute its mission well into the future.
In June, Senator Collins welcomed Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall to the Bangor Air National Guard base to visit the 101st Air Refueling Wing, marking the first time that the Secretary of the Air Force has made a dedicated visit to the installation.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2025 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs 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.
###
