$5.25 Million Requested by Senator Collins for 3 Maine Airports Included in Transportation Funding Bill

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that $5,250,000 she requested for 3 Maine airport improvement projects was included in the draft Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation Appropriations bill that has been released by the Senate Appropriations Committee.  The legislation must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House.

“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development.  Throughout the state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins.  “As a leader of the Transportation Appropriations Committee, I have long championed investments to improve Maine’s airports.  These projects would allow airports across our state to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations.”

Details on the 3 Maine airport improvement projects Senator Collins requested are below:

Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG) Runway Improvements

Recipient: Town of Fryeburg (Sponsor)/Eastern Slope Airport Authority (Operator) Location: Fryeburg, ME

Amount: $3,500,000

Purpose: To extend the runway in accordance with the FAA-approved Master Plan to permit aircraft to operate under wet or contaminated conditions.

Machias Valley Municipal Airport (MVM) Improvements

Recipient: Town of Machias

Location: Machias, ME

Amount: $1,250,000

Purpose: To acquire land for a longer runway at Machias Valley Airport, which would facilitate LifeFlight, the lifesaving medical/emergency air transport for the region. This development would allow Lifeflight to respond to emergency service in this rural region, and provide critical care and lifesaving services.

Brunswick Executive Airport (BXM) Customs and Border Protection Facility

Recipient: Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority

Location: Brunswick, ME

Amount: $500,000

Purpose: To design, permit, and construct a Customs and Border Protection facility enabling aircraft operators to land at the Brunswick airport, clear customs, and continue on to their destination. 

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