Collins, King, Golden Deliver $1,000,000 for Renovation of Lewiston’s Bates Mill #5
Funding will renovate roof of landmark mill building, among the final steps before the building can be occupied
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representative Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that $1,000,000 in congressionally-directed spending for the renovation of the roof of the Bates Mill #5 building in downtown Lewiston has been included in final federal appropriations legislation. The legislation has passed both houses of Congress and will be signed into law by the president in the coming days.
“Prominently situated at one of the gateways to Lewiston, Bates Mill #5 is an integral part of the city’s past and has the potential to be a key part of the city’s bright future,” said Senator Collins. “This investment will pave the way for the revitalization of this historic building so that it will once again serve as a hub for jobs and economic opportunities.”
“The Bates Mill complex is an important part of Lewiston’s history, and we believe it will continue to play a major role in the city’s future,” said Senator King. “This $1 million federal investment will help address environmental hazards at the Bates Mill #5 building, clearing the way for the site’s redevelopment and years of continued productivity in the future. These funds will create exciting new economic opportunities that strengthen the Lewiston community and create good jobs for the region.”
“I’m proud to help secure $1,000,000 in federal funding for renovations on the Bates Mill #5 building. This investment will help remove some of the last big obstacles to development of the building and completing redevelopment of the Bates Mill complex. It’s an important step towards merging Lewiston’s history and pride with new economic development opportunities, good-paying jobs, and a vibrant downtown,” said Representative Golden. “The City of Lewiston were key advocates in submitting and securing this request, and I congratulate them on a job well done for their city.”
The funding will contribute to the removal of asbestos and other contaminants from the Bates Mill #5 roof and the replacement of the roof. The contaminant removal and roof replacement work represents some of the final hurdles to the city’s completion of its responsibilities to the site and have been significant hurdles to finding occupants for the space for years.
Senators Collins and King submitted a funding request for this project to Senate appropriators in July 2021. Rep. Golden submitted his request for the project as part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill, which passed the House in 2021. As the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins co-authored this funding bill.
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