Congress Approves $300,000 for Maine Science Park Secured by Senator Collins

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $300,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Maine Science Park in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.  The bill, which was included in legislation that passed the Senate today, now heads to the President to be signed into law.

“This important funding will allow Bangor to explore the construction of the proposed Maine Science Park, helping to provide innovative opportunities for Maine children, businesses, and individuals to gain hands-on experience in science, technology, and engineering,” said Senator Collins.  “As Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this funding which, will support the proposed development of this exciting institution.”

“Bangor is excited and appreciative of Senator Collins’ efforts securing funding for a feasibility study for a Maine Science Park.  The City’s close proximity to the vast majority of the research and scientific advances that are happening in our state, combined with our central location, makes Bangor an ideal site for exploring Maine science,” said City of Bangor Council Chair Cara Pelletier on behalf of the City of Bangor.

This funding will finance a site feasibility analysis for the proposed Maine Science Park in Bangor.  The Maine Science Park would allow Bangor and the state to build out a Hub of Excellence in science, creating opportunities for investment and innovation.

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 championingtargeted investments that willbenefit Maine communities. 

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