Congress Approves $5 Million for UMaine Analytical Laboratory Secured by Senator Collins
The funding now heads to the President to be signed into law
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $5,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) Analytical Laboratory in the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. The bill, which was included in legislation that passed the Senate today, now heads to the President to be signed into law.
“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. “As Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this funding, which will help to ensure researchers have access to the tools needed to conduct their critical work.”
"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 will 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 will 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 will 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.
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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