More Than $10.6 Million for Maine Cancer Care Projects Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $10,613,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for requests to support cancer care services throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Cancer affects all Mainers, either through illness or caring for a loved one, but with proper screening and treatment, we can save lives and support families across the State,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would allow Maine cancer centers to expand their campuses, renovate clinics, and purchase equipment. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for Maine cancer care projects in the FY24 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill is as follows:
MaineGeneral Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care Expansion
Recipient: MaineGeneral Medical Center
Project Location: Augusta, ME
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project Purpose: To expand the cancer care center at MaineGeneral.
EMMC Cancer Survivorship Clinic Renovation
Recipient: Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
Project Location: Bangor, ME
Amount Requested: $1,097,000
Project Purpose: To renovate clinic space.
LincolnHealth Oncology and Infusion Therapy Service Expansion
Recipient: LincolnHealth
Project Location: Damariscotta, ME
Amount Requested: $4,500,000
Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to expand LincolnHealth’s oncology and infusion therapy suite.
A.R. Gould Hospital Cancer Equipment Upgrades
Recipient: The Aroostook Medical Center d/b/a Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital
Project Location: Presque Isle, ME
Amount Requested: $3,016,000
Project Purpose: To purchase radiation therapy equipment for cancer treatment.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY24 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education 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 $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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