More Than $2 Million for Sandy River Bridge in Farmington Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill in First Key Step

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $2,041,000 for Sandy River Bridge in Farmington in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. 

As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured funding for this project in the bill, which was officially released by the full Senate Appropriations Committee today and must now be voted upon by the full Senate and House.

“The Whistle Stop Trail is a great community resource that allows local residents to enjoy the outdoors,” said Senator Collins.  “By connecting the trail with downtown Farmington, a new multi-use bridge will help to fully activate its community and economic benefits as well as provide increased recreational and transportation opportunities between Farmington and Jay.  As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

The funding would be used to support the construction of a 336-foot multi-use bridge connecting the 14-mile long Whistle Stop Trail to the center of Farmington. The Whistle Stop Trail connects Farmington with Jay. 

The new bridge would be the longest pedestrian bridge and single-span snowmobile bridge in the state. This design will ensure minimal in-stream work and reduce environmental impacts.

This bridge would be located where the previous rail bridge was destroyed by flood damage in the 1980s.  Its replacement has been a priority for the Bureau of Parks and Lands and the local community for years.