Nearly $13 Million for Maine Northern Rail Secured by Senator Collins

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that $12,960,000 she requested for Maine Northern Rail improvements was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation Appropriations bill.  As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins co-authored this bill.

The omnibus funding package passed the House and the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“This funding will support important infrastructure improvements to increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight rail between Aroostook and Penobscot counties,” said Senator Collins.  “Through my travels around the state, I’ve seen firsthand the positive effects of investing in our railroads to help manufacturers and farmers ship their products to market and support jobs in rural parts of our state.”

The Maine Department of Transportation will use this funding to upgrade the Presque Isle and Houlton Lines and the mainline from Millinocket to Scopan Township, allowing for 25 mile per hour speeds.  Increases in both speed and capacity will improve freight rail service and serve more commercial entities in Northern Maine.

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