Nearly $1.5 Million for Maine Historic Restoration Projects Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $1,449,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for historic restorations projects throughout Maine. Included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Interior and Environment and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bills, this legislation was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today and now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Historic institutions are part of the fabric of Maine communities and enrich the lives of residents,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would support restoration and accessibility improvements, helping to revitalize community landmarks and promote economic development across the state. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the Interior and Environment and THUD Appropriations bills—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.
Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:
Pilley House Restoration
Recipient: Brooks Historical Society
Project Location: Brooks, ME
Amount Requested: $100,000
Project Purpose: To support facility improvements to the Pilley House.
Millinocket Historical Society Accessibility and Safety Upgrades
Recipient: Millinocket Historical Society
Project Location: Millinocket, ME
Amount Requested: $283,000
Project Purpose: To support accessibility and safety upgrades.
Memorial Hall Rehabilitation
Recipient: Town of Oakland
Project Location: Oakland, ME
Amount Requested: $70,000
Project Purpose: To rehabilitate Memorial Hall, a Civil-War era building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Winter Harbor Historical Museum Restoration
Recipient: Winter Harbor Historical Society
Project Location: Winter Harbor, ME
Amount Requested: $996,000
Project Purpose: To restore and upgrade museum facilities and accessibility.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
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