Nearly $2.7 Million for Togus and North Pond Restoration 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 $2,656,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to improve the water quality of Togus Pond and North Pond in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Maine’s lakes and ponds play an important role in communities throughout the state, offering recreational, fishing, and birding opportunities for locals and visitors,” said Senator Collins. “This funding aims to address frequent algae blooms and improve water quality, helping to ensure these natural resources will be available for all to enjoy for generations to come. 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 FY 2025 Interior and Environment 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.
Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:
Togus Pond Water Quality Restoration
Recipient: Worromontogus Lake Association
Project Location: Augusta, ME
Amount Requested: $336,000
Project Purpose: To remediate algae blooms in Togus Pond.
North Pond Water Quality Restoration
Recipient: Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance
Project Location: Somerset and Kennebec Counties, ME
Amount Requested: $2,320,000
Project Purpose: To remediate algae blooms in North Pond.
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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