Senator Collins Announces $14.3 Million for Three Maine Airports
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that airports in Biddeford, Eastport, and Jackman have been awarded a total of $14,356,900 from the Department of Transportation (DOT).
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s infrastructure that promote job creation and economic development throughout the surrounding communities. Throughout the state, airports play a critical role not only to transport residents and visitors, but also to provide medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “These investments will allow the airports to make much-needed improvements to their taxiways and runways, improving the safety and efficiency of operations.”
The grant funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). As Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins was instrumental in securing an additional $1 billion in AIP funding last year prioritized for small and non-primary airports such as Biddeford, Eastport, and Newton Field.
The funding is allocated as follows:
- Biddeford Municipal Airport will receive $7,500,000 for updates to its runway, taxiway, and tarmac.
- Eastport Municipal Airport will receive $5,806,900 for runway rehabilitation and lighting improvements.
- Newton Field Airport in Jackman will receive $1,050,000 to extend its runway to accommodate ambulance air service by LifeFlight of Maine.
