Senator Collins Announces $245,000 for Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to Purchase Snow Removal Equipment

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians have received $245,000 to purchase snow removal equipment, including a loader and snow plow, to maintain the safety of their roads in Aroostook County during inclement weather.   As a result of this funding, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians will be able to operate their transit program—which transports youth and seniors—in poor weather conditions. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Tribal Transit Grant Program.

“The Tribal Transit Program offers crucial assistance to rural tribal communities working to improve transportation on their lands,” said Senator Collins. “This investment will help to ensure that members of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians can safely travel on their roads during Maine’s winter months.”

The Tribal Transit Program makes funds available to help federally-recognized tribes with costs of capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects.