Senator Collins Announces Funding of National Guard Readiness Center in Presque Isle Clears Key Hurdle

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee on which she serves approved $17.5 million in funding for the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Presque Isle. The funding was included in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill at her request. 

The funding would be used to construct an energy efficient, 43,400 square foot training facility, replacing an existing building that does not meet current standards.

“I am pleased that the Appropriations Subcommittee approved the funding I advocated for to construct a much-needed Army National Guard Readiness Center in Presque Isle,” said Senator Collins, a senior member of the Committee. “A new center is essential for the 185th Engineer Support Company of the Maine National Guard to maintain its recruiting efforts as well as the readiness levels we ask of them to provide security for our nation.”

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins works to ensure that projects important to Maine are adequately funded. In May, Senator Collins sent a letter to the leaders of the Appropriations Committee to request that they include the $17.5 million needed for the construction of the new Army National Guard Readiness Center in Presque Isle. In addition, Senator Collins emphasized the importance of a new readiness center for the 185th Engineer Support Company at an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing last month.

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill will now be considered by the full Senate.