Senator Collins Announces More than $10.5 Million for Five Maine Airports

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that airports in Bangor, Belfast, Carrabassett Valley, Oxford, and Rangeley have been awarded a total of $10,537,652 from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s infrastructure that promote economic and industrial development throughout the surrounding communities,” 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.

The funding is allocated as follows:

·         Bangor International Airport will receive $2,152,842 in a competitive grant and $4,232,824 in formula funding (total of $6,385,666) for taxiway reconstruction.

·         Belfast Municipal Airport will receive $3,137,463 in a competitive grant and $248,413 in formula funding (total of $3,385,876) for taxiway construction.

·         Sugarloaf Regional Airport in Carrabassett Valley will receive $162,000 in formula funding for tree removal around the runways. 

·         Oxford County Regional Airport in Oxford will receive $214,710 in formula funding to install a 4,360 foot long perimeter fence to deter unauthorized persons and vehicles from entering onto the airfield.

·         Steven A. Bean Municipal Airport in Rangeley will receive $389,400 in formula funding to extend the runway.