Senator Collins Announces More than $3.5 Million for Maine Airports Amid Pandemic

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that eight airports in Maine have been awarded a total of $3,543,165 to improve airport infrastructure.  This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

“Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Maine airports have suffered significant losses due to the sharp downturn in passenger traffic,” said Senator Collins. “These investments will help to ensure that airports throughout our state will continue to serve as engines of job creation and essential pieces of our transportation network after this crisis has passed.”

This funding will be allocated as follows:

• Bangor International Airport will receive $237,906 to reconstruct runway lighting.

• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport will receive $854,548 to improve airport drainage and erosion control, acquire aircraft rescue and firefighting safety equipment, and improve, modify, and rehabilitate the terminal building.

• Brunswick Executive Airport will receive $290,500 to install apron edge and flood lighting and repair utilities.

• Houlton International Airport will receive $400,000 for removing obstructions and lighting.

• Millinocket Municipal Airport will receive $152,000 to update the airport master plan.

• Central Maine Airport of Norridgewock will receive $861,111 to reconstruct the taxi lane.

• Pittsfield Municipal Airport will receive $372,100 to construct a hangar building.

• Waterville Robert Lafleur Airport will receive $375,000 to seal the runway pavement surface, pavement joints, and taxiway pavement surface.

Senator Collins was instrumental in securing $3.75 billion for AIP, including $400 million in supplemental AIP grants, in the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill that was signed into law in December.  Senator Collins also co-authored a section of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act) that directed $48.5 billion to support transportation and housing programs. The CARES Act allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to eliminate the local share for airports, which are currently facing significant financial challenges. 

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