Senator Collins Announces More Than $8.6 Million to Improve Maine’s Federal Highways

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded Maine an additional $8,652,967 through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve the state’s highway infrastructure.  This increase in funding was included in the fiscal year 2018 federal funding bill as a result of Senator Collins’ leadership in increasing investments for infrastructure.

“Strengthening our transportation infrastructure is a critical issue not only in Maine, but also nationwide.  Our transportation system is the lifeblood of economic development and the catalyst for thousands of good jobs, and it affects our competitiveness in both national and global markets,” said Senator Collins.  “These investments will help create jobs, boost our state’s economy, and ensure the safety of Mainers on the road.”

The FHWA is an agency within the DOT that supports state and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s highway system and various federally and tribal owned lands.  Through financial and technical assistance to state and local governments, the FHWA is responsible for ensuring that America’s roads and highways continue to be among the safest and most technologically sound in the world.

Last month, Senator Collins announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) was awarded more than $10.8 million to replace three bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties that are either structurally deficient, in a fracture-critical state, or both.