Senator Collins Announces More Than $31 Million to Rehabilitate and Replace Bridges in Maine
Funding will help to address backlog of repairs needed for Maine’s transportation network
Maine currently has more than 300 bridges considered to be in poor condition
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that Maine will receive more than $31 million to rehabilitate and replace bridges across the state. This funding, which was provided through the Federal Highway Administration, was authorized by the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation and Housing Appropriations law that Senator Collins co-authored.
This funding is in addition to the funding provided for bridges in the bipartisan infrastructure law. As a member of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the bipartisan infrastructure law, Senator Collins championed funding for bridge rehabilitation and replacement. Maine will receive $225 million over five years through this landmark legislation to fix bridges across the state.
“Improving Maine’s infrastructure is one of my top priorities as Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee,” said Senator Collins. “This $31 million investment to replace and rehabilitate deteriorated bridges will benefit residents and local economies across the state, particularly in rural communities. Without adequate funding for maintenance, bridges that fall into disrepair become unsafe and subject to eventual closure, resulting in substantial detours and economic harm. By supporting projects that will strengthen bridge reconstruction programs, this funding will help ensure that Mainers can reach their homes and jobs quickly and safely.”
As the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins recently co-led a hearing on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2023. She questioned Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on a number of transportation issues and highlighted a bridge project that was recently completed in Portland over the course of a single weekend.
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