Senator Collins Announces Nearly $17 Million in RAISE Grants for Road Improvements in Bangor and Houlton

Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $800 million for competitive transportation grants for Maine

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Maine will receive a total of nearly $17 million through the federal RAISE grant program to fund two transportation projects that will improve safety at the Broadway intersection in Bangor by realigning the I-95 northbound and southbound ramps with Broadway, as well as reconstruct Foxcroft Road and develop a new paved sidewalk in Houlton.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Senator Collins to notify her that these projects would receive federal funding.

“As the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, securing funding to improve Maine’s infrastructure and strengthen our economy is one of my top priorities,” said Senator Collins.  “These investments in our roadways will make it safer and easier for Mainers to reach their homes and jobs as well as protect pedestrians and bicyclists.”

The two Maine transportation projects that will receive funding are as follows:

·         $15 Million for Foxcroft Road Reconstruction and Improvements in Houlton.  This project will reconstruct and widen portions of Foxcroft Road – separating vehicle traffic from bicycles and pedestrians, enlarging the shoulder, and adding sidewalks to help create a safer road for all travelers. This road is a vital connection for the local tribal community, particularly for local farms that experience challenges in transporting farm equipment that is too large to be safely accommodated by the current width. Improving the connectivity of this area will also provide safer access to tribal housing, recreational, health care, and administrative facilities year-round, as well as create a sustainable long-term connection between the primary tribal lands of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Town of Houlton.

·         $1.65 million for Broadway Roadway and Intersection Improvements in Bangor.  This project will improve safety at the Broadway intersection by realigning the northbound and southbound I-95 ramps with Broadway and making other improvements.  Within the Bangor area, Broadway (State Route 15) is a vital transportation corridor that provides access to employment, educational institutions, emergency and nonemergency medical services, professional services, and businesses.  There are several locations along Broadway where the combination of high traffic volumes and poor intersection geometry, layout, and operation contribute to a high number of vehicle crashes along the corridor.  This project will improve roadway and intersection geometry, upgrade traffic signal equipment, and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

As the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has championed robust funding for the RAISE program.  Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $800 million in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine. 

This year, the Department of Transportation received 765 eligible RAISE applications requesting more than $10.3 billion in funding.  Fewer than 100 applications were funded this year for the highly competitive RAISE program.

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