Senator Collins, Transportation Secretary Foxx, FHWA Administrator Nadeau, and MDOT Commissioner Bernhardt Visit Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, Port of Portland

Portland, ME — At the invitation of U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, toured the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and the Port of Portland today with Senator Collins, Federal Highway Administration Administrator Greg Nadeau, and Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt. As the Chairman of the Committee that oversees funding for the Department of Transportation, Senator Collins works closely with Secretary Foxx in Washington to improve our nation’s air, maritime, and surface transportation systems. 

Senator Collins was a strong advocate for the $25 million TIGER grant that was awarded to Maine in 2014 for the rail portion of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. In addition, the Port of Portland was awarded $5 million in 2010 also from TIGER and $7.7 million through FASTLANE grants due to Senator Collins’ efforts.

“I am delighted that Secretary Foxx accepted my invitation to come to Maine to tour the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and the Port of Portland and see firsthand how federal investments combined with state funds make such a difference to our transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Collins. “Infrastructure projects help create job opportunities, increase safety, and boost our economy, and they require a strong partnership at the federal, state, and local levels. I will continue to work to ensure continued funding to help build and maintain an innovative and efficient transportation system.”

Since 2009 when the TIGER grants were created, there have been 7,300 applicants for funding. Of that number, only 421 projects were funded. Maine has been successful in securing funding every round. More than $122 million in TIGER Grants has been awarded for Maine's bridges, ports, and rail projects.