Senator Collins Visits Presque Isle International Airport
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Presque Isle, ME — U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited the Presque Isle International Airport (PQI). As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is working to advance PQI’s Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request for $20.462 million to construct a new passenger terminal that meets the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) standards. This is Senator Collins’ largest CDS request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This CDS request is through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which is a program funded annually through the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee bill.
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development. Throughout our state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “This significant investment will allow PQI to construct a new terminal, improving the safety and efficiency of operations and enhancing passengers’ overall experience.”
Senator Collins was joined on her tour by Presque Isle Director of Community and Economic Development Galen Weibley, and United Ground Express General Manager Kelli Heu, along with Airport Director Scott Wardwell, who concluded the tour by sharing the new terminal design.
The AIP program provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). In FY 2023, Senator Collins co-authored the THUD spending bill included in the end of the year omnibus funding package, which included $3.9 billion for AIP.
The FAA has made clear that the existing facility in PQI is inadequate. The current building was built in the early 1950’s as an Air Force Fire Station. It was converted to an airport terminal in the 1960’s. The terminal has no fire alarm detection and notification system, nor a sprinkler system. The current check-in area, secure hold room, passenger screening checkpoint, baggage handling and claim area, and outbound baggage screening area are significantly smaller than FAA requirements. The heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are antiquated and not energy efficient.
Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.
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