SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE $2.6 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION GRANTS TO MAINE

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded Maine $2,604,222 in federal funding. The funds have been allocated to four Maine towns to be used for greatly needed equipment and facilities.

"This federal funding will help fulfill the transportation needs of these communities," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "It will allow the City of Caribou and Bangor International Airport to better handle harsh winter conditions, while enhancing airport facilities in Bethel and Sanford."

The following towns will receive funding:

· $1,384,222 to Bangor International to Construct a Deicing Containment Facility.

· $170,000 to the City of Caribou to acquire Snow Removal Equipment.

· $450,000 to the Town of Bethel to expand the general aviation aircraft apron.

· $600,000 to the Town of Sanford to rehabilitate the tie-down aircraft apron pavement.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) aims to improve safety, increase mobility in support of the nation's economy, protect human and natural environment, achieve organizational excellence, and support the national security strategy. DOT has provided the grants allocated to Maine through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA issues and enforces regulations and minimum standards covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft. ###