SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE $5 MILLION FOR WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS FOR MAINE

U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $5,158,000 to Maine for water and environmental projects. The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senators Snowe and Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law in February.

"We are pleased to announce this critical funding that will not only repair and improve water treatment facilities across Maine but will create crucial jobs in the process," Senators Snowe and Collins said. "By investing in rural infrastructure, these USDA programs will help Maine communities provide essential services, boost economic growth, and increase the quality of life for residents throughout the state."

The funding will be distributed as follows:

? $960,000 to Loring Development Authority of Maine (LDA)

? $500,000 to the Town of Machias, Washington City, Maine

? $708,000 to the Town of Dover-Foxcroft- These funds will be used for Lagoon upgrade and sewer line replacement

? $380,000 to the City of Brewer- Funds will be used for treatment plant upgrades

? $460,000 to Winterport Water District

? $1,750,000 to Newport Sanitary District

? $400,000 to the City of Belfast- This funding will be used for CSO abatement, influent pump replacement, increased disinfection, and sewer main replacement

According to the USDA, these Rural Development Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas. More information about USDA rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.