WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, the ranking member of the Senate Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced Jan. 15 that the Appropriations bill to fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2014 includes $50.85 billion to support critical transportation infrastructure and housing projects, and create jobs, around the country and in Maine.
“It’s important that we continue to make investments in our state’s housing and transportation sectors and the funding in this bill does just that,” said Collins. “It not only will help important transportation and housing projects move forward, but it also will help bolster the economy and create good jobs in Maine and around the country.”
The bill includes an additional $600 million to support the Department of Transportation’s “Infrastructure Investments,” commonly known as TIGER, discretionary grant program. Collins is a strong supporter of this program. Previously, the senator has secured more than $65 million in TIGER funding for projects in Maine including: improvements at the Ports of Eastport, Searsport and Portland; Martin Memorial Bridge Replacement in Rumford; Richmond-Dresden Bridge Replacement; Memorial Bridge Replacement in Kittery; and the preservation of 230 miles of rail in northern Maine.
Other provisions include:
• Essential Air Service — The agreement provides $149 million to ensure existing communities in the program receive sufficient subsidies to provide air service. Maine EAS airports include: Augusta, Bar Harbor, Presque Isle and Rockland;
• Community Development Block Grants — more than $3 billion for Community Development Block Grants that are often used for economic development projects; and
• Additional and important housing assistance for our most vulnerable, including seniors, the disabled and veterans. These programs include Homeless Assistance Grants and Section 8 vouchers.
