Senator Collins Announces $6 Million Infrastructure Investment Grant for Port of Eastport

As top Republican on Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins strongly advocated for funding
Bangor, Maine - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, said today that Anthony Foxx, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), called to tell her that, next week, the Department will announce that the Port of Eastport will receive $6 million in the latest round of National Infrastructure Investments program grant funding, also known as the TIGER program.

"This announcement is great news for a Labor Day weekend because it will mean more jobs and economic opportunity for Mainers," Senator Collins said. "Improving our nation's transportation infrastructure is vital to the safe and efficient movement of freight and people, and it is critical to our economy. The Port of Eastport is significant infrastructure for economic development and job creation in Washington County and the State of Maine. These funds will help build and maintain infrastructure to support our commercial fishing industry while also supporting operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Customs and Border Control."

This funding will support the replacement of the Eastport's current breakwater, which was built to protect the port from wave action. The current breakwater is failing and has led to significant damage to this important port of entry. The new barrier will use composite materials to strengthen its protection. Eastport is an important commercial port of entry and serves as the safe harbor for the vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Eastport.

"The Eastport Port Authority is extremely pleased to learn that our TIGER application for the Breakwater Rehabilitation has been awarded funding," said Chris Gardner, Executive Director, Eastport Port Authority. "We cannot thank Senator Collins enough for the direct personal attention that she provided to this project from day one through the final days of consideration. We know that without her support, this application would have faced extremely long odds in a very competitive environment. This award, coupled with the continued support of the Maine Department of Transportation, will allow us to see the completion of this invaluable project on behalf of not only the people of Eastport, but the entire region."

"When we start to think about transportation projects, there is one key element that has to be identified before a concept or a design takes place, and that is funding," said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt. "Senator Susan Collins has been a partner and a leader in securing federal funds that are so critical to projects such as this. Her tireless efforts and constant conversation with the people of Maine about all things transportation is well recognized and greatly appreciated," Bernhardt concluded.

According to the U.S. DOT, it received some 600 applications totaling $9 billion. The Department had only $474 million to allocate in this round of TIGER funding.