Golden announces release of $1.6 million in federal funds for Auburn-Lewiston airport upgrades

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced the release of $1.6 million in previously frozen funds for airport terminal upgrades previously awarded to the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport. 

“This project will support the growth and success of Androscoggin County,” Golden

said. “The release of these funds will allow for the construction of the new hangar and related upgrades to proceed as planned — improving the airport experience for those who already use it and paving the way for passenger air service in the futur. I’m proud to have worked with the Airport’s leadership and the administration to get these funds flowing.”

The funds were originally secured by Golden as part of the FY2023 Appropriations Process. The Airport sought to draw down the approved funds in January and reached out to Golden two months later when the funds were still not made available. Golden’s office contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the Airport’s behalf, and learned the grants were frozen pending review for compliance with executive orders. 

The lack of funding meant the airport was at risk of missing a critical mid-May contractor payment deadline, jeopardizing the project’s future. Over several months, Golden’s office worked with Airport Director Jonathan LaBonté to stress the importance of the project and the looming deadline to the FAA and secure the funds’ release.

On Thursday, the FAA announced the funds would be released. 

"As we position the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport to be the preferred general aviation airport in southern and western Maine, we've quickly run out of space for the pilots wishing to base their aircraft here,” LaBonté said. “With the support of Congressman Golden, additional federal investment will be paired with local and state dollars to construct a 10-unit T-hangar to welcome even more aviators here. In the last two years, we've grown to host a flight school, three aircraft maintenance businesses and dozens more aircraft, in addition to our role hosting a base for LifeFlight of Maine. This new federal investment continues that momentum."

Opened in 1935, the Auburn-Lewiston Airport has been a hub for corporate, charter, cargo and recreational aviators for nearly a century.