WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that the Appropriations bill to fund the federal government through September 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 Senator 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. Senator Collins is a strong supporter of this program. Previously, Senator Collins 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:
• Language to allow certain States that use the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program funding for operating costs to continue do so without any time limitation. This is important for the continued success of Amtrak's "Downeaster" line between Brunswick, Portland and Boston.
• 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.
• Maritime Administration-$17.3 million is provided for State Maritime Academies, of which $3 million is for the Maine Maritime Academy.
• 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.
This bill also includes report language directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a study on the privacy implications of the use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, in national airspace on individual privacy. The language says "the study should address the application of existing privacy law to UAS integration; identify gaps in existing law, especially with regard to the use and retention of personally identifiable information and imagery; and recommend next steps for how the FAA can address the impact of widespread use of UAS on individual privacy as it prepares to facilitate the integration of UAS into the national airspace."