Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $52,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) System in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bills. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this month, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.
“The brilliant faculty and students at Maine's public universities and at the flagship university are conducting cutting-edge research and making promising discoveries in a wide variety of fields,” said Senator Collins. “This funding to support these exciting projects across the UMaine System would promote workforce development, support marine research, and help to prepare the next generation of leaders. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“These investments—made possible through Senator Collins’ advocacy—would expand research opportunities, improve infrastructure, and support collaborative solutions that strengthen Maine’s economy and communities,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the UMaine System.
“Located at the heart of our campus, the Reynolds Center is a hub of learning and connection. This investment would expand its role as a space for students to grow academically and socially — strengthening our commitment to the Downeast community,” said Megan Walsh, Dean and Campus Director, UMaine Machias.
“The spruce budworm is one of the most significant threats to Maine’s forest economy, and proactive research is essential to protecting this vital resource,” said Dr. Adam Daigneault, Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics at the University of Maine. “With this support, UMaine can expand its leadership in forest health research, helping landowners, communities, and the forest products industry prepare for and respond to future outbreaks. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Collins’ investment in the resilience of Maine’s forests.”
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for the UMaine System in the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills is as follows:
Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System
Recipient: University of Maine System
Project Location: Coastal counties from Washington County to York County, ME
Amount Requested: $5,000,000
Project Purpose: To expand the ocean observation system in the Gulf of Maine, which is used by the maritime and fishing industries.
University of Maine Health Science Complex
Recipient: University of Maine System
Project Location: Orono, ME
Amount Requested: $45,000,000
Project Purpose: To support the construction of a health and life sciences complex.
University of Maine Forest Health Lab
Recipient: University of Maine System
Project Location: Orono, ME
Amount Requested: $600,000
Project Purpose: To support the construction of the University’s Forest Health Lab, which conducts spruce budworm research.
University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center
Recipient: University of Maine System
Project Location: Machias, ME
Amount Requested: $750,000
Project Purpose: To renovate a facility on campus to support early college students.
American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion
Recipient: University of Maine System
Project Location: Walpole, ME
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Purpose: To expand the Maine Collector Survey for lobster in the Gulf of Maine.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
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