WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing $1 million for the Maine State Ferry Service projects that will improve service to Vinalhaven as a result of a new layover berth. This funding was provided by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, which passed Congress with the strong support of Senator Collins, and was signed into law in 2005.
$650,000 is provided for improvement projects in Rockland, and $350,000 is provided for improvement projects in Swan's Island.
"Maine's ferry services are essential not only for tourism, but also for maintaining year-round communities on our islands," said Senator Collins. "This investment will help provide critical upgrades to our ferry infrastructure and continue to promote economic development in our island communities."
The Maine State Ferry Service provides service to the islands of North Haven, Vinalhaven, Islesboro, Matinicus, Swan's Island, and Frenchboro.