Senator Collins Announces $10.8 Million Grant to Replace Three Bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive $10,836,220 to replace three bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties that are either structurally deficient, in a fracture-critical state, or both. 

"I am delighted to announce that the State of Maine will receive a more than $10.8 million investment to help replace three structurally deficient bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties through the TIGER grant program,” said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.  “Local residents rely on these bridges, which connect them with adjacent communities and provide critical transportation links for loggers and visitors as well.  This project will improve public safety and help to create and support jobs in rural Maine.”

“This TIGER Grant is very important to this rural region of our state that is economically challenged,” said Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt.  “Replacing these three bridges is critical as detours would consist of 12 to nearly 100 miles one-way.  This grant will help to maintain access for area residents and for maintaining the forestry infrastructure.  I want to thank Senator Susan Collins for her efforts in helping to secure this all-important TIGER Grant and for her continued efforts in recognizing the need to prioritize Maine’s infrastructure.”

The three bridges that will be replaced under MDOT’s proposal, the “Penquis Region Rural Bridges Project,” are as follows:

1. Mattawamkeag Bridge (Town of Mattawamkeag) – on State Route 2 over the Mattawamkeag River.
2. Pleasant River Bridge (Town of Milo) – on Pleasant Street over the Pleasant River.
3. West Branch Bridge (T3 Indian Purchase Township) – on State Route 11 over the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

Maine DOT wants to replace the bridges before they fall into complete disrepair and have negative effects on the region’s infrastructure and economy.

TIGER provides federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program’s inception in 2009, Senator Collins has secured more than $133 million for key transportation investments throughout Maine, including bridges, seaports, and rail projects.  Maine TIGER grant applications have been successful in every funding round.