Senator Collins Announces More Than $2.2 Million for Airport Improvements Across Maine

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that six Maine airports will receive a total of $2,263,425 to support important infrastructure improvements. The funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2025 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act (IIJA). Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA, which provided $15 billion for airport improvements nationwide.

“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development. Throughout our state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities during emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “These significant investments will allow airports across Maine to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure.”

Specifically, the funding has been allocated as follows:

1. Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) - $930,362 to support a runway extension study and to acquire snow removal equipment to enhance the airport’s ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during adverse weather conditions.

2. Bangor International Airport (BGR) - $512,477 to rehabilitate runway pavement to minimize foreign object debris and maintain the structural integrity of the pavement, extending its useful life. This funding will also support the installation of a precision approach path indicator system and flight check.

3. Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport (SFM) - $442,548 to rehabilitate the existing taxilane and construct a new service road to bring the airport into conformity with current FAA standards.

4. Pittsfield Municipal Airport (2B7) - $162,000 to reconstruct the existing apron pavement and airfield markings, which have reached the end of their useful life.

5. Greenville Municipal Airport (3B1) - $108,037 to update the existing airport master plan study.

6. Machias Valley Airport (MVM) - $108,001 to construct a new 5,000-foot additional runway, adding capacity and increasing efficiency.

Since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped to secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

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