Senator Collins Announces Nearly $50 Million in RAISE Grants for Infrastructure Projects in Sanford and Bangor

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Maine will receive a total of nearly $50 million through the federal RAISE grant program to fund a downtown revitalization project in Sanford and a transportation project in Bangor.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Senator Collins this morning to notify her that these projects would receive federal funding.

Upon announcing the awards, Senator Collins released this statement:

“As the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, securing funding to improve Maine’s infrastructure and bolster our economy is one of my top priorities. 

“The investment in Sanford is exciting and will be transformative. It will help revitalize the downtown and improve the quality of life for the city’s residents, attract more visitors, and support small businesses.

“The Hogan Road overpass and interchange project in Bangor will significantly enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians as well as help to alleviate traffic congestion at the intersection. 

“I strongly advocated for these projects that will make it easier for Mainers to reach their homes and jobs and strengthen communities.”

Details on the two Maine transportation projects that will receive funding are as follows:

• $25,000,000 for the “Downtown Sanford Village Partnership Initiative.”  The project will make complete streets improvements on approximately 0.7 miles of Cottage Street (Route 202), approximately 0.5 miles of William Oscar Emery Drive, approximately 0.5 miles of Main Street (Route 109), approximately 0.2 miles of Washington Street, and approximately 0.2 miles on School Street in downtown Sanford.  This project will replace and/or construct the street, sidewalks, crosswalk, underground utility ducts, streetlights, parking spaces, drainage areas, a multi-use pathway, and a Park & Ride facility on Emerson Street serving the Navy base; improve safety aspects of downtown for pedestrians, motorists, and all road users; modernize infrastructure to attract potential employers and commercial and residential development; and meet ADA and MDOT standards.

• $24,610,298 for the “Interstate 95 at Hogan Road Improvement Project.”  This project will replace the oldest, 50-year old portion of the Hogan Road overpass along I-95.  The newest portion, built in 1983, will be raised to allow for freight to safely pass underneath. The goal of this project is to improve safety and traffic flow along the overpass through the construction of a diverging diamond interchange along the intersection. Additionally, MDOT plans to construct bicycle and pedestrian friendly walkways that include access for individuals with disabilities.

As the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has championed robust funding for the RAISE program.  Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $850 million in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.