The funding request for the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building, Post Office and U.S. Courthouse in Bangor totals $1,587,000. The request would allow for the design of building renovations, including upgrades to the building's infrastructure. The building is 165,897 square feet, housing 241 occupants from fifteen federal agencies.
"The Margaret Chase Smith Building not only houses Bangor's federal employees, but also serves the community as a Post Office and Courthouse," Senator Collins said. "This funding would allow for long-overdue upgrades to improve the safety and function of the building, as well as ensure that it complies with accessibility standards."
The $12,788,000 budget request for the Border Station in Jackman is to be used for the construction for a new border station to replace the existing facility. The new facility will be able to handle high levels of traffic more efficiently and will include a permanent facility for the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Service and a Radiation Portal Monitor.
"The President's funding request will allow the Jackman Border Crossing to better handle the increased volume of traffic while complying with post-September 11 security requirements," Senator Collins said. "The current facility is simply outdated and is ill-equipped to perform the basic functions required of a border crossing."