Senator Collins Recognizes Completion of Route 1 Reconstruction in Searsport
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Searsport, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in a ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the reconstruction of Route 1 in Searsport. Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $9.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022 to support this project. She was joined by the Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation Dale Doughty, Searsport Town Manager James Gillway, town selectmen, and State Representative Reagan Paul at the event.
“This long-overdue reconstruction of Route 1 will make downtown Searsport safer and more accessible for drivers and pedestrians alike,” said Senator Collins. “I am proud to have secured the funding for this important project that will help continue the growth of the town and benefit its residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.”
“The project planning for our rebuild started twenty-one years ago. Delays, economic downturns and even a pandemic did not stop our determination to see this done. Thank you to the Maine Department of Transportation for assisting us. When the project looked to be delayed again for lack of funds, Senator Collins stepped in to secure the necessary funds to complete it. She didn't do it from behind a desk in Washington, she visited us and walked downtown to understand our deteriorated Main Street conditions. Now our town looks fantastic, and the structural improvements will last for decades,” said Searsport Town Manager James Gillway.
Specifically, the project rebuilt a section of Route 1 in downtown Searsport to address deficiencies with pavement structure, drainage, parking, and ADA compliance. The project also included installing brick sidewalks, new street lighting, and a continuous accessible pedestrian route through the downtown area.
In addition to this project, Senator Collins also secured $1,650,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022 to support the maintenance dredging of Searsport Harbor.
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