"The Army Aviation Support Facility provides crucial support services to our men and women in the Armed Forces, but it is in dire need of improvements," said the Senators in a joint statement. "It is a testament to the quality of work and the stellar reputation of the Maine workforce that our colleagues in the Senate have provided federal funding for this project."
The funding will be used to complete Phase II of a two-phase project that expands and renovates existing administrative areas. Improvements include interior and exterior lighting, fire protection, handicapped accessibility requirements, rigid and flexible paving for aircraft parking and tie down pads, hover lanes, landscaping and physical security measures.
In May, Senator Collins toured the facility with the Pentagon's Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller, Dov Zakheim, to convince him of the need for funding.
The Military Construction Appropriations Bill must now be approved by the full Senate.