Senator Collins Secures Significant Funding for Maine in THUD Appropriations Act

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, has announced that she has secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. The measure provides $400 million in defense funding and $99.8 billion in nondefense funding, with a specific focus on improving infrastructure and transportation in Maine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The THUD Appropriations Act provides $400 million in defense funding and $99.8 billion in nondefense funding, with a significant focus on improving infrastructure and transportation in Maine.
  • Senator Collins has secured nearly $135 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine, including more than $46 million for six MaineDOT projects.
  • The bill guarantees Maine at least $32.5 million for a competitive rural bridge rehabilitation and replacement program and makes the state eligible for up to $55 million.
  • Maine has received more than $393 million since the BUILD grants program was established in 2009, which provides federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country.
  • The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grants will provide $100 million for discretionary grants to support projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
  • The Aviation Improvement Program (AIP) will provide $4 billion, including $25 million in discretionary supplemental AIP funding that has previously benefited airports in Bangor, Presque Isle, Old Town, and Wiscasset.
  • The Essential Air Service (EAS) will provide $513.6 million to support all existing EAS communities, including Augusta, Hancock County-Bar Harbor, Presque Isle, and Rockland.
  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will receive funding for various programs, including the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and the Youth Homelessness Demonstration program.
  • The bill addresses several barriers to greater participation, including streamlining environmental reviews, adjusting the cost per property cap, and encouraging the use of occupational therapists.

Statistics:

  • $400 million: Defense funding provided in the THUD Appropriations Act.
  • $99.8 billion: Nondefense funding provided in the THUD Appropriations Act.
  • $135 million: Funding secured for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine.
  • $46 million: Funding secured for six MaineDOT projects.
  • $32.5 million: Guaranteed funding for a competitive rural bridge rehabilitation and replacement program in Maine.
  • $55 million: Amount Maine is eligible for in the competitive rural bridge rehabilitation and replacement program.
  • $393 million: Total amount Maine has received since the BUILD grants program was established in 2009.
  • $100 million: Funding provided for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grants.
  • $4 billion: Funding provided for the Aviation Improvement Program (AIP).
  • $25 million: Discretionary supplemental AIP funding that has previously benefited airports in Bangor, Presque Isle, Old Town, and Wiscasset.
  • $513.6 million: Funding provided for Essential Air Service (EAS) communities.
  • $3.1 billion: Funding provided for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program.
  • $1.25 billion: Funding provided for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
  • $107 million: Funding provided for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration program.
  • $25 million: Funding provided for Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers for youth exiting foster care and at risk of homelessness.
  • $30 million: Funding provided for home modification grants to enable low-income seniors to "age in place" and remain in their own homes.

Sources:

  • United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
  • Senate Appropriations Committee
  • Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act
  • Build Grants Program
  • Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grants
  • Aviation Improvement Program (AIP)
  • Essential Air Service (EAS)
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program
  • HOME Investment Partnerships Program
  • Youth Homelessness Demonstration program
  • Family Unification Program (FUP)
  • Housing for the Elderly (Section 202) program
  • Housing During Substance Abuse Recovery program
  • Lead Hazard Reduction Grants