U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that 10 Maine airports will receive a total of $14,795,574 to make critical infrastructure improvements. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2022 Airport Improvement Program. Senator Collins co-authors the appropriations bill that funds this program each year.
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development. Throughout the state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “This significant investment will allow airports across our state to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, improving the safety and efficiency of operations.”
Maine airports will use this funding to support airport improvement projects, such as runways and taxiways. The funding will be allocated as follows:
- Bangor International Airport will receive $300,000 to rehabilitate its runway.
- Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport will receive $650,000 to improve airport drainage and erosion control.
- Brunswick Executive Airport will receive $147,000 to seal its taxiway pavement surface and joints.
- Eastport Municipal Airport will receive $136,375 to install a runway vertical and visual guidance system.
- Newton Field Airport in Jackman will receive $531,000 to extend its runway, reconstruct its apron, and rehabilitate its taxiway.
- Portland International Jetport will receive $11,249,447 to rehabilitate its runway.
- Presque Isle International Airport will receive $971,752 to acquire aircraft rescue and firefighting safety equipment, construct a taxi lane, reconstruct perimeter fencing, and seal apron, runway, and taxiway pavement surface and joints.
- Princeton Municipal Airport will receive $60,000 to seal its apron pavement surface and joints.
- Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland will receive $600,000 to acquire snow removal equipment.
- Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport will receive $150,000 to update its airport master plan.
