Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $11,500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine community colleges in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

"Community colleges are an important part of Maine's education system and play a crucial role in developing our future workforce," said Senator Collins. "This funding would support important infrastructure and housing upgrades at Southern Maine and York Community College. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward."

This funding advanced through the Committee's markup of the FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill-an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate. Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.

Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:

Southern Maine Community College Emergency Erosion Control

Recipient: Southern Maine Community College

Project Location: South Portland, ME

Amount Requested: $5,000,000

Project Purpose: To repair existing erosion damage and mitigate future erosion.

York County Community College Workforce and Student Housing

Recipient: York County Community College

Project Location: Wells, ME

Amount Requested: $6,500,000

Project Purpose: To construct housing for year-round use.

Earlier this month, Senator Collins advanced $825,000 for facility upgrades at Northern Maine Community College in the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill.

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

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