More Than $5 Million for Maine Maritime Academy Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $5,200,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

"Maine Maritime Academy has a strong record of preparing students for successful careers in the maritime industry," said Senator Collins. "This funding would support MMA's efforts to meet the shipbuilding industry's growing demand for workers and further strengthen Maine's leadership in this important sector. As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward."

"Maine Maritime Academy is extremely appreciative of Senator Collins' support of these two projects to help ensure our students have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed," said Craig Johnson, Interim President of MMA. "The expansion of the Apprentice School would offer growth of an educational and career opportunity program unlike any other, providing comprehensive hands-on education for highly motivated students interested in shipbuilding careers. Funding to purchase equipment for the State of Maine training vessel would support the capabilities required to provide the next generation of mariners with a world-class education through state-of the art technology."

This funding advanced through the Committee's markup of the FY 2025 Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education Appropriations billAppropriations 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:

• $2.4 million to support workforce development through the expansion of MMA's apprentice school.

• $2.8 million to purchase equipment for a simulation laboratory aboard the State of Maine training vessel.

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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