Maine Senator Susan Collins announced a series of projects in Knox and Waldo counties that have received federal funding for projects that range from pier rebuilds to sewer extensions, river dredging and historical society investments. The funding is part of a larger statewide infusion of federal money, administered through different agencies.

The funding was included in the bipartisan appropriations package that was signed into law over the weekend. 

“Senator Collins was a strong advocate for this funding throughout the long appropriations process,” said a news release from the Senator’s office. “ Her role as Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee was key to securing its inclusion.”

Several Knox County municipalities are receiving $13.5 million, while another five municipalities and organizations in Waldo County are receiving $6.7 million.

The projects are:

George’s River
Recipient: Army Corps of Engineers
Project Location: Thomaston
Amount Requested: $175,000
Project Purpose: To prepare for a dredge of the George’s River.

Saint George River Bridge Replacement
Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation 
Project Location: Union 
Amount Requested: $8,000,000 
Project Purpose: To replace the State Route 17 bridge over the Saint George River, which provides a vital connection between Augusta and Rockland. 

Mountainside Community Cooperative Sewer Improvements
Recipient: CDI Development Fund 
Project Location: Camden  
Amount Requested: $1,310,000 
Project Purpose: To connect a sewer extension to a community-owned mobile home park housing low- to moderate-income individuals. 

Rockland Downtown Waterfront Redevelopment
Recipient: City of Rockland
Project Location: Rockland
Amount Requested: $4,060,000
Project Purpose: To redevelop the middle pier and related facilities in the downtown waterfront.

WALDO - $6,790,000
Waldo Community Action Partners (CAP) Facility Construction  
Recipient: Waldo CAP
Project Location: Belfast
Amount Secured: $2,000,000
Project Purpose: To construct a new facility for the Waldo CAP agency.

Searsport Municipal Pier Improvements
Recipient: Town of Searsport
Project Location: Searsport 
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project Purpose: To complete municipal pier improvements in Searsport.

Belfast Police Department Equipment
Recipient: City of Belfast   
Project Location: Belfast
Amount Requested: $963,000  
Project Purpose: To purchase communications, dispatch, and other equipment to support public safety and criminal investigations.   

Keen Hall Rehabilitation
Recipient: Freedom Community Historical Society 
Project Location: Freedom 
Amount Requested: $327,000 
Project Purpose: To rehabilitate Keen Hall, a 170-year-old building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Winterport Water District for Winterport Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades  
Recipient: Winterport Water District 
Project Location: Winterport 
Amount Requested: $1,500,000 
Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Winterport.