With the support of Senator Susan Collins, this could be a big year for infrastructure in Searsport. Recently, Senator Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, submitted directed spending requests to fund much needed reconstruction on Rt. 1 ($9.2 million) and maintenance dredging in the Port of Searsport ($1.65 million).   She also recently visited the two sites with Maine DOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note and Searsport Town Manager James Gillway to gain a deeper understanding of how these two projects are crucial for area residents, visitors and businesses.   Revitalizing the Searsport village area of Route 1 will greatly benefit our community, which serves as a hub for tourists on their way to Acadia National Park each year.   Additionally, the Port of Searsport is one of Maine's three major seaports. This funding will help ensure that Mack Point remains viable after maintenance dredging has been postponed for more than 12 years now.   We are so fortunate to have Senator Collins going to bat for small towns like Searsport in Washington. Please join me in thanking her for supporting our community.    Mike Thibodeau lives in Winterport