Pine State News

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $554,382,000 for projects in Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act. 

The measure, which was advanced by a bipartisan vote of 28-0, provides $154.352 billion in discretionary funding—an increase of $184 million above the FY23 enacted level—including $19.07 billion in defense funding and $135.282 billion in non-defense funding.   

"The significant investments this legislation makes in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Maine National Guard are critical to our national security, helping to ensure our military’s readiness and safety while reducing maintenance costs,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

Bill Highlights:

• Funds $544,808,000 for the fourth increment of the Multi-Mission Drydock #1 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

• Includes $9.574 million for three Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine:
  • Saco, ME: $7,420,000 to construct a Joint National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop that will support maintenance of combat and tactical vehicles and equipment for the Maine National Guard.
  • Bangor, ME: $1,450,000 to support planning and design for the reconstruction of the Maine Air National Guard (MEANG) light duty ramp, which supports KC-135 parking, fuel cell maintenance, and base requirements.
  • Bangor, ME: $704,000 to support planning and design for the restoration and expansion of the MEANG Whiskey Ramp used to park KC-135 tankers.
• Includes report language on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) and provides an additional $25 million to the U.S. Navy for SIOP planning and design to advance design efforts.

Original source can be found here.