Pine State News

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $1,835,000 for the renovation of the Stonington Wharf in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture and Rural Development appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 22, 2023, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.  

“Maine’s ferries are indispensable to those who live and work in our island communities, providing passenger, freight, and postal services and transporting students to school and people to their jobs.  Fully operational wharfs are critical to this work,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.” 

“The Isle au Haut Mailboat is a critical lifeline to the Isle au Haut Community and the only public transportation link to our area of Acadia National Park,” said George Cole, President of Isle au Haut Boat Services.  “We are grateful for this support which will allow us to continue a safe and reliable year-round service for many years to come.”

The Stonington Wharf provides ferry and mailboat access to Isle au Haut, an island where Mainers live and work year-round, and a popular tourist destination.  Funding the renovation of the wharf, which has deteriorated over the years, is needed to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending.  Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $500 million for hundreds of Maine projects for FY2022 and FY2023.  As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.  

Original source can be found here.