07.11.24

Bill to Fund Key Military Construction Projects in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee

Bill passes Committee by a vote of 27-0

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act. 

The measure, which was advanced by a unanimous vote of 27-0, provides $148.9 billion in discretionary funding, including $19.3 billion in defense funding and $129.6 billion in nondefense funding. 

"The significant investments this legislation makes in the important work being done by the Maine National Guard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard 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 Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

Bill Highlights:

Local Projects: $62.1 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects that support the Maine National Guard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Multi-Mission Drydock #1: Nearly $401 million for the fifth increment of the Multi-Mission Drydock #1 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP): Includes report language on the SIOP emphasizing its importance and urges the Navy to prioritize the timely funding of public shipyard infrastructure.

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