Senate Approves Over $250M for Maine Military Construction, Rural Projects

The U.S. Senate has passed a series of bipartisan spending bills that will inject more than $250 million into Maine's military infrastructure, including significant upgrades at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Maine National Guard facilities. The legislation, which passed before the chamber's August recess, now heads to the House for final approval.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the funding package, highlighting its wide bipartisan support and its strategic importance to both national defense and Maine’s economy.

“This critical funding will strengthen Maine’s military readiness, modernize outdated infrastructure, and support key rural development efforts across the state,” Collins said in a statement. “These investments represent a long-term commitment to both national security and local resilience.”

Major Shipyard Upgrades

The lion’s share of the funding—nearly $221 million—will go toward the continued modernization of a dry dock facility at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which is vital for maintaining the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.

An additional $228 million will support a new water and electric utility infrastructure project at the shipyard, aimed at bolstering capacity and energy efficiency.

Another key project includes $6.5 million to construct a new security facility at the shipyard in Kittery, which will consolidate operations for the base’s security forces, police department, fire department, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

Collins had previously noted that the existing firehouse was built in the 19th century and is no longer suitable for modern emergency response.

“It is poorly configured and is at maximum capacity,” she said.

Support for the Maine National Guard

The legislation also includes $2.5 million in funding for the Maine Air National Guard, specifically to build a maintenance and equipment facility at its base in Bangor.

Currently, essential functions such as flightline maintenance and ground equipment servicing are operating in outdated, separate spaces.

“Flightline maintenance and ground equipment maintenance operate out of two separate and undersized facilities,” Collins said.
“The new facility represents both a consolidation and upgrade.”

The new structure will enhance operational efficiency and readiness for the state’s National Guard.

Additional Funding for Rural Development and Agriculture

In addition to military infrastructure, the spending package authorizes more than $25 million in federal funds for agricultural research, rural development, and FDA-related initiatives in Maine.

This includes $10 million—a $3 million increase over the previous year—for research addressing the spread of PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” in the state’s soil and food supply.

The growing contamination crisis has affected farms and water systems throughout Maine, leading to increased calls for federal assistance.

What Comes Next

The bills now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration. If approved, they would mark a major win for Maine’s military communities and rural sectors alike, delivering both economic stimulus and critical infrastructure improvements.

Sen. Collins emphasized the broader impact of the funding, stating that the investments are not only strategic but also deeply tied to community well-being and environmental health.

Originally reported by Sean murphy in Spectrum Local News.