$5.75 million for Maine projects includes $3 million for land preservation in York County and $1.25 million for Portland wastewater system
 

Included in the bill is $3 million for land conservation at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in York County.

The final version of the bill funding the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency has come before the U.S. House of Representatives and includes $5.75 million for Maine environmental projects requested by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
 
Since the projects are included in the conference report for the bill, they will automatically be included when the final version of the bill is voted on.  The bill is expected to pass the House this week and the Senate next week, and be signed by the President shortly after. 
 
The bill includes $3 million in funding for the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which will be matched by $3 million in private funds to purchase the 110 acre Timber Point in Biddeford and Kennebunkport.  The land includes 2.25 miles of coastline.
 
“Timber Point is a pristine piece of land with unique environmental value,” Pingree said.  “This funding will make sure it’s protected and preserved.”
 
Pingree worked to get $500,000 in funding to combat milfoil in the Sebago Lake area in the bill.  The funding will support research, mitigation and eradication of the invasive species in Little Sebago Lake and six other lakes, serving as a test bed for the development of milfoil action plans for other lakes across the state.
 
Congressman Norman Dicks, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee, praised Pingree for her work on the funding. “Congresswoman Pingree worked hard to secure this important funding to combat the invasive milfoil infestation in Maine,” Dicks said.  “I appreciate her dedication to supporting this important initiative.”
 
Also included in the bill is $1.25 million to help finance the separation of combined sewer overflows in the Portland wastewater treatment system.  Currently heavy rain can overload the city’s waste water system and cause raw sewage to flow into Casco Bay. 
 
“Providing federal funding for the necessary improvements to the Portland sewer system serves two purposes,” Pingree said. “It helps protect the waters of Casco Bay and helps stabilize local sewer rates and property taxes.”

Photo courtesy of John and Karen Hollingsworth.