Funding for infrastructure, shipbuilding and education projects included
Today the House passed an appropriations bill that includes over $13 million in federal funding requested by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree for Maine projects. The bill is expected to pass the Senate next week and then go to the President for his signature shortly afterwards. These federal funds are now virtually guaranteed to come to Maine for various projects, from research on the lobster industry to improvements at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery.
“These appropriations—in research, infrastructure development, education and shipbuilding—will help bring jobs to Maine and represent a significant investment in our long term economic health,” Pingree said.
The bill includes $1 million for Portland area projects, including:
· $200,000 for the Bayside Trail
· $800,000 to pay for a project that will synchronize traffic signals at congested intersections.Pingree secured over $3.2 million for research, education and economic development, including:
· $2 million for the development of composite bridge technology at the University of Maine
· $250,000 for workforce development through Coastal Enterprises, Inc in Wiscasset
· $200,000 for research in the lobster industry
· $775,000 for a nursing simulation lab at the University of Southern MaineUniversity officials welcomed the news. “We are deeply grateful for this show of support,” said USM President Selma Botman. “This funding allows USM to better prepare the nursing workforce by giving students opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clinical simulations. It also will help us provide advanced professional development programs for practicing nurses."
The appropriations bill passed by the House today also includes over $9 million in funding for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery that was requested by Congresswoman Pingree, including:
· $7,090,000 to improve security at Gate 2
· $2,000,000 to consolidate the structural shops at PNSYDave Schofield, Executive of the Metal Trades Council at PNSY, said the funding is critical to the long-term success of the yard. "These improvements to the structural shop are essential to equip the Shipyard for the new Virginia class submarines." Schofield said. "Congresswoman Pingree knows how important this investment is to our workforce, and she continues to be a strong advocate for this Shipyard."