Airport in line for federal funds
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle is one of three facilities in line to receive over $4 million in grants, with the money slated for improvements.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, along with U.S. Sen. Angus King, made the announcement Friday that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded funding to Portland, Bangor and Presque Isle for upgrades and equipment for their airports.
The city of Portland received the largest sum, $2,532,600, which will be used for improvements at the Portland International Jetport. Bangor will receive $1,250,000 to be used for improvements at the Bangor International Airport. Presque Isle will receive $350,000 for improvements at the NMRA.
“Maine’s airports serve as critical links between our communities and help to propel economic development throughout our state. This crucial funding will provide Portland, Bangor and Presque Isle with the support they need to continue to operate their airports as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible,” said Collins and King in a joint statement.
According to officials with DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration, this entitlement funding will be used to rehabilitate the runway pavement at the Bangor and Portland airports, while funds at the Presque Isle facility will be used to procure new snow removal equipment.
