At a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Susan Collins engaged with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy regarding the proposed budget cuts to the Essential Air Service Program (EAS) and the significance of supporting maritime workforce institutions like Maine Maritime Academy. The session was part of the review process for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Senator Collins emphasized the importance of EAS for rural communities, highlighting its critical role in maintaining commercial air service at five airports in Maine: Augusta, Waterville, Hancock County-Bar Harbor, Rockland, and Presque Isle. She remarked on the program's contribution to economic development, access to medical treatment, and tourism in rural areas.
Secretary Duffy acknowledged the value of EAS to numerous communities nationwide and expressed his intention to work on improving program efficiencies and reducing costs. He stated his willingness to collaborate with committee members during this process.
On the topic of Maine Maritime Academy, Senator Collins praised its reputation for producing highly skilled mariners and noted that both faculty and students are anticipating a new state-of-the-art training vessel. She invited Secretary Duffy to visit Maine once more after observing the vessel at a Philadelphia shipyard.
Secretary Duffy described the ship as "beautiful" and underscored the necessity of investing in American shipbuilding due to its strategic importance for defense and commerce. He stressed revitalizing this sector requires vision, support from Congress, and presidential leadership while also emphasizing the need for trained mariners provided by academies across America.
