U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced significant funding for Maine as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee with a vote of 26-2 and will now proceed to the full Senate and House for consideration.
The legislation provides $38.6 billion in nondefense discretionary funding. "This legislation would provide important investments in Maine’s public lands, national parks, and tribal programs," said Senator Collins. "As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advance this funding as the appropriations process moves forward."
Key allocations include nearly $68 million for projects in Maine and $10 million for spruce budworm treatment by the U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, there is a provision recognizing biomass as carbon neutral across federal agencies.
Other highlights are $25.7 million for Brownfields Projects Grants and $46.3 million for Brownfields Categorical Grants. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Program receives $5.6 million, including increased funding for the York River Wild and Scenic Program.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water SRF are allocated $2.8 billion collectively. The Community Wood Energy Program is set to receive $15 million.
Furthermore, there is $116 million designated for EPA's Public Water System Supervision grant programs to assist with PFAS cleanup efforts in state drinking water programs.
Additional funds include $525.5 million for staffing at National Wildlife Refuges in Maine and $30.7 million for the Rural Water Technical Assistance Grant Program.
The Northeastern States Research Cooperative will receive $6 million to support research on northern forest ecosystems, while the National Estuary Program is allocated $40 million.
Finally, the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program will get $6 million to aid tribes, local governments, and nonprofits in purchasing forestlands for community forests.
The approval of this bill marks an essential step toward securing these funds through regular legislative processes that aim to benefit both Maine residents and broader American communities.
