MAINE, USA — In a tweet Thursday night, President Donald Trump said his administration has allocated $38.1 million to the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Trump said the money will be used to replace seven bridges and improve five locations in Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, and Somerset Counties.
The funding comes as part of a $906 million nationwide investment in America’s infrastructure through the Department’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.
"Very important for keeping our bridges safe and people moving in the Great State of Maine," Trump wrote in his tweet.
The grant will be used to replace seven structurally deficient bridges and make related improvements in five locations in four counties. The selected bridges include two structures which carry I-95 over Webb Road in Waterville, an I-95 bridge near Bangor, Main Street bridge in Solon, Red Bridge in Rumford, and two bridges in Old Town. Each of the bridges are functionally obsolete, having been continually repaired over 90 years in some cases, and are critical mobility links in their community.
“This funding will create and sustain much-needed jobs at a time when our communities are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, by enhancing the efficiency of our transportation network, these bridge replacement projects will deliver long-lasting benefits that will be felt by Maine families and businesses,” Senator Susan Collins said. “Improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of transportation infrastructure throughout Maine is one of my top priorities, and I am pleased that this funding will allow these vital replacement projects to move forward.”
“This Administration is focused on infrastructure improvements and this $906 million in federal funding will improve major highways, bridges, ports, and railroads across the country to better connect our communities, enhance safety, and support economic growth,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
Trump also announced a number of similar allocations to other states Thursday night, including Arkansas, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Colorado. 53 percent of proposed funding will be awarded to rural projects. Six awards totaling $293 million are being made to projects that are at least partially located in an Opportunity Zone, while several other projects are located in areas near Opportunity Zones.