U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today released the following statement on the news that Johnson Outdoors, owner of Old Town Canoe, will consolidate its watercraft manufacturing operations in Old Town, creating an estimated 48 new jobs.
“We are pleased that in the midst of this harsh economic climate, nearly 50 new jobs will be created in the Old Town area. This decision is a testament to the incredible work ethic of the current Old Town Canoe workers and the high quality of their production lines. For generations, some of world’s most skilled craftsmen have produced the best canoes and kayaks in Old Town and it is reassuring to see the record of quality and craftsmanship continue.
We applaud the hard work of state and local officials, especially Old Town City Manager Peggy Daigle, for working to make this announcement possible.”
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
More than $10 million in community health funding for Maine
U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will distribute $10,220,875 in federal Community Health Center grant funding to 18 community health centers in Maine.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Collins chairs hearing on juvenile diabetes
From the Lewiston Sun Journal:
Singer Nick Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, joins Cole Buchanan, 8, of Falmouth, Hannah Ryder, 11, of Cumberland and Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins after a Senate hearing on diabetes Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Jonas, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago, testified before Collins' committee, alongside actress Mary Tyler Moore and boxer "Sugar" Ray Leonard and Ryder. Buchanan and Ryder attended the hearing as members of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Collins has held similar hearings every two years since founding the Senate Diabetes Caucus 10 years ago to raise awareness for the disease.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Pilot project to lift Federal truck weight limits in Maine
In a continuing effort to address the federal weight-limit restriction that prevents heavy trucks from traveling on much of Interstate 95, Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today sent a letter to leaders of the Appropriations Committee. In the letter to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Senator Collins requested that a one-year pilot project exempting Maine’s highways from the 80,000 pound federal truck weight limit be included in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.
Under questioning from Senator Collins during an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing yesterday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood pledged to work with her, and state and local officials, to help address this significant safety and commerce issue. In addition, following that hearing, Senator Collins discussed the issue with Transportation Subcommittee Chairman, Patty Murray (D-WA).
Following is the full text of Senator Collins’ letter to Senate Appropriators:
Chairman Daniel K. Inouye Vice Chairman Thad Cochran
Senate Appropriations Committee Senate Appropriations Committee
S-131 The Capitol S-146 A The Capitol
The Honorable Patty Murray The Honorable Christopher Bond
Chairman Ranking Member
Appropriations Subcommittee on Appropriations Subcommittee on
Transportation, Housing and Urban Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development and Related Agencies Development and Related Agencies
142 Dirksen Senate Office Building 128 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Dear Senators Inouye, Cochran, Murray, and Bond,
As a follow up to yesterday’s Transportation-HUD appropriations hearing with Secretary LaHood, I want to specifically request that a one-year pilot project allowing trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds to travel on Maine’s Interstates be included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Secretary LaHood pledged to help address this significant safety issue in Maine. In addition, I am grateful for the recent opportunity to have also discussed this issue with the Subcommittee Chairman, Patty Murray. I will soon provide you with the language requested for inclusion in the bill.
Maine has struggled for years with the federal truck weight limit. Under current law, trucks weighing 100,000 pounds are allowed to travel on Interstate 95 from the border of Maine with New Hampshire, to Augusta, Maine. At that point, trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds are forced off Interstate 95, which proceeds north to Houlton, a distance of more than 200 miles. As a result, heavy trucks are forced onto smaller, secondary roads that pass through our cities, towns, and villages, creating safety concerns. In fact, there have been several accidents, some of which have tragically resulted in death, which occurred after these large trucks were diverted onto secondary roads and through smaller communities.
A pilot project keeping these heavy trucks on the Interstates, which are designed to carry more weight than the rural roads, would permit an assessment of the impact of safety, commerce, and road wear and tear. This change is widely supported by public officials throughout Maine, including the Governor, Maine State Police, and the entire Maine Congressional Delegation.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Under questioning from Senator Collins during an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing yesterday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood pledged to work with her, and state and local officials, to help address this significant safety and commerce issue. In addition, following that hearing, Senator Collins discussed the issue with Transportation Subcommittee Chairman, Patty Murray (D-WA).
Following is the full text of Senator Collins’ letter to Senate Appropriators:
Chairman Daniel K. Inouye Vice Chairman Thad Cochran
Senate Appropriations Committee Senate Appropriations Committee
S-131 The Capitol S-146 A The Capitol
The Honorable Patty Murray The Honorable Christopher Bond
Chairman Ranking Member
Appropriations Subcommittee on Appropriations Subcommittee on
Transportation, Housing and Urban Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development and Related Agencies Development and Related Agencies
142 Dirksen Senate Office Building 128 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Dear Senators Inouye, Cochran, Murray, and Bond,
As a follow up to yesterday’s Transportation-HUD appropriations hearing with Secretary LaHood, I want to specifically request that a one-year pilot project allowing trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds to travel on Maine’s Interstates be included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Secretary LaHood pledged to help address this significant safety issue in Maine. In addition, I am grateful for the recent opportunity to have also discussed this issue with the Subcommittee Chairman, Patty Murray. I will soon provide you with the language requested for inclusion in the bill.
Maine has struggled for years with the federal truck weight limit. Under current law, trucks weighing 100,000 pounds are allowed to travel on Interstate 95 from the border of Maine with New Hampshire, to Augusta, Maine. At that point, trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds are forced off Interstate 95, which proceeds north to Houlton, a distance of more than 200 miles. As a result, heavy trucks are forced onto smaller, secondary roads that pass through our cities, towns, and villages, creating safety concerns. In fact, there have been several accidents, some of which have tragically resulted in death, which occurred after these large trucks were diverted onto secondary roads and through smaller communities.
A pilot project keeping these heavy trucks on the Interstates, which are designed to carry more weight than the rural roads, would permit an assessment of the impact of safety, commerce, and road wear and tear. This change is widely supported by public officials throughout Maine, including the Governor, Maine State Police, and the entire Maine Congressional Delegation.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Funding for Biomedial Research at Maine Medical Center
U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institute of Health has awarded a $434,492 grant totaling biomedical research and training at the Maine Medical Center.
The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senators Snowe and Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law in February.
“This funding from the Department of Health & Human Services will facilitate advanced medical research that will benefit the health of all Americans,” said Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. “We are pleased that Maine’s own Maine Medical Center is on the forefront of our nation’s medical research efforts.”
The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, and administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined
The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senators Snowe and Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law in February.
“This funding from the Department of Health & Human Services will facilitate advanced medical research that will benefit the health of all Americans,” said Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. “We are pleased that Maine’s own Maine Medical Center is on the forefront of our nation’s medical research efforts.”
The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities, and administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined
Monday, June 15, 2009
Senator Collins applauds TD Banknorth's expansion in Auburn
During a news conference in Auburn this morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins applauded TD Banknorth’s decision to expand its operations, creating up to 500 new jobs.
“It is just remarkable that in the midst of the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, when hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost every month all around the country, we are here to celebrate the expansion of TD Banknorth’s operations in Auburn,” said Senator Collins. “What a testament to the skill and foresight of the TD Banknorth team that you have weathered the storm so well.”
“I met with TD Banknorth management last year and we discussed the company’s plans for the future and the importance of having top-quality workers to support its growth. I am delighted that TD Banknorth has made the decision to expand in Auburn – this is a great choice for Maine, and a great choice for your company.
“Congratulations to everyone who helped make this day happen.”
“It is just remarkable that in the midst of the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, when hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost every month all around the country, we are here to celebrate the expansion of TD Banknorth’s operations in Auburn,” said Senator Collins. “What a testament to the skill and foresight of the TD Banknorth team that you have weathered the storm so well.” “I met with TD Banknorth management last year and we discussed the company’s plans for the future and the importance of having top-quality workers to support its growth. I am delighted that TD Banknorth has made the decision to expand in Auburn – this is a great choice for Maine, and a great choice for your company.
“Congratulations to everyone who helped make this day happen.”
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