WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who is the senior Republican on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award a grant in the amount of $5.2 million to the State of Maine to help replace the 57-year old Martin Memorial Bridge.  U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called Senator Collins today to inform her of the grant award and to acknowledge her advocacy for the funding.

The Federal Highway Administration has classified the deteriorating bridge as “structurally deficient,” and Maine state officials had identified it as their top priority for replacement.  Senator Collins toured the bridge last month with Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Dave Bernhardt and local officials for a close look and to learn more about the plans to replace it.

“The Martin Memorial Bridge is an important crossing for residents and businesses in the River Valley area and clearly needs to be replaced,” said Senator Collins.  “Employers in the area, like New Page, have told me that this bridge is critical to efficient and cost-effective transportation.  Nearly one-third of New Page’s pulpwood and chips are sourced from south of the Androscoggin River, and the loss of this bridge would increase trucking distances and costs.

“As a leader of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is one of my top priorities.  I am doing all I can to help ensure that important investments are made in our nation’s transportation system, which supports so many jobs in Maine and across our country.”