Calais Pikes Pier Set to Receive $3M
Jayna Smith
Senator Susan Collins has successfully advanced Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects totaling nearly $11 million for Washington County through the Appropriations Committee's markup of Fiscal Year 2025 legislation. The funding, which now moves to the full Senate for consideration, will support critical infrastructure and community initiatives across the region.
According to Phoebe Ferraiolo, Deputy Communications Director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, among the key projects is a $3 million allocation for the construction of a pier along the St. Croix River in Calais. This project, along with others in the region, demonstrates the importance of regular order in the legislative process to ensure that essential funding reaches local communities, she said.
The other approved projects in the county include the following:
Indian Township Passamaquoddy Housing Initiative in the amount of $2,985,000 for support for affordable housing at Indian Township.
Town of Machias Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in the amount of $715,000 for upgrade of wastewater infrastructure in Machias.
University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center in the amount of $750,000 for renovation of the Reynolds Murdock Center.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Equipment in the amount of $187,000 for purchase of public safety equipment for local law enforcement agencies.
Wesley Volunteer Fire Station and Emergency Operations Center in the amount of $2,520,000 for construction of a new fire station and emergency operations center, serving Wesley and surrounding areas.
Senator Collins continues to champion federal investment in Washington County, with this recent round of funding paving the way for transformative projects. Although additional funding for the Calais pier is unlikely in the near term, future appropriations bills in 2026 may provide new opportunities for the city and other local projects.
