Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine is receiving $5,000,000 to improve fish migration at the Milltown and Woodland dams on the St. Croix River. The funding was allocated under the bipartisan infrastructure law through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC).

The Maine Department of Marine Resources’ project will expand aquatic connectivity for river herring and other at-risk species. The project will also help to enhance watershed health and local economic vitality in the St. Croix River and the Bay of Fundy.  The project will significantly improve fish passage in historic spawning habitat and continue collaboration between U.S. federal agencies, Canadian agencies, Tribal Nations, the State of Maine and other conservation partners.

“The St. Croix River and its watershed play a key role in sustaining the health of the ecosystem and the economy in Eastern Maine,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “By improving fish passages along the river, this project will help restore critical habitat to protect native fish populations, while also supporting migratory birds and other wildlife.  We welcome this investment to preserve the environment and benefit current and future generations of anglers.”

ATBC grants support projects that conserve, restore, and connect habitats for wildlife while improving community resilience and access to nature.  These grants are highly competitive.  This year, applicants submitted 527 proposals requesting a total of $1.1 billion, and 55 were selected.

Senator Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senators Collins and King both worked to negotiate and pass this historic legislation, which will deliver billions of dollars to Maine for investments in roads, bridges, broadband, and more.