WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine) welcomed word today from the U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers that it intends to allocate $3.5 million in federal funding to finish the dredging of Wells Harbor at the end of this year. The harbor, which has not undergone a complete dredge in several years, sustained a massive influx of sand from Hurricane Sandy and has been virtually blocked for passage except during high tide. The storm damage made the project eligible for funding allocated under the Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill that passed Congress on January 29th.

“This announcement is welcome news for the Town of Wells,” said Senator King. “Our ports and harbors are instrumental to the economic vitality of our towns and it’s critical that they are properly maintained and managed. These funds will help ensure that Wells Harbor will able to continue serving the economic interests of local businesses and the larger community and region.”

On February 19th, Senators King and Collins also wrote a letter to Jeffrey Zients, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget, requesting his assistance in supporting the ongoing maintenance and operations of small harbors like Wells Harbor.

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