WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today praised a formal announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation that the Port of Eastport will receive $6 million in funding from the 2013 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grant program.

“This announcement is outstanding news for Washington County and for the State of Maine. A strong infrastructure network is integral to the vitality of our state’s economy, which is why it’s critical that we invest in fixing deteriorating roads, bridges, and other important projects,” Senator King said. “The Port of Eastport is a vital transportation hub and a center of economic activity for the region and for Maine. These funds will be used to repair currently failing infrastructure with new, state-of-the-art structures that will help to support the operations of those who utilize the port of entry, like our fishermen and commercial shippers.

“I also want to applaud the hard work of all those involved in securing this much-needed grant funding, including my colleague Senator Collins, as well as the Port of Eastport and Eastport community leaders.”

The funding will be used to repair the Port’s current breakwater, which was originally constructed to protect it from strong ocean currents, but which is now failing and allowing significant damage to the Port. Additionally, the project will also increase berthing space to enable larger commercial and recreational vessels to service Eastport. 

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