Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $1.5 million to the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center. The funding will be used to support a $3 million project to replace an existing pier, renovate the Flowing Seawater Laboratory, and construct three new laboratory spaces. Approximately 50 jobs are expected to be created through this project.

“For more than five decades, researchers and students at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center have provided marine environmental and ecosystem data that is critical to our state’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We are delighted that this investment will allow the center to continue its important work as well as expand job opportunities in the manufacturing and technology sectors in the region.”

Founded in 1965, the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center enables scientists and students to study coastal and marine ecosystems. The institute also works alongside fishermen, aquaculture entrepreneurs, marine industry professionals, and members of the community.

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