$12 Million to Revitalize Former Mill Sites Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $12,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to revitalize former paper and textile mill sites in East Millinocket, Lewiston, and Lincoln. This funding, included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill, which passed the Senate last week and was approved by the House of Representatives this afternoon, has been signed into law.

"Many communities throughout Maine are still working to create job opportunities and spur economic activity following paper mill closures," said Senator Collins. "This funding will support the continued efforts to redevelop the former Great Northern Paper Mill in East Millinocket, Camden Yarns Mill in Lewiston, and Lincoln Pulp and Tissue Mill. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this important funding."

"We're deeply grateful to Senator Collins for her continued support of East Millinocket's redevelopment efforts. Senator Collins' advocacy was instrumental in securing this critical federal investment. Funding for this phase marks a pivotal moment in our work to transform the former Great Northern Paper mill site into a vibrant hub of economic opportunity. With this support, we are one step closer to creating sustainable jobs, attracting private investment, and restoring long-term economic vitality to our region," said former U.S. Representative and Chairman of the East Millinocket Board of Selectman Michael Michaud.

The federal government's critical support of the Maine MILL will allow us to complete construction of our new facility in Lewiston and would firmly establish an important expansion of a major civic institution for our entire community. This investment will also significantly contribute to the economic development of the Lewiston-Auburn area. We are deeply grateful to Senator Collins for her essential support," said Rachel Ferrante, Executive Director of Maine MILL.

"The Town of Lincoln thanks Senator Collins for her critical support in securing federal funding for infrastructure improvements to the ongoing redevelopment of the former Lincoln Pulp & Tissue Mill, now known as the Lincoln Technology Park. This effort will help spark new private sector investments and vital job creation at the former mill site," said Richard B. Bronson, Lincoln Town Manager.

Funding secured by Senator Collins is as follows:

East Millinocket Paper Mill - $5,000,000 to support the ongoing redevelopment of the former Great Northern mill site by stabilizing and rehabilitating existing structures, adding strategic infrastructure for priority projects, and continuing site clean-up for redevelopment and construction of new facilities.

Maine MILL - $3,000,000 to support the redevelopment of the Camden Yarns Mill building to serve as Maine MILL's permanent home. Currently located on Canal Street in Lewiston, the Maine MILL showcases the history of Lewiston-Auburn's manufacturing mills and related trades.

Lincoln Technology Park - $4,000,000 to support the redevelopment of the former Lincoln Pulp and Tissue Mill by making infrastructure upgrades for future development.

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2026. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

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