More than $1.5 Million for Owls Head Transportation Museum Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

The funding now heads to the President to be signed into law

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $1,533,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Owls Head Transportation Museum's (OHTM) STEM Community Center in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill. The projects in this bill were approved as part of the negotiation that Senator Collins led to reopen the federal government. The legislation, which was officially approved by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, will now be signed into law by the President.

"STEM programs are fundamental for students to explore their interests, ignite creativity, and learn about possible future career options," said Senator Collins. "This funding will help to expand access to the valuable STEM education programs offered at Owls Head Transportation Museum for students throughout the state. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this important funding."

"The Owls Head Transportation Museum is grateful to Senator Collins for her support of our STEM Community Center," said John Bottero, Executive Director of OHTM. "Our operational world-class historic collection is the foundational tool, acting as a backdrop for STEM learning. OHTM's programs will inspire and equip Maine students to become future innovators and change-makers in our communities-leveling the playing field for future workforce opportunities."

This funding will support the construction of a STEM Community Center, aimed at expanding STEM education opportunities for all Maine students, both on site and remotely. The Center will include a new exhibit hall, classroom spaces, a research library, and community event spaces.

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending.? Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024.? As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.??

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