A $3.8 million federally funded project to remediate a longstanding saltwater intrusion problem in Southport was signed into law March 9 and is heading to President Biden for his signature. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R- Maine, is the Senate Appropriations Committee vice-chairman. She announced last week the Congress approved $14.547 million in congressionally directing spending for Maine drinking water infrastructure improvements.

Boothbay Region Water District would receive federal funds to fix a saltwater intrusion problem which dates back to the 1980s. The project includes constructing a year-round water drinking extension beginning at Southport Central School moving toward Newagen, and eventually past Grandview Road. 

The project is one of nine Maine projects included in the legislation. “These significant investments in Maine’s infrastructure will help Mainers continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water as well as expand capacity for business and residential growth,” Collins wrote in an email.  “As Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this funding which will ensure clean water is available in communities across our state.”

Smith Climo and Gerry Gamage are Southport’s representatives on BRWD’s board of trustees. Both were glad to receive the good news from Collins. “We’re pleased to hear the news,” Gamage said. “This will help the water district expand year round water to our residents,” he said.

The water district is also seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency funding which would provide a 70/30 matching grant. BRWD would contribute $2,762,400 as its match.

Other Maine drinking water infrastructure funding projects included in the registration include Brewer, $1.06 million; Brunswick, $1.94 million; Calais, $3.036 million; Monmouth, $500,000; Pittsfield, $1.056 million; Richmond, $400,000; Stonington, $731,000; and Ellsworth, $2 million.