The water infrastructure investments secured through the bipartisan infrastructure law will have a transformational impact for Maine communities, particularly in rural parts of the state. As one of the core group of senators responsible for negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King should be commended for once again working across the aisle to pass commonsense policies that benefit all Mainers.

The infrastructure law provides more than $22 million to upgrade Maine’s rural water and sewer systems, according to a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to help preserve our natural resources while ensuring access to functional, efficient, and effective water and wastewater systems for rural communities. The law also brings about $68 million to help support water infrastructure upgrades and improvements statewide as well as to address and prevent water contamination by lead and other dangerous substances such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

These investments in Maine’s water infrastructure will improve life for rural Mainers and communities across the state while helping to protect and preserve vital waterways and water systems like China Lake and the Kennebec Water District.

Beyond water infrastructure, Maine can also expect significant investments in clean-energy infrastructure and climate resiliency while developing new technologies to help lower carbon emissions in a way that will boost community health, create jobs, and strengthen the entire economy. We truly are better off thanks to passage of the infrastructure law and the leadership of Sens. Collins and King.

David Cotta

South China