U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured $2,850,000 for the Perkins Cove Revitalization Project in the draft Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill. Senator Collins is the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation and Housing (or Transportation, Housing and Urban Development) Appropriations Subcommittee. The bill, which was officially released by the full Appropriations Committee this afternoon, must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House.
"The pedestrian footbridge at the entrance of Perkins Cove is not only a stunning and beautiful symbol of Ogunquit, but a key connection that provides the only southerly access to the numerous small businesses, restaurants, and shops located in and adjacent to the Cove. This funding will reconstruct the footbridge as well as the Harbormaster's Quarters while ensuring that the bridge's iconic character remains intact," said Senator Collins. "I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward."
The Perkins Cove Pedestrian Footbridge is the only remaining wooden, double-leaf draw-footbridge in the United States.
Senator Collins also secured $150,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill to study and plan for a maintenance dredge of Perkins Cove to support commercial fishing, charter fleets, and recreational boating.