More Than $4 Million for North Pond and Unity Pond Restoration Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $4,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to improve the water quality of North Pond and Unity Pond in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Maine’s lakes and ponds play an important role in communities throughout the state, offering recreational, fishing, and birding opportunities for locals and visitors,”said Senator Collins. “This funding aims to address frequent algae blooms and improve water quality, helping to ensure these natural resources will be available for all to enjoy for generations to come. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.
Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:
North Pond Water Quality Restoration
Recipient:7 Lakes Alliance
Project Location:Somerset and Kennebec Counties, ME
Amount Requested:$2,350,000
Project Purpose:To remediate algae blooms in North Pond.
Unity Pond Water Quality Restoration
Recipient:Friends of Lake Winnecook
Project Location:Waldo County, ME
Amount Requested:$2,000,000
Project Purpose:To remediate algae blooms in Unity Pond.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects forFY 2022,FY 2023, andFY 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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