Golden secures funding for Maine lobster industry, law enforcement in House appropriations package
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today for a package of three appropriations bills — Commerce-Justice-Science; Interior and Environment; and Energy and Water — to fund part of the government through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The package, also known as a minibus, includes more than $5.1 million for local projects across Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
The minibus passed the House in a 397-28 vote.
“Securing federal funding for local projects is one of the most direct ways that we as representatives can make a difference in our communities,” Golden said. “It’s always encouraging to find Mainers who are doing good work to help their neighbors, and it’s just as rewarding to ensure there’s money in the federal budget to help bring those plans to life.”
Today’s minibus includes funding for the following projects in ME-02:
$1,000,000 for the American Lobster Settlement Index Maine Collector Survey, which would support needed equipment, supplies and staff to expand American Lobster Settlement Index (ALSI) sites in the Gulf of Maine. The ALSI is an international collaborative monitoring program that was initiated in Maine in 1989 to track the health of juvenile American lobster populations at their youngest, most vulnerable stage during their life;
$1,031,000 for the Northern Maine Regional Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project, which would help the Maine State Police improve public and officer safety, increase the transparency of law enforcement through technology improvements and allow local law enforcement agencies to work together across Maine to reduce crime;
$1,004,000 for the Central and Western Maine Regional Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project, which would help local law enforcement agencies in the regions make critical upgrades to equipment and technology to support local law enforcement;
$982,000 for the Northeastern Maine Regional Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project, which would help local law enforcement agencies in Maine’s northeastern region make critical upgrades to equipment and technology to support local law enforcement;
$1,092,000 to upgrade the town of Wilton’s water system to meet current demand, potential future growth, and boost fire protection.
More details on Golden’s requests for FY2026 Community Project Funding can be found here.
If today’s three bills are passed by the Senate and signed by the President, six of the 12 appropriations bills needed to fully fund the federal government will have passed. Remaining appropriations include funding for the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Failure to pass those spending bills by the January 30 deadline would cause furloughs and other disruptions in those agencies.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
Colonel William G. Ross, Maine State Police: “This federal funding secured by Congressman Golden will enhance our ongoing efforts to equip Troopers with the tools they need to perform their duties safely and effectively, supporting our shared priority of keeping Maine one of the safest places to live and work. On behalf of the men and women of the Maine State Police, along with our partners in the broader law enforcement community, we thank Congressman Golden for his work, his strong support for public safety, and his dedication to Maine.”
Maria Greeley, Wilton town manager: “Approval of Community Project Funding (CPF) would allow the Town of Wilton to complete the critical stretch goals of its Waterline Main Replacement Project, addressing long‑standing infrastructure deficiencies and alleviating inadequate water pressure in East Wilton. This investment would significantly improve water system reliability, fire protection capacity, and overall public safety for Wilton residents and businesses. Just as importantly, CPF approval ensures these essential upgrades can be completed without placing an unsustainable financial burden on a small rural community, while representing a vital infrastructure investment that protects public health and supports long‑term economic and residential stability.”
John Drouin, vice president of the New England Fisherman’s Stewardship Association: “The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association thanks Congressman Jared Golden for spearheading appropriations funding for the Maine Lobster deep-water collector survey. NEFSA is proud to have provided funding for this project for the last two consecutive years, as it delivers the only data on deep-water lobster settlement, helps inform regulators and stock assessment scientists, and validates fishermen’s observations of smaller lobsters appearing at greater depths.”
Virginia Olsen, political director of the Maine Lobstering Union: “The Maine Lobstering Union would like to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Jared Golden for his support in funding the American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion. Maine lobstermen have long been regulated and often overregulated by the incomplete data collected. This will go a long way to better regulate our industry.”
Chris Cash, director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute: “Lobster is central to Maine’s economy and identity, and expanding the Maine Collector Survey into Midcoast Maine is essential to understanding its future. This funding will support the establishment of a much-needed third monitoring site and extend the survey into deeper waters where young lobsters are increasingly found. With the right equipment, staff, and industry partnerships, additional deep water collectors can fill a critical information gap that will give fishermen and managers additional insight to help inform decisions for years to come.”
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