Congress Approves More Than $4 Million for North Pond and Unity Pond Restoration Projects Secured by Senator Collins

The funding now heads to the President to be signed into law.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $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 legislation, which was officially approved by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, will now be signed into law by the President.

"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 worked hard to secure this important funding."

Funding secured 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 $1.2 billion for hundreds of Maine projects in FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2026 (to date). As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

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