Senator Susan Collins visits Sanford

Senator Susan Collins visited Sanford City Hall on June 23rd to meet with City officials and discuss initiatives aimed at bolstering the city’s development. One highlight was her support for Sanford’s successful effort in securing a $25 million RAISE Grant, which will transform Sanford’s infrastructure, enhance transportation, and foster economic growth.

As ranking member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator Collins is dedicated to supporting the Portsmouth Naval shipyard, a significant source of employment for Sanford. The city greatly benefits from her commitment to maintaining and strengthening this vital economic relationship.

The group also addressed workforce development, particularly in relation to Sanford High School & Regional Technical Center. Fire Chief Susi highlighted that eight students from the Sanford Regional Technical Center Fire Science program have been hired by the Sanford Fire Department, emphasizing the importance of a skilled workforce.

(Left to Right) City Manager Steve Buck, Mayor Becky Brink, Fire Chief Scott Susi, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Susan Collins Representative Pamela Buck, and Executive Assistant to the City Manager Lorisa Ricketts discussing housing developments in the Stenton Trust Mill.

During the meeting, the group discussed the strategic allocation of ARPA funds to strengthen Sanford’s Police Department’s Mental Health Unit (MHU). This included hiring an additional Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), expanding the MHU to a team of two police officers and two LCSWs. The dedicated unit focuses on addressing substance use disorders and mental health issues within the community. Additionally, ARPA funds were utilized to acquire three properties for the construction of two new fire stations.

Other initiatives discussed included Sanford NetFiber, a project to provide high-speed internet to our city’s core businesses, and the Safe Streets for All Grant, aimed at enhancing community safety. Ongoing housing developments and successful brownfields remediation projects were also recognized during the meeting.

Overall, the meeting served as an opportunity to discuss various initiatives contributing to the continuous development and progress of Sanford.

Following her meeting at City Hall, Senator Collins headed to Louis B. Goodall Library which recently received $3 million in federal funding to fund their addition and renovation.