Exit 113 restructuring would open access for economic development and airport improvements critical for safety
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that a House committee has approved appropriations requests Pingree made for two projects on behalf of the City of Augusta and the Maine Department of Transportation—a restructuring of Interstate 95’s Exit 113 and runway safety improvements at Augusta City Airport.
 
“Both of these projects are critical to continued economic development in Augusta and that part of the state,” said Pingree. “Restructuring the highway exit will open access to MaineGeneral’s new hospital and make way for economic development that will benefit the entire region.  And without making needed safety improvements to Augusta City Airport, we risk losing the millions it brings to the local economy.”

 The committee approved $1 million in funding to help the city restructure an exit from Interstate 95 to accommodate a new hospital MaineGeneral plans on building.  Enhancing Exit 113 will also allow expansion in the area for employment, higher education, government services, and retail facilities.
 
Another $500,000 would enable Augusta City Airport to install barrier systems at both ends of its runway—one end butts against Interstate 95 while the other only has 40 feet and a steep drop-off between it and Western Avenue, one of the most heavily trafficked parts of the city.   Work would also fix a hump that prevents pilots from seeing from one end of the runway to the other. 
 
Funding was included as part of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill, which is expected to pass the House later this summer and then go on to the Senate.
 
Video presentations on both projects are on Congresswoman Pingree’s appropriations request webpage. They can be viewed at: http://www.pingree.house.gov/legis/appropriations/.