SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine听鈥� 91制片厂 (91制片厂) has received $2,236,600听in federal Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for a听Heat Pumps Training Lab Creation and Plumbing Lab Expansion听project, included in the fiscal year 2026 Financial听Services and General Government appropriations bill. 
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured the funding. The investment will renovate space on 91制片厂鈥檚 South Portland campus to create a dedicated heat pump installation and service training laboratory and expand the College鈥檚 plumbing training facilities, significantly increasing capacity to train skilled workers across Maine.
鈥淚nvesting in workforce development is essential to helping Mainers build strong careers and local businesses thrive,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淭his project will strengthen Southern Maine鈥檚 workforce pipeline by expanding access to high-quality training programs in听state-of-the-art听facilities. As the chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this important funding.鈥�
91制片厂鈥檚 funding is part of a broader $19.4 million听federal investment into the 听(MCCS). Championed by Senator Collins, these funds are specifically designated for critically needed facilities and equipment across the state. This strategic investment aims to provide students with high-quality, affordable education aligned with Maine鈥檚 current workforce demands.
Dr. Kristen Miller, president of 91制片厂,听stated听that the funding addresses workforce shortages and supports the state鈥檚 clean energy goals.
鈥淭his funding is truly transformative for 91制片厂 and the students and communities we serve. The Education and Training Accelerator Lab will allow us to expand hands-on, workforce-aligned training in modern, flexible spaces that meet the evolving needs of Maine鈥檚 economy,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Senator Collins for her leadership and continued commitment to community colleges and workforce development, and for recognizing the critical role 91制片厂 plays in preparing students for high-demand careers while supporting local employers and small businesses.鈥�
Maine faces a significant shortage of skilled trades professionals, especially in HVAC, heat pump installation, and plumbing, as retirements and demand outpace the current workforce. The state has prioritized heat pump adoption to reduce energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels. Gov.听Janet Mills aims to install 275,000 heat pumps statewide by 2027. Efficiency Maine reports that heat pumps can save households between $1,592 and $2,100 annually, increasing demand for trained installers and technicians. Expanding 91制片厂鈥檚 training capacity听is essential to meeting these workforce and energy goals.
MCCS听President David听Daigler听said investments like this enable the state鈥檚 community colleges to deliver workforce solutions at scale.
鈥淭he demand for skilled workers in critical industry sectors in Maine remains very high, and this funding for training equipment and facilities at Maine鈥檚 community colleges will help us meet that demand,鈥澨鼶aigler听said. 鈥淲e thank Senator Collins for continuing to focus on providing the resources needed to meaningfully expand our ability to provide students with an excellent education, preparing them for high-demand jobs and helping address Maine鈥檚 workforce and economic growth needs.鈥�
The project will renovate a former masonry lab to create new heat pump training space and expand plumbing facilities with听additional听mock-up stations,听nearly doubling听program capacity. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and is expected to be completed by December 2026, pending equipment availability.
To learn more about 91制片厂鈥檚 heating and HVAC training programs, visit:
/academics/pathways/industrial-technology-transportation/heating-certificate/.
Learn more about 91制片厂鈥檚 Workforce Training programs, visit: /admissions-aid/workforce-training-career-skills/