Maine Hospitals to Receive $71 Million for Emergency Department Upgrades

Rumford and Bridgton Hospitals to Get $11.4 Million for Renovations and Expansions

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Susan Collins, has approved a $71 million federal spending package to support upgrades and expansions of emergency departments at several Maine hospitals, including $11.4 million for Rumford and Bridgton Hospitals.

Why it matters

This significant investment in Maine's healthcare infrastructure will allow hospitals to enhance patient care and services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by upgrading technology, increasing emergency department space, and improving overall efficiency.

The details

The $11.4 million in funding will be split between Rumford Hospital, which will receive $6.4 million, and Bridgton Hospital, which will get $5 million. The money will be used to renovate, expand, and equip the emergency departments at both facilities. Additionally, the federal package includes $10.8 million for MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and $2.6 million for St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston to support their own emergency department upgrades.

  • The federal spending package has been signed into law.
  • The funding will be distributed to the hospitals in the coming months.

The players

Susan Collins

U.S. Senator and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who worked to secure the $71 million in federal funding for Maine hospitals.

Stephany Jacques

President of Rumford and Bridgton Hospitals, who expressed excitement and gratitude for the funding to upgrade the emergency departments at those facilities.

George O'Keefe

Rumford Town Manager, who called the $6.4 million investment in Rumford Hospital "one of the most significant and historic" in the hospital's history.

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What they’re saying

“This critical funding will allow Bridgton and Rumford hospitals to enhance the overall health and wellness of the Lakes Region and River Valley communities. More specifically, it will allow us to upgrade technology, increase space at the emergency department and streamline patient care.”

— Stephany Jacques, President of Rumford and Bridgton Hospitals

“This is one of the most significant and historic investments in the hospital that's been made in its entire history, and will go a very long way in our view towards helping to preserve its presence in our community. We are pleased to be working and cooperating with the senior leadership at Rumford Hospital and with the leadership team at Prime Healthcare Foundation to continue to ensure the viability of Rumford Hospital in our community for generations to come.”

— George O'Keefe, Rumford Town Manager

What’s next

The hospitals are expected to begin the renovation and expansion projects in the coming months, with the goal of completing the upgrades and enhancements to their emergency departments within the next 12-18 months.

The takeaway

This significant federal investment in Maine's rural and community hospitals demonstrates a commitment to ensuring all Mainers have access to high-quality emergency medical services, regardless of their location. The upgrades will help these facilities better serve their communities and strengthen the state's overall healthcare infrastructure.