The U.S. Department of Agriculture will reinstate funding to the University of Maine System, according to a statement from Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine released Wednesday night.
Collins' office says USDA funding has resumed following a pause that was announced on Monday. The department said it was investigating the university's compliance with Title VI and Title IX, which prohibit discrimination.
University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Chancellor Dannel Malloy released a joint statement saying they were thrilled to learn from Collins that the USDA has agreed to lift its temporary pause in funding.
They described it as an "unnecessary distraction from our essential education, research, and extension activities that benefit Maine and well beyond."
The system has $63 million in active USDA awards, with approximately $35 million yet to be paid out, according to System spokesperson Samantha Warren.
Last month, the USDA announced a Title IX compliance review of UMaine. The announcement followed a highly publicized confrontation between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills at the White House last month.
School officials say they have since confirmed to the USDA that Maine's athletic programs are in compliance with relevant state and federal laws and clarified that the UMaine System is a quasi-independent state agency.
UMS has not been directly contacted by the USDA regarding its compliance review since Feb. 26, according to System spokesperson Samantha Warren.
This funding supports sustainable agriculture research, 4-H youth development opportunities, and educational agricultural programs.
In a Thursday morning statement, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine's 1st District pointed out that there has yet to be an official announcement from the USDA about the reversal in funding.
"There continues to be zero transparency or explanation for these reckless and spiteful decisions. This investigation into the University of Maine System was a total sham in the first place, and the Administration knows it," she said.
Governor Mills welcomed the decision to restore funding and thanked Senator Collins for “her efforts on behalf of the University of Maine System,” spokesperson Ben Goodman said in a statement.
