The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $3,465,000 Congressionally-Identified Projects program (CFDA 11.617) grant to the University of New England (UNE) to construct a permanent pier at the university's Girard Marine Science Center in Biddeford, Maine. The project will provide year-round, all-tide access for small vessels to support UNE's research activities in the Saco River and Gulf of Maine region. The pier, designed with concrete-filled steel pilings, concrete pile caps, and precast concrete deck planks, will expand UNE's capabilities to conduct ocean-going research and facilitate scientific and practical exchanges with local, regional, and national marine researchers and industry partners. The award has an expected completion date of August 31, 2026.