Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), led the New Hampshire congressional delegation in applauding the EDA's announcement that the City of Manchester will be awarded $500,000 through the "Build Back Better Regional Challenge" program, which targets projects that boost economic recovery. Manchester's project is organized by a coalition – led by the City – with partnerships through the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and the Manchester Transit Authority, and will establish a cluster located within and around the City to grow the regenerative medicine industry by boosting production and distribution of regenerative tissues and organs.
The $500,000 grant is phase 1 of the award. Next, the coalition will compete for Phase 2, of which it will be eligible for up to $100 million for the project. The deadline for Phase 2 is March 15, 2022.
"It's welcome news that the City of Manchester and their partners have been announced as finalists for this funding from the Economic Development Administration," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "I'm grateful for the leadership of Mayor Joyce Craig and her office in seeking out opportunities like this one that will support our small businesses and manufacturers as they grow. In recent years, Manchester has transformed itself into a leader in the technology space. These initial grant funds will help to spur continued economic growth and bring new opportunities for workforce development. I'm pleased that Manchester will move forward to compete in the second phase of this program, and hopefully secure additional funding that will strengthen our community moving forward."
"This robust award is a testament to the innovative research and cutting-edge technology that New Hampshire fosters. As our State fights its way back from the pandemic, this federal investment in our workforce, transit and engineering industry is a boon to the region and our State's proud reputation as a national leader in manufacturing," said Senator Shaheen. "The Granite State is renowned for its foothold in the regenerative medicine industry, which is a revolutionary endeavor that saves lives and improves quality of life, while exemplifying the capabilities of our 21st century economy. I'm proud to see the City of Manchester and all its partners earn this prestigious grant opportunity, and I'm excited to see it advance to the second phase to hopefully secure additional funding that will transform the City's hub and capabilities in regenerative medicine. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds this program, I'll keep working across the aisle to boost support for the EDA to ensure these types of grant opportunities are appropriately funded and available so we can invest in the future of our economy and workforce."
"These federal dollars to Manchester will help spur innovative medical discoveries that can help save lives and strengthen our economy," said Senator Hassan. "New Hampshire continues to be a leader in regenerative medicine, which is transforming the way that we treat disease and injury and is critical to improving our overall quality of life. I hope to see more resources headed to Manchester in the next round of funding, and I will continue working to secure funding that helps our communities recover economically from the pandemic."
"I am thrilled the City of Manchester was named a finalist for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, along with our partners at ARMI, SNHU, UNH, MHT and MTA," said Mayor Joyce Craig. "Through this grant, we'll strengthen the connections between the world-class institutions of higher education, industry, and transit that exist in our region to create high-paying jobs, comprehensive job training programs, and equitable infrastructure."
Specifically, the $500,000 award is a planning grant. If Manchester advances through the second phase of the program, the coalition will be eligible to compete for additional funding to complete the following 8 projects:
Construct a bio fabrication manufacturing facility;
Develop a well-trained workforce;
Create a bio-fabrication accelerator;
Create a cluster work-and-learn program;
Create an aerospace training program;
Establish an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) logistics network;
Construct a multimodal street corridor; and
Create a multimodal transit station.
Through these projects, the coalition would create connections between infrastructure, transportation, industry and public and post-secondary institutions to grow the region's economy.
The funding was allocated through the American Rescue Plan, which Pappas supported. The mission of EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
Original source can be found here.
