From August 24, 2022 post
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that New Hampshire agencies and organizations have been awarded $6,800,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for various projects that invest in economic and community development. This is $2.2 million more for New Hampshire compared to last year’s funding from the NBRC.
The NBRC provides federal support throughout northern and western New Hampshire through grants that spur economic and community development in rural communities. Shaheen has led efforts in Congress that support and invest in the NBRC, and included her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand the NBRC’s reach in the Farm Bill that was signed into law in 2018. With support from Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), the legislation expanded the NBRC to include Cheshire County and communities in Belknap County. Shaheen has also worked to include language to ensure portions of NBRC funds be directed to assist rural communities affected by past mill closures, as well as support new markets and the infrastructure needs of the forest products industry. Shaheen previously led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, including the NH Congressional Delegation, calling for the inclusion of dedicated funding for the NBRC in COVID-19 relief legislation. Language Shaheen secured in the FY2022 funding bill provided $4 million for the NBRC to address the needs of rural communities impacted by forest product plant closures. The bipartisan infrastructure bill that Shaheen and Hassan helped negotiate and that was signed into law last year also provided a direct appropriation of $150 million to the NBRC to remain available until expended. Shaheen and Hassan have also introduced legislation to reauthorize the NBRC for 10 years and expand its programs to allow for investments in childcare, health care and affordable housing.
“These critical funds will have far-reaching effects across so many communities in New Hampshire,” said Rep. Pappas. “From supporting our small businesses to investing in water infrastructure, these awards will spur economic growth and improve quality of life for Granite Staters. I will never stop fighting to support projects like this to boost economic growth, expand job opportunities, and invest in our future."
“The Northern Border Regional Commission is a vital engine of economic growth in rural communities across New Hampshire. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce record funding for the NBRC this year, which will further empower the North Country with the tools to thrive. From supporting local businesses to boosting local tourism opportunities and expanding access to high-speed internet, these projects will make a real difference in the livelihoods of Granite Staters,” said Senator Shaheen. “Ensuring resources are delivered for the NBRC to continue its important work has always been a top priority for me, and this year was no exception – I’m excited to see these projects soon take off.”
“New Hampshire’s border and rural communities are vital to our state’s economic success and way of life,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m proud to have helped secure funds from the Northern Border Regional Commission to address the unique needs of rural New Hampshire. These funds will help develop new trails and outdoor recreation opportunities, secure high-speed internet access for families and small businesses, update our water infrastructure, and bolster economic and workforce opportunities. I will keep working to secure federal resources that help rural New Hampshire communities grow and thrive.”
“The Northern Border Regional Commission creates opportunities for robust investments in our communities and has been instrumental in spurring economic development in the North Country and throughout rural regions of our state,” said Rep. Kuster. “I’m thrilled that the NBRC grants we are announcing today include the most funding New Hampshire has ever received through this vital program. This ground-breaking funding heading to our region will fund more than a dozen projects to bolster our local economies through workforce development, increasing tourism opportunities, and more. I will continue supporting the NBRC and working to ensure our rural New Hampshire communities have the resources they need to thrive.”
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Issues: Economy
Original source can be found here.
