(Groveton, NH) – This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement in response to NSA Industries’ announced plans to expand to the Groveton Mill site, bringing as many as 60 jobs to New Hampshire’s North Country.  For years, Congresswoman Kuster has led the effort to redevelop the mill to spur job growth and economic development in Coos County and throughout northern New Hampshire.

“For too long, the North Country has watched as its mills and businesses have closed their doors,” Kuster said. “NSA Industries’ expansion to the Groveton Mill sends a clear message that the North Country is open for business.  I am proud to have worked with leaders from throughout the region to bring this employer to town, and I look forward to continuing our work together to bring jobs and opportunity to the North Country.”

In November 2014, Congresswoman Kuster and mill-site owner Bob Chapman convened a working group of federal, state and local planners to develop plans to redevelop the mill, which closed in 2008, costing the North Country more than 300 jobs.  Over the coming months, the group applied for and secured more than $1 million in federal grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, and the Northern Border Regional Commission, and this past year, the group proposed and passed a town warrant article for $400,000 to restore water and sewer service to the site.  These efforts paved the way for NSA Industries, based in St. Johnsbury, VT, to expand its metal fabricating and machining operations to Groveton, a village within the Town of Northumberland.  The company announced its expansion plans on Wednesday.

“This is the first of hopefully many more businesses yet to come. This will bring 60 new jobs to town and hopefully new families,” said Selectman Jim Tierney.  “The Town of Northumberland and its residents warmly welcome NSA Industries to Groveton.”

“I am grateful for all the assistance I have received from Congresswoman Kuster and the rest of the federal delegation,” said Bob Chapman the property owner.  “I’m particularly thankful for the Congresswoman’s assistance in securing funding to complete the rail upgrades that will lead to the mill site.”

As the representative for New Hampshire’s 2^nd District in Congress, Kuster has worked tirelessly to advance economic development in the North Country and throughout the Granite State.  She worked to support businesses by extending freight rail service and improving broadband service throughout the region.  Last month, Kuster introduced the Export Promotion Act, which will help businesses cut through red tape and sell across international borders, and earlier this year, she introduced the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act, which would streamline commerce activities and expand trade opportunities for Granite State businesses.   

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