(Manchester, NH) – 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 $4,443,428 from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for various projects that invest in the Granite State’s economic and community development. This is an increase of more than half a million dollars for New Hampshire compared to last year’s amount.

The NBRC provides federal support throughout northern New Hampshire and has funded 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 included 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.  Earlier this year, Shaheen led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers representing New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York in a letter to Congressional leadership calling for the inclusion of dedicated funding for the NBRC in COVID-19 relief legislation.

“Since its creation, the Northern Border Regional Commission has played a key role in promoting economic growth and development in rural communities throughout New Hampshire. That’s why, as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve continuously fought to protect NBRC’s mission and increase funding for its efforts. These funds are even more critical now as our rural areas recover from the economic fallout of COVID-19,” said Senator Shaheen. “This year’s allocation of funds will be used for critical projects that will bolster our state’s economy like supporting workforce training programs, improving local infrastructure, expanding access to urgently needed child care and more. I’ll continue to work across the aisle to secure the federal resources the NBRC needs to empower our rural communities.” 

“Grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission help bolster the economies of New Hampshire’s rural communities,” Senator Hassan said. “These dollars are even more vital during this crisis, helping to support workforce development programs, expand child care, and address infrastructure needs in towns across New Hampshire. I will continue working with the rest of the Delegation to support this important program.”

“I have been a staunch advocate and defender of the NBRC since its founding and recognize the critical role it plays in bolstering the growth and development of New Hampshire’s rural communities,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “This funding is needed now more than ever as communities across the Granite State struggle to handle the immense economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud to join my colleagues to announce this funding and I will continue my efforts to ensure New Hampshire has the support and resources it needs to weather the COVID-19 crisis and come out stronger on the other side.” 

“One of my top priorities has always been making sure we have an economy that works for Granite Staters, which is why I have fought every year to increase federal funding for Northern Border Regional Commission,” said Congressman Pappas. “The NBRC’s investments in economic and infrastructure projects across New Hampshire will go a long way as we work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and rebuild a stronger regional economy for tomorrow.” 

A list of the New Hampshire awards is available here.

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