Hopkinton, NH - Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) issued the following statement on Keene State College being awarded $1 million in funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Economic & Infrastructure Development grant program to finance construction of the Keene State Business Partnership Hub (“the Hub”).  Kuster strongly advocated for the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) application to NBRC for this funding in May, and joined the NH delegation yesterday in announcing the award of NBRC funding to Keene State and other New Hampshire agencies and organizations. The purpose of the Hub will be to provide facilities to host education and training focused on optics engineering and precision manufacturing. 

“I’m thrilled the NBRC has awarded this funding, as it is an investment in Keene State and students in the community,” said Kuster. “The Hub will help strengthen the skills and productivity of workers while building interest in precision manufacturing careers.The facility will also help bolster working relationships between academics, manufacturers, and others to spawn innovation and new businesses. I am proud to support this project and look forward to seeing the Hub come to life.”

"We're pleased to learn that the NBRC values the KSC Business Partnership Hub and its mission,” said Arthur Robert, President of MEDC. “Grant funds will support the construction of a facility that will promote collaboration and innovation among academia and industry while strengthening the Monadnock region's precision optics manufacturing workforce."  

Kuster has been an outspoken advocate for the NBRC since its inception, introducing bipartisan legislation in April to provide additional financial flexibility to the agency. As a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee and Agriculture Committee last Congress, Kuster advocated for the inclusion of language to strengthen and expand the NBRC and has been a leader in the effort to protect the agency, which has been targeted for elimination by President Trump. The NBRC has funded numerous projects championed by Kuster including economic development in downtown Claremont, constructing a new treatment facility at Bethlehem’s Friendship House, and improving water infrastructure in Bethlehem, Colebrook and Whitefield, among others.

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