Hopkinton, NH - Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met virtually with staff from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (NH BEA), North Country Council, and other North Country-based organizations to discuss what is needed to bolster future NBRC grant applications. Many North Country communities are experiencing significant budget shortfalls, meaning federal funds will play a critical role in the economic recovery of the region following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This summer, I travelled through the North Country and saw first-hand how Northern Border Regional Commission-funded projects can propel communities forward,” said Kuster. “As our state continues to grapple with the unprecedented health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBRC can play an important role in New Hampshire’s recovery. I deeply appreciated the opportunity to speak with these champions of the North Country, and I look forward to our continued work together to ensure all Granite State communities succeed and thrive.” 

During the discussion, Kuster heard from:

• Michelle Moren-Grey, Executive Director, North Country Council
• Ben Gaetjens-Oleson, Planning and Zoning, Lancaster
• Samantha Marshall, AHEAD
• Lori Langlois, Executive Director, North Country Education Services
• Robert Graham, Senator Hassan Staff
• Rich Grogan, Executive Director, NBRC
• Mollie Kaylor, Business Resource Specialist, NH Department of Business and  Economic Affairs 

As a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee and Agriculture Committee, Kuster helped secure provisions in the final 2018 Farm Bill to strengthen the NBRC and expand the reach of the program. In addition, she led a bipartisan call to the governors of New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York urging support for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and introduced bipartisan legislation, the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act, to continue funding for the NBRC. This legislation was included in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report. Kuster has also highlighted the importance of the program to senior members of the Trump Administration.

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