Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that the Merrimack River Watershed Council will receive $6,857,745 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The funding will allow the Council to protect source water areas along the Merrimack River watershed, revitalize habitats for vulnerable fish and wildlife species and boost climate resilience. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen has historically supported funding for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“I’m thrilled that the Merrimack River Watershed Council has been awarded these federal dollars, which will help the organization protect access to clean drinking water for Granite State communities, preserve threatened wildlife and enhance the river’s resiliency against the threat of climate change,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll continue to support programs and funding to ensure our rivers, forests, refuges and wildlife are protected for generations to come.”

“I am pleased to announce this federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will support the Merrimack River watershed,” said Senator Hassan. “The watershed helps protect clean drinking water, supports local economies, and provides an important habitat for fish and wildlife species. I will continue working to conserve New Hampshire’s natural resources, which are an essential part of Granite Staters’ identity and economic prosperity.”

“Keeping our waterways clean and free of waste is critical for the wellbeing of our state and communities,” said Representative Kuster. “These federal funds for the Merrimack River Watershed Council will help to preserve our state’s beautiful rivers and wildlife and ensure access to clean drinking water across New Hampshire. I will continue working to protect our environment from climate change and preserve the natural beauty of the Granite State.”

“Preserving New Hampshire’s natural resources is critical to ensuring both the health and economic well-being of our communities and state, which is why I am pleased to announce additional federal funds to help protect the Merrimack River Watershed,” said Representative Pappas. “This grant will allow the Merrimack River Watershed Council to mitigate the damage caused by our changing climate and preserve the watershed’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.”

Serving Granite State communities from Franklin to Nashua, the Merrimack River watershed serves as an important source of drinking water and helps to power the outdoor recreation economy in the central and southern regions of the state. In addition, the watershed is a critical habitat for many of the diverse fish and wildlife species that call New Hampshire home.

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