Washington, D.C. — Today, the House passed H.R. 4502, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which included key, Kuster-attained provisions for New Hampshire. Rep. Kuster secured ten targeted Community Project Funding requests that will address the substance misuse crisis in New Hampshire, rebuild crumbling infrastructure, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and protect public lands.
“We have the opportunity to bolster our nation’s infrastructure, make bold investments in our communities, and take purposeful, strategic steps to ensure future generations have the transportation systems in place to thrive,” said Rep. Kuster. “The funding bill passed by the House today will create jobs and put us on the path to build back better from COVID-19 in New Hampshire and across the country while making meaningful changes to preserve our environment. I’m thrilled that project funding I secured was included in this bill, which will invest over $6 million in New Hampshire communities and non-profits.”
Project Description: This funding will provide high intensity residential substance use treatment for pregnant and parenting women in a warm, supportive and safe environment that welcomes women with their children. A significant barrier for women and mothers with substance misuse disorders is the ability to bring their children with them to residential treatment facilities. New Hampshire has been hit incredibly hard by the opioid epidemic and evolving addiction crisis, and this project would create a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of so many Granite State women and their children.
City of Berlin ($600,000) - Berlin, NH
Project Description: This project will be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it would finance the rehabilitation of a key piece of infrastructure for the community. The funding would be used to make critical repairs to the Mason Bridge which serves as a critical corridor between the City of Berlin’s east and west sides. The bridge requires serious repairs to ensure safety and functionality for city residents, businesses, and emergency services.
City of Keene ($394,800) - Keene, NH
Project Description: This funding would be used for the construction and improvement of 4100 feet of the Keene Transportation Heritage Trail. This trail network will improve the quality, safety and functionality of the City’s transportation facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized users. Additionally, this expanded section of trail will serve as an important thoroughfare between the City of Keene and the Town of Swanzey.
City of Nashua ($300,000) - Nashua, NH
Project Description: This project will create an ADA accessible ramp off of the northerly side of the Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge. The Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge is a historic structure and was recently improved with an ADA accessible ramp on the southerly side of the bridge. Constructing the northerly accessible ramp is necessary to bring this old piece of infrastructure into compliance with our current standards.
North Country Council ($112,500) - Littleton, NH
Project Description: This project will be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will be used for the delivery of targeted technical assistance to communities in New Hampshire’s North Country to support the development of housing options for low and moderate income households. This initiative addresses one of the most pressing challenges in Northern New Hampshire: lack of affordable housing.
Town of Peterborough ($277,804) - Peterborough, NH
Project Description: This project is a key priority for the town of Peterborough as it will increase connectivity and reliability of water for emergency and public uses. The repairs and relocation for this project will enhance the town's water distribution system and reduce the service interruptions that are frequently experienced by water users in the town.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ($3,700,000) - Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Project Description: This project supports federal acquisition of a conservation easement by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of more than 4,092 acres of priority lands in New Hampshire from a willing seller (Bear Hill Conservancy) as additions to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge (Conte Refuge), which spans the four-state Connecticut River watershed. This funding will ensure that more land is put into conservation for generations of Granite Staters to enjoy the great outdoors.
Town of Lebanon ($290,250) - Lebanon, NH
Project Description: This project will be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it would be used for the construction of a pedestrian sidewalk on Mechanic Street in Lebanon, NH. Currently, this section of road is heavily trafficked by both pedestrians and vehicles creating dangerous conditions on the roadway. The construction of sidewalks would contribute greatly to public safety and increase transportation and recreation options for residents and commuting workers.
Town of Hanover ($350,000) -Hanover, NH
Project Description: Funding for this project will enhance public safety and transportation accessibility through key parts of Hanover. The path would connect a busy elementary school and nursery school to other town path systems. This project would increase transportation options and improve public safety for children, families and seniors commuting to school and amenities in the surrounding neighborhoods. This project enjoys widespread community support and would be utilized during all seasons.
National Alliance on Mental Illness - New Hampshire ($380,000) - Concord, NH
Project Description: This funding will assist NAMI NH to update existing modules, develop specialized modules to include audiences working with populations at risk of suicide, and ensure diverse communities are represented. This project will increase awareness of suicide prevention across NH, improving the health and safety of Granite Staters. By securing funding through Community Project Funding, NAMI NH can further their mission of helping improve outcomes and reduce suicide incidents for at-risk youth in the Granite State.
