Concord, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Rural Broadband Task Force, announced that the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) will receive $150 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by the House last week. This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation will help rebuild America’s infrastructure and deliver historic investments in New Hampshire communities, including through the NBRC. The bill provides $150 million in federal funds for NBRC economic development and can be used as local match funding for broadband projects through the Department of Commerce.

“I’m proud to support the Northern Border Regional Commission which has been instrumental in spurring economic development in the North Country and rural parts of our state,” said Rep. Kuster. “It is essential that we continue to make robust investments in our rural communities including expanding access to high-speed broadband internet. These federal dollars will increase the economic competitiveness of communities serviced by the NBRC by ensuring that high-speed internet is available for our students, businesses, and health care systems. This funding is a win for our state, and I will continue working with local leadership to support rural communities across New Hampshire.”

"As others have said, these funds are a once-in-generation investment in our region, and the NBRC is excited to begin work on deploying the funds thoughtfully and strategically,” said Rich Grogan, Executive Director of the Northern Border Regional Commission. “Consistent with our existing grant programs, we look forward to partnering with State and community leaders, and the many incredible stakeholders throughout the region, to put these funds to work in our communities." 

A member of the House Rural Broadband Task Force and Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Kuster is a vocal advocate in Congress to expand access to high-speed broadband for rural communities in New Hampshire and across the country. This year, Kuster helped introduce H.R. 1783, the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, which authorizes over $94 billion to ensure unserved and underserved communities have affordable high-speed internet access.

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