Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded the announcement that $2.9 million in federal funding is being awarded to two infrastructure improvement projects in New Hampshire. The City of Claremont will receive $1.5 million for its Claremont Access, Restoration, Development and Safety (CARDS) Initiative, which will support improvements including sidewalks, bicycle lanes and drainage systems to Charlestown Road and New Hampshire Route 11. The Rockingham Planning Commission will receive $1.4 million to convert more than two miles of railway corridor to rail trail from Hampton to Seabrook. The federal grants, which members of the Congressional delegation supported, will be allocated through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

“I was proud to advocate for these projects, and I’m thrilled that this federal funding will support transformative infrastructure projects in Claremont and on the Seacoast to improve transportation,” said Senator Shaheen. “By helping restore and improve existing roadways in Claremont and revitalize unused railway on the Seacoast, this funding will help improve the lives of Granite Staters living in these communities.”

“It’s great news that the City of Claremont and the Rockingham Planning Commission are receiving new funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help strengthen these communities,” said Senator Hassan. “I was glad to advocate for this funding, which will help move forward much-needed road infrastructure improvements in Claremont and new trails for Granite Staters and tourists alike on the Seacoast.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver transformative investments to communities across New Hampshire, and I’m pleased to see these funds heading to Claremont and Rockingham county,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “These resources will go a long way toward improving Claremont’s road and water infrastructure and Rockingham county’s planned rail trail extension for residents and visitors to enjoy. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have on our communities for years to come.”

“From active transportation projects such as rail trails and bike lanes to water infrastructure upgrades like storm drains and water lines, these federal funds are supporting projects in New Hampshire that will improve quality of life of residents and visitors alike,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’ll continue to support smart investments into our infrastructure and communities that boost our economy and the well-being of Granite Staters.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Shaheen and Hassan negotiated, significantly increased funding for the RAISE program. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen historically secures robust funding for the RAISE grant program, which is formerly known as the BUILD or TIGER grant programs. In the fiscal year 2024 government funding legislation that was signed into law, Shaheen worked to include $345 million for the RAISE program. Shaheen and Hassan negotiated and helped pass into law the bipartisan infrastructure law, which provided $7.5 billion for the RAISE grant program.

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