Bipartisan Farm Bill with Hassan-Supported Provision to Reauthorize Northern Border Regional Commission and Other Critical New Hampshire Priorities Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON – President Trump signed into law today the bipartisan Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 – also known as the “Farm Bill” – that includes a provision Senator Maggie Hassan cosponsored to reauthorize the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for five years and expand the program to Cheshire and Belknap counties. The bipartisan legislation also includes additional resources and support for critical New Hampshire priorities, including boosting New Hampshire’s agricultural industry, helping to prevent Granite Staters from going hungry, expanding access to broadband, and supporting efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

“From reauthorizing the Northern Border Regional Commission and expanding the reach of the program, to supporting our dairy farmers, to expanding access to broadband and bolstering water infrastructure in our rural communities, this legislation will help strengthen rural communities across our state,” Senator Hassan said. “I am glad to see this legislation signed into law, and will continue fighting for our agriculture industry, which is vital to our state’s vibrant economy and high-quality of life.”

For more information on the bill, click here.

See below for critical New Hampshire priorities included in the bipartisan Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018: 

• Reauthorizes the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which supports economic development projects in rural communities.
• Helps prevent Granite Staters from going hungry by avoiding harmful cuts to benefits and eligibility changes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Supports New Hampshire’s dairy farmers through improved coverage options and providing refunds in premiums paid to USDA from 2015-2017.
• Expands access to broadband in rural communities by providing new grants to target underserved areas. This will help close the urban-rural digital divide that has persisted for far too long. The bill increases rural broadband by $325 million per year.
• Helps combat the opioid crisis by expanding telemedicine and strengthening treatment options for those struggling with substance misuse.
• Strengthens water infrastructure and helps ensure that all Granite Staters have access to clean, safe drinking water. The bill also increases funding to the Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grant Program (ECWAG). 

###