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NH Delegation Announces More Than $4 Million in Federal Funding to Fuel Economic, Cultural and Educational Development in Rural Communities Across New Hampshire

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced today with Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) that the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is providing over $4.1 million through seven New Hampshire Catalyst Program awards to support economic, educational and community development projects in rural areas across the state. These awards will go to projects that will improve critical infrastructure, increase affordable housing in Whitefield, strengthen education facilities in Keene and Walpole and more. Full list of New Hampshire awardees here. 

“Today’s funding announcement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to investing in our rural New Hampshire communities. The projects supported by these federal dollars will deliver tangible improvements and services for local residents and surrounding areas - creating good jobs and helping fuel our state’s economy,” said Senator Shaheen. “By securing robust federal funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission, we’re funding projects expanding affordable housing, strengthening rural mental health care, increasing accessible education and improving our outdoor recreation.” 

“The Northern Border Regional Commission provides critical support for New Hampshire’s rural communities, which are an integral part of our state’s economy,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to see this important federal funding headed to New Hampshire to help expand mental health care facilities, child care resources, and other important resources that help our communities thrive.” 

“The Northern Border Regional Commission continues to be a tremendous asset to communities across northern New Hampshire, and I’m thrilled to see these resources heading to our state,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “From expanding access to affordable child care services and housing in rural communities to conserving our state’s pristine environment, these investments demonstrate the positive impact the Northern Border Regional Commission has on our state and region.” 

“These awards from the Northern Border Regional Commission will invest in our housing stock and water infrastructure, mental health and child care facilities, arts and conservation efforts, and more,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “I fought to secure funding for these projects that support economic and community development in New Hampshire communities and invest in our future. I will continue supporting efforts that grow our economy, protect our environment, and support Granite State families.” 

The NBRC provides federal support throughout northern and western New Hampshire through grants that spur economic and community development in rural communities.  
 

Shaheen has led efforts in Congress that support and invest in the NBRC and included her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand the NBRC’s reach in the Farm Bill that was signed into law in 2018. Congresswoman Kuster led this effort in the House. The legislation expanded the NBRC to include Cheshire County and communities in Belknap County. Shaheen also worked to include language to ensure portions of NBRC funds be directed to assist rural communities affected by past mill closures, as well as support new markets and the infrastructure needs of the forest products industry. Last year, Shaheen, alongside Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), reintroduced the NBRC Reauthorization Act of 2023. Congresswoman Kuster led this legislation in the House, which would extend the authorization of the NBRC for another ten years. Shaheen also helped secure $41 million for the NBRC in federal government funding legislation for FY2024 - the highest level of funding the Commission has ever received. In addition, Shaheen and Hassan helped negotiate the bipartisan infrastructure law, which provided $150 million to the NBRC – historic funding that was partially allocated through the 2024 New Hampshire Catalyst Awards. 

A list of the New Hampshire projects awarded funding through the NBRC is available below.   

Grantee 

Amount 

Project Description 

Medallion Opera House, Inc. 

$105,067 

Comprehensive upgrade to its sound and lighting infrastructure and systems that expand the range of performances the theater can host increasing its appeal to larger bands and groups and fulfilling its mission of cultural enrichment. 

Antioch University 

$1,000,000 

Construction of a new 34,000 square foot, mass timber educational building and the rehabilitation of the historic Blake House. These new facilities will provide clinical mental health spaces as well as family and group counseling spaces which are widely utilized by residents of the greater Monadnock region. 

The Walpole Foundation 

$1,000,000 

Construction of a 6,510 square foot facility that will serve as the new home of the Walpole Village School, a private nonprofit offering early preschool and preschool education for children ages two to five years. The facility will have a community room to host intergenerational programming and programming sponsored by other local agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. 

Monadnock Conservancy 

$500,000 

Support staff expansion to increase the organization’s conservation impact. These new positions will help the Conservancy continue to increase the pace of land protection, ensure adequate oversight and management of protected land, maintain and build trails and other public access infrastructure and expand community programs and partnerships. 

Town of Waterville Valley 

$250,000 

Fund engineering services that will prepare the Town for and equip it to develop a budget and seek financial resources for improvements to its wastewater system to meet new EPA standards. 

Affordable Housing, Education and Development (AHEAD) Inc. 

$750,000 

Rehabilitation of the interior and exterior of 12 King Square in Whitefield, a currently shuttered building.  The rehabilitation will construct a new layout of the second and third stories creating four residential units and one commercial unit. 

The Berlin and Coos County Historical Society (BCCHS) 

$496,709 

Funding will support technological and archival upgrades, such as new display cases, invest in strategic planning for the organization, and address the restoration of two buildings which house the majority of BCCHS’s collections, including the installation of an accessibility elevator to its Berlin Falls House’s (main exhibit building) second floor and the critical replacement of its roof. 

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