SHAHEEN: CONCORD RECEIVES $4.71 MILLION GRANT FOR DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS

(Washington, D.C.) – The City of Concord has won a competitive TIGER IV federal grant for $4.71 million to design and build its Downtown Complete Streets Improvement Project, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today. The funding will be used to upgrade transportation infrastructure in downtown Concord, reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for pedestrians and motorists. Concord officials estimate that these enhancements will reduce the vacancy rates of downtown buildings, increase property values by six percent and create 82 direct jobs.

Shaheen led a letter with the New Hampshire Congressional delegation to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood this past March in support of Concord’s application.

“I’m thrilled to announce that funding has been granted for a long-awaited improvement project for downtown Concord, the proud home of our state capitol and an economic hub for central New Hampshire,” Shaheen said. “By improving the downtown infrastructure, this grant will provide a tremendous boost for Main Street and the regional economy.”

The project will upgrade traffic signals, sidewalks, lines of sight and traffic flow along a 12-block section of Main Street to increase safety for pedestrians and motorists.

“This grant is transformative for Concord,” said Steve Duprey, President of Foxfire Management Company. “It has the potential to make the greatest economic impact on Concord and the surrounding communities of any project in the last 30 years. We owe great thanks to Senator Shaheen, the New Hampshire delegation and Secretary LaHood for their support. Unlike many past redevelopment efforts, this project will help all of the merchants on Main Street, will make the street more attractive, much safer for pedestrians, improve vehicle traffic flows, and enable full access for those with disabilities.”

"This grant presents a tremendous opportunity to re-energize Concord’s downtown business district and creates endless economic development opportunities," added Concord Mayor Jim Bouley.

"This is incredibly good news for the City of Concord at a time when this type of investment is much needed and it is another opportunity to keep the momentum of redevelopment of Concord moving forward," said Tim Sink, President of Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.

TIGER grants are awarded on a competitive basis through the United States Department of Transportation. Senator Shaheen has supported several TIGER grants for New Hampshire in the past.