Shaheen and Hassan Announce Over $160,000 for Rural Development Programs

Shaheen and Hassan Announce Over $160,000 for Rural Development Programs

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded New Hampshire organizations over $160,000 in federal funds to invest in rural development programs in Belknap, Grafton, Merrimack and Coos Counties.

“These federal funds will be put to good use in Northern New Hampshire communities through small business development projects, farming programs and technology investments, and technical assistance education opportunities,” said Senator Shaheen. “These are critical investments and it’s essential that we continue to have access to important federal resources that support our rural communities.”

“Investing in New Hampshire’s rural communities is integral to strengthening our state’s economy,” Senator Hassan said. “From supporting small businesses and farming programs, to providing technical education and revitalizing infrastructure, these federal grants will play an important role in creating jobs and spurring economic growth in rural communities throughout the state. I will continue working to ensure that New Hampshire’s rural communities have the support and resources that they need to thrive.”

The USDA announced seven different awards that will support the New Hampshire community, including a $30,000 grant for the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network, of which Senator Shaheen authored a letter of support. The letter can be read here. Senator Shaheen has a record of advocating for federal funding for the rural and farming community, and plays a pivotal role in government support through her role on the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Senator Hassan has long worked to support New Hampshire's rural and farming communities, including introducing the ROI Act and cosponsoring the bipartisan Investing in Opportunity Act to boost incentives for private development and encourage entrepreneurship in priority areas for economic development including the North Country . Senator Hassan visited the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network in April to highlight her ROI Act.