Shaheen Announces $1 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Economic Development Planning in New Hampshire

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award New Hampshire $1 million to support economic development planning in communities across the state. The funding was allocated through the American Rescue Plan, which Shaheen supported. During negotiations for the relief legislation, Shaheen successfully secured $3 billion for the EDA to support American communities’ recovery from the pandemic.

“Comprehensive economic development planning that harnesses the potential of Granite State communities and addresses their needs is essential to supporting our state’s recovery from the pandemic,” said Shaheen. “I’m thrilled New Hampshire has been selected to receive these funds from the Economic Development Administration, which will help stimulate economic growth and create jobs. This funding will go a long way in laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous economic future for New Hampshire’s communities.”

The mission of EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the EDA, securing resources for the agency has been a longstanding priority for Senator Shaheen. In legislation released last month by the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2022, Shaheen secured $395 million for the EDA, which awards infrastructure and planning grants to communities around the country. This level is an increase of $49 million above the prior year. It’s estimated this funding will generate $3.5 billion in local and private investment and support more than 30,000 American jobs this year. The Senator previously opposed efforts by the Trump administration to reduce or eliminate funding for the EDA, which has recently awarded grants to Granite State communities for a wide variety of projects ranging from flood control infrastructure in Plymouth to economic development projects in the Monadnock region.