SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $200,000 FOR COOS COUNTY YOUTH PROGRAMS

(Washington, DC)-U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that her request to support the renovation of community facilities in Gorham have been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Shaheen secured $200,000 for renovations of space used by the Gorham Family Resource Center and the town Recreation Department, which serve low- and moderate-income children, youth and families in Gorham and throughout Coos County. The legislation will now go to the full Senate for final passage.

"As economic hardship continues to affect New Hampshire's North Country, we must support programs that offer much needed services and support," said Shaheen. "The Gorham Family Resource Center plays a key role in helping children and families in Coos County through their award winning counseling, job training, and youth programs, and I am very happy they will receive this funding."

"We will now be able to offer a community space for the residents of Gorham, Berlin, Randolph and Shelburne in Coos County, and these funds will help us reach even more families in our communities in need. Thank you to Senator Shaheen for recognizing the importance of providing a space to help families and youth navigate the unique challenges that face the North Country," said Denise Vallee, Director of Finance & Administration for the Town of Gorham.

This funding will allow the Town of Gorham to complete renovations of a critical community facility, used by more than 5,000 people annually. The town has already invested more than $2.8 million and $600,000 worth of volunteer time to this renovation as part of a plan to improve services to the community, bolster the economy and stop outmigration of youth.

The funding was approved by the Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which includes $3.5 million for projects in New Hampshire.