SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $300,000 FOR SOMERSWORTH MAIN STREET

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that her request for assistance to improve and refurbish Main Street and Route 9 in downtown Somersworth has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Shaheen secured $300,000 for the project, which will attract new businesses to Somersworth and address high vacancy and turnover rates in the business district.  These funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which is now ready for consideration by the full Senate. 

"These improvements are great news for downtown Somersworth," said Shaheen.  "After years of wear and tear, this assistance will make Main Street safer and more accessible, which will help bring small businesses and jobs back downtown."     

"The City of Somersworth is extremely pleased to hear of the Congressional support for our Downtown Infrastructure Project, and is grateful to Senator Shaheen for supporting this invaluable project," said Dave Sharples, Somersworth City Planner. "Improvements to the city's aging urban core are sorely needed as it will spur economic development and promote the city as being a highly desirable place to live, work, and play.  This funding will help us develop an attractive, inviting, and accessible downtown, which, in turn, will promote sustainable future growth in the Seacoast."

This funding will be used to refurbish the roads around Main Street, which are marked with holes, heaves, and uneven surfaces, as well as add bicycle lanes.  The work is projected to create nine full time jobs.