SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES OVER $3.5 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS COMING TO FRANKLIN FOR WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that the city of Franklin will receive $3,555,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The funds will be used to interconnect Franklin's water infrastructure with adjacent public water systems, which will create jobs and improve vital infrastructure.

"This funding will immediately stimulate our local economy by creating jobs and will lay foundations for long-term economic strength by upgrading and modernizing important infrastructure," said Shaheen. "We've taken important steps toward economic recovery already, and we'll continue working over the coming months and years to ensure our economy thrives. But I'm glad this funding is reaching our communities quickly and is supporting important projects that will boost the economy."

"The City is just ecstatic to hear we will be receiving just over $3.5 million in grant funding," said Franklin City Manager Elizabeth Corrow. "This project has been a top priority for the community for many years. Clean clear drinking water should be in every household and while the city has been working hard for many years to see that happen this funding will helps us achieve that goal much quicker with a great deal less financial impact to the citizens of Franklin. We thank all that helped us achieve this goal."

The funding will be provided through the USDA's Water and Environmental Program, which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas. For more information about the USDA's rural development efforts, please visit www.rurdev.usda.gov.

"This Grant means that our rate payers are not going to take such a hit and yet they will enjoy the benefits of an improved water system," said Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield. "We are very grateful that the rate payer will receive a better product at a lower price."