Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Announce $300K in CARES Act Funding to Cheshire County, Greater Keene and Peterborough Chamber of Commerce to Support Economic Revitalization & Development in Monadnock Region

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies – along with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award the Cheshire County government and Greater Keene and Peterborough Chamber of Commerce $300,000. The funding will be allocated through the CARES Act to support the Monadnock region’s economic revitalization from the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the funding will support the a Monadnock Region COVID-19 Recovery Campaign by marketing the region to increase the numbers of visitors, skilled workers, students, young families and others to the area, supporting economic growth and job creation.

“The Monadnock region is one of New Hampshire’s most treasured areas and offers something for everyone – from outdoor recreation to breathtaking views and historic attractions,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m thrilled Cheshire County will receive these federal funds to promote the region’s landmarks to visitors, which will stimulate economic growth, job creation and recovery from this pandemic. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to fight to secure the federal resources New Hampshire needs to thrive.”

“I am glad that Cheshire County will receive this federal funding to help promote the wonderful sites and attractions that the Monadnock region has to offer, as well as support the local economy and boost job creation,” said Senator Hassan. “As we come out of this pandemic, I will continue working to help communities across New Hampshire speed up their economic recovery and thrive.”

“As we continue working to fully recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, our Granite State towns and communities are opening back up to welcome tourists and out of state visitors to see all that New Hampshire has to offer,” said Representative Kuster. “These federal funds from the CARES Act will help Cheshire County to promote unique local attractions and bolster development to support the region’s economic recovery, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact for our state.”

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. During federal budget negotiations under the Trump administration, Shaheen led successful efforts to prevent the EDA – the agency administering this grant – from being eliminated.