Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Applaud $2.7 Million Grant to Strengthen Flood Control Infrastructure in Plymouth

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) issued the following statements in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) that Plymouth will receive a $2.7 million federal grant to make flood control infrastructure improvements that will help protect businesses in the town’s downtown commercial district:

“Flooding can have catastrophic consequences for small businesses, from serious property damage and major loss of revenue to permanent closure,” said Senator Shaheen, Chair of the Senate subcommittee that funds the EDA. “I’m very glad to see Plymouth awarded this new federal funding that will help strengthen the town’s flood control infrastructure and protect businesses in its commercial district. Investing in New Hampshire infrastructure projects is one of my top priorities in the Senate, and I’ll continue to fight for resources to bolster our economy and help our small businesses.”

“I am pleased that Plymouth will receive a $2.7 million federal grant for flood control infrastructure. Flooding can destroy small businesses overnight, and it is vital to protect Plymouth’s vibrant downtown,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue to advocate for infrastructure funding for New Hampshire and help ensure that our small businesses have the support that they need to thrive.”

“As we have seen here in New Hampshire, flooding can have devastating consequences for small businesses and poses a threat to our local economy,” said Representative Kuster. “This crucial federal funding for Plymouth will help the town upgrade its flood control infrastructure to protect local businesses in its downtown commercial district. In addition to pushing for significant investments in our state’s infrastructure, I will continue working to support the efforts of cities and towns across the Granite State to make necessary infrastructure improvements, many of which have been badly-needed for some time.”

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (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 communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. During federal budget negotiations, Shaheen led successful efforts to prevent the EDA – the agency administering this grant – from being eliminated.