Shaheen, Hassan & Pappas Announce $1 Million for Sanbornville Water Infrastructure Project through NBRC & EDA

(Manchester, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Sanbornville precinct has been awarded $1 million in federal funding to support a comprehensive water infrastructure project that will replace more than two miles of water main piping and finance improvements to the area pump station. Together, these improvements will reduce the threat of temporary business closures due to a lack of water. This grant will be allocated through the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in coordination with the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The announcement follows efforts from Senator Shaheen, who, as lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, included language to appropriate federal resources that provide support for communities impacted by forest product closures.

“Aging and malfunctioning water infrastructure can cause costly damage and service disruptions that threaten the viability of small businesses and put the health and well-being of local residents at risk,” said Senator Shaheen.  “I’m very pleased to see this new funding provided that will make a significant difference for Sanbornville residents. As this grant demonstrates, the NBRC and EDA play an important role in revitalizing and supporting infrastructure projects and economic development in communities throughout New Hampshire. That’s why I’ll continue to fight to secure the federal resources the NBRC and the EDA need to empower Granite State communities.”

“I am pleased that Sanbornville has received this substantial federal grant to improve its water infrastructure and prevent disruptions to small businesses,” Senator Hassan said. “The Northern Border Regional Commission and the Economic Development Administration are important sources of funding for rural and underserved communities in New Hampshire, and I'll keep working to support these vital resources."

“Modern water infrastructure that we can rely on to provide our families and our businesses with clean water is critical for any vibrant community,” said Congressman Pappas. “I am glad to see that the NBRC is continuing to deliver on its mission of supporting rural communities and strengthening our local economy, and I am thankful that the village of Sanbornville will see important infrastructure upgrades with these funds.”

Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has led efforts in Congress that support and invest in the NBRC, and included her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand the NBRC’s reach in the Farm Bill that was signed into law in 2018. With support from Rep. Kuster, the legislation expanded the NBRC to include Cheshire County and communities in Belknap County. Shaheen has also worked to included language to ensure portions of NBRC funds be directed to assist rural communities affected by past mill closures, as well as support new markets and the infrastructure needs of the forest products industry. In August, the delegation announced that New Hampshire agencies and organizations were awarded $4,443,428 by the NBRC.  Earlier this year, Shaheen led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers representing New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York in a letter to congressional leadership calling for the inclusion of dedicated funding for the NBRC in COVID-19 relief legislation.

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 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, Shaheen led successful efforts to prevent the EDA – the agency administering this grant – from being eliminated.