Shaheen Introduces Harold Parker and Advocates for Confirmation of His Nomination to Serve as NBRC Co-Chair
Shaheen Has Been an Ardent Supporter of the Northern Border Regional Commission
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced Harold Parker, nominee to serve as the Federal Co-Chair of the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), during his nomination hearing before the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Harold Parker currently serves as Special Assistant to the Governor of New Hampshire for Intergovernmental Affairs. The NBRC is a federally funded program that provides economic development assistance to Coos, Grafton, Carroll and Sullivan counties, as well as other economically distressed areas of the Northeast.
“During my time in the Senate, I have seen the NBRC grow from an ambitious idea to a multi-million dollar collaboration of state and federal partners that help to assist in job training activities and develop much-needed public infrastructure in the Granite State and in communities throughout the Northern Forest region,” said Shaheen. “To continue the great work of the Commission, the next Federal Co-Chair must have an extensive knowledge of the region, a clear understanding of the challenges it faces, and an insight into its potential for growth in the future. And in this respect, I believe that Harold Parker is well-suited for the role.”
In closing, Shaheen said, “Whether bringing the perspectives of local leaders to the federal level or helping small towns navigate the government grant process, Harold has been a dependable advocate and resource for the people of New Hampshire. He has deep roots in the region covered by the NBRC and has cultivated bipartisan relationships across state and national borders that would be valuable in this position. I hope that members of this Subcommittee will agree with me that his experience and expertise make him well suited to serve as Federal Co-Chair at the NBRC.”
Senator Shaheen’s full remarks can be viewed here.
Senator Shaheen has long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced bipartisan legislation in March that would extend authorization of the NBRC for five years and make additional reforms to encourage business retention and expansion in Northern New Hampshire and other distressed communities of the Northern Forest region. This legislation was included as a provision in the 2018 Senate Farm Bill that passed the Senate Agriculture Committee in June. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen secured additional economic development funding for NBRC in 2018, including language ensuring that NBRC funds be directed to communities impacted by forest product plant closures.
