Shaheen Leads Delegation in Applauding $100,000 in EDA Grant Funding for North Country Council
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) today applauded the announcement of $100,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the North Country Council. These federal dollars were allocated through the American Rescue Plan as part of $1 million in grant funding awarded by the EDA to support economic development planning in communities across New Hampshire.
The allocated funds will be used to develop the economic resilience of the region by helping the North Country Council create a Collective Impact Collaboration and provide technical assistance to the Collaboration. Once implemented, the project will promote economic recovery and bolster resilience for the North Country through climate mitigation, adaptation efforts and new environmentally sustainable business development. This will lead to job creation and lay the foundation for further regenerative economic development across the region. This funding will support efforts in the city of Littleton, and Coös, Grafton and Carroll Counties.
“The COVID-19 pandemic devastated communities across New Hampshire. These investments from the American Rescue Plan will play an important role in the North Country’s recovery by creating jobs and developing resources in the region to lay the foundation for important economic investments,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m thrilled that the Economic Development Administration chose to allocate funds in this manner, and I look forward to seeing the meaningful difference these resources will make in our North Country communities.”
“As climate change threatens our economy and way of life, we need to help communities adapt,” said Senator Hassan. “This funding that we secured in the American Rescue Plan will improve the resiliency of communities in the North Country by supporting climate mitigation efforts and promoting the development of innovative and sustainable businesses. Through these efforts, we can both address the challenges of climate change, while also creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”
“The economic development and resiliency of the North Country are essential for our state’s continued growth and success,” said Representative Annie Kuster. “I’m excited to see these federal resources heading to our northern communities to bolster economic growth, job creation, and the competitiveness of the region. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these investments!”
“Supporting our local economies is of the utmost importance,” said Representative Chris Pappas. “These federal funds will drive sustainable job growth by bringing local partners together and promoting economic resiliency. I’m glad to see these funds are headed to New Hampshire, and I’ll keep fighting in Congress for investment in our rural communities.”
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies that funds the EDA, Shaheen has long supported securing resources for the agency. As an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, the EDA invests in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. During negotiations for government funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2022, Senator Shaheen secured $373.5 million for the EDA.
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