Shaheen Secures $20 Million for Northern Border Regional Commission in Funding Bill

Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Boosts NBRC Funding by $5 Million

(Washington, DC)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, secured $20 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) in the spending legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2019, which was reported favorably out of the Committee yesterday afternoon. This represents a $5 million increase over previous funding levels for the program that provides economic development assistance to Coos, Grafton, Carroll and Sullivan counties, as well as other economically distressed areas of the Northeast. The bill also includes Shaheen's language ensuring that NBRC funds be used to address the needs of rural communities impacted by forest product plant closures. President Trump’s budget request for FY 2019 sought to eliminate the critical program.

“The Northern Border Regional Commission plays a crucial role in northern New Hampshire communities, providing much-needed assistance to continue infrastructure investments and to help ensure the economic stability of the North Country,” said Shaheen. “I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into boosting federal funding for the NBRC, and I look forward to continuing that work as this process moves forward so we can deliver these critical federal dollars back to Granite State communities and the coalition of partners within the NBRC.”

Senator Shaheen has consistently helped procure federal support for the NBRC, including securing $15 million in funding for the NBRC in the government funding bill for FY 2018. In March, Shaheen led a bipartisan coalition of Senators to introduce her bill, the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act, legislation that would extend the 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. It would also expand the NBRC’s reach to include Cheshire County and communities in Belknap County.