SHAHEEN, SHEA-PORTER: $1.9 MILLION GRANT TO ROCHESTER WILL CREATE JOBS, IMPROVE REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

(Rochester, N.H.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) announced today that the city of Rochester has received a $1.9 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to make critical water and sewer improvements to Crossroads Industrial Park and Rochester Marketplace. The infrastructure project will serve as an economic boost to the region, and is expected to create as many as 130 new, full-time jobs.

Both Shaheen and Shea-Porter have been strong advocates of the project and continued economic investments to promote growth. Shaheen, who wrote a letter in support of the project in September 2012, announced the grant this morning at Rochester City Hall alongside Rochester Mayor T.J. Jean. While Shea-Porter was unable to attend due to military travel, she also wrote a letter in support of regional innovation programs and was instrumental in working closely with the City of Rochester and the EDA to advocate for the grant.

“The most important thing we can do for our economy right now is invest in job creation and give job creators tools for long-term success,” said Senator Shaheen. “The EDA grant to Rochester is a win for our local economy and our workers because it will create jobs as well as infrastructure for long-term economic success.”

“I am so pleased that the EDA has chosen this worthwhile project,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “This will create jobs and is an excellent investment in Rochester’s economic future.”

The project will help construct 8,000 feet of sewer line and 9,000 feet of water line to provide service to the Crossroads Industrial Park and the Rochester Marketplace. In addition to serving the Crossroads Industrial Park and Rochester Marketplace, this infrastructure will serve as a catalyst for further expansion, business development, and job creation. 

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the applicant’s eligibility, the application’s merit, and the availability of funds.