NBRC Announces Combined $24 Million in Fall 2024 Awards Through Catalyst, Forest Economy, and Timber for Transit Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2025
Contact: Andrea Smith, Program Director
asmith@nbrc.gov
(603) 369-3001
CONCORD, N.H. (January 23, 2025) – Today, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced just over $24 million in new awards as part of the Commission’s Fall 2024 round of funding across all three of its competitive programs. The 37 new awards will benefit communities throughout the Commission’s member states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
Awards made per program include the following:
- $20.6 million awarded through the Catalyst Program, including 18 projects expanding the region’s critical infrastructure and 15 projects building a diversified economy and competitive workforce.
- Two awards totaling $1.9 million awarded through the Forest Economy Program (FEP) include expanding forestry workforce initiatives and support for an immersive high school forestry program.
- Two awards totaling $2.28 million awarded in the Commission’s new Timber for Transit (T4T) Program will support replacing deteriorated bridge materials with wood-based materials and composites, as well as the design and construction of an outdoor hybrid timber pavilion for year-round small business use.
“Community centered economic development is at the heart of NBRC’s work. What’s consistent about all the projects receiving funds from the Commission’s fall competition is that they will create economic opportunity and improve day-to-day life for the people who call this region home,” said Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair of the NBRC.
A full list of awarded projects by state and program can be viewed in the full press release here.
Forest Economy Program awards support workforce and education in Chittenden County, VT and Kennebeck County, ME:
"VYCC is excited to participate in the NBRC Forest Economy Program! These funds will increase the number of young adults working and learning in Vermont's forest over the next three years. With a broad array of partners, we can enhance training outcomes and connect our participants with employment opportunities. We look forward to increasing our collaboration with regional land managers and strengthening relationships with workforce partners in the forest products industry," said Patrick Pfeifer, Conservation Program Director at Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.
"The Forestry Immersion Program has quickly demonstrated its incredible value and ability to inspire the next generation of Maine's forest workforce. With funding from the Forest Economy Program, we will work with our partners to expand this initiative, offering students across the state the chance to immerse themselves in the forest and experience the immense potential for a fulfilling and vibrant career in Maine's forest sector," said Logan Johnson, Executive Director, Maine TREE Foundation.
Timber for Transit awards will support local road safety and economic development goals in Sullivan County, NY and Cheshire County, NH:
“Maintaining our roads and bridges increases in cost every year, so this funding announcement is welcome news,” affirmed Sullivan County Manager Joshua A. Potosek. “Replacing the Flugertown Road bridge will not only make it safer and more durable but also ensure continued access to some of the wildest, most unspoiled landscapes in Sullivan County. We rely on the dollars generated by the thousands who come to enjoy our natural resources throughout the year, and thanks to NBRC and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, those resources will remain some of our star attractions.”
"The Timber for Transit grant opportunity has so much potential for our region, and I am thrilled that Keene will have this opportunity to showcase that. One of our economic development goals is to activate areas such as Gilbo Avenue and help people take advantage of our recent land use code updates. The new pavilion is a perfect way to launch that effort that may not have otherwise been possible. In addition, the solar power being created will power our entire downtown project and move us one step closer to our energy goals," said Elizabeth Dragon, City Manager.
Catalyst Program awards include improvements to water and street infrastructure in New York’s Lewis County, primary care support in Vermont’s Windham County, and the construction of an anaerobic digester at a potato chip production plant Maine’s Aroostook County:
"On behalf of the Village of Constableville, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for Senator Schumer’s support in securing 2.776 million dollars in NBRC funding for our potable water system and safe streets infrastructure improvements. This generous funding will go a long way for decades to come, ensuring the health and safety of our community and enhancing the quality of life for all of our residents," said Mayor Samantha Brown.
“We are so pleased and excited about this $1,000,000 Catalyst Program Grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission for construction of our new primary care practice building,” said Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital CEO Olivia Sweetnam. “In granting us this award, NBRC is validating and supporting what our community knows – the 14 practitioners in our primary care clinic are providing over 30,000 patient visits per year in two homes built in the 1840’s, and we’re bursting at the seams! We have the architectural plans in place and fundraising is progressing quickly for a 23,000 sq-ft. building to ensure that people in our rural area will get the excellent care that they need and deserve, and which they have come to expect from Grace Cottage!”
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program for its investment in our Loring campus. We remain committed to collaborating with our partners, including the Taste of Maine team, the City of Limestone, the Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC), and numerous community members who support our commercial enterprises and future developers," said Jonathan Judkins, President/CEO of the Loring Development Authority of Maine.
The funds for all NBRC programs are available thanks to the support of the Congressional Delegations of all four NBRC states: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Please refer to NBRC’s website, www.nbrc.gov, for announcements about current and future Funding Opportunities.
***
Created in 2008, the Northern Border Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership whose mission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont through flexible funding and strategic support.