Fourteen transformative projects across the state’s rural counties will share $6.6 million in federal funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), part of the agency’s $57.8 million Catalyst fund it will distribute across four states.
Created by Congress in 2008, the NBRC federal-state partnership is dedicated to tackling economic challenges and unlocking potential in northern counties from New York to Maine. In New Hampshire, eligible regions include all of part of Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Merrimack, and Sullivan Counties, and these latest grants are a powerful signal of what’s possible when local vision meets federal support.
“New Hampshire’s rural communities are the heart of our state, and I’m pleased to see these NBRC grants awarded so we can continue to create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the vitality of towns and the people who live there,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “This funding will help build a stronger future for our rural communities and all of New Hampshire.”
Administrated by Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), the NBRC’s programs empower community leaders and organizations throughout the year with technical assistance to bring high-impact projects to life.
“Since 2008, we’ve seen the significant and impactful change that NBRC grants have on rural communities across New Hampshire,” said BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell. “Every year, these crucial investments result in real change, enhancing infrastructure, supporting small businesses and communities, and elevating the overall quality of life in the state.”
This momentum is growing with an anticipated second round of NBRC Catalyst funding is expected to open this fall.
This round of funding is bringing big change to the following small communities:
- Coos County Family Health Services: $222,437 to relocate and expand its dental clinic into new construction totaling 3,000-sf in Berlin, complete with training space for future dental professionals.
- HealthFirst Family Care Center: $1 million to renovate and connect the newly acquired 2,200-sf building in Franklin to its existing 7,500-sf facility, expanding access health services and creating up to 10 new full-time jobs.
- Town of Boscawen: $39,000 for a feasibility study culminating in construction of a 50-ftx30-ft outdoor pavilion, a Merrimack River overlook, new restroom facilities, and park access road improvements.
- Franconia Children's Center: $428,630 for the acquisition and renovation of its long-time rented facility in Franconia, adding 30 needed childcare slots for the 73 employers within 30 miles.
- Town of Newport: $512,000 to continue replacement of the century-old water lines on Unity Road that support more than1,600 homes and businesses, including Sturm Ruger, which employs over 1,200 people in the region.
- New Hampshire Boat Museum: $250,000 renovate Moultonborough’s 6,500-sf main floor, enabling year-round operation of the museum and new community space.
- Littleton Community Center: $1 million to renovate and update the historic carriage house, creating a 100- person event space to serve this growing community.
- Town of Bow: $52,265 for a feasibility study of the Bow Mills redevelopment to extend the water service to 175 acres in the South Street area, unlocking development potential tied to the Interstate 89 corridor.
- Franklin Pierce University: $960,000 to expand the Rindge wastewater treatment facilities to meet new environmental regulations and increase capacity.
- Town of Groton: $125,000 to build new salt and sand sheds on higher ground, protecting vital road and maintenance operations from flooding.
- Town of Plymouth: $1 million to replace a half-century-old 2.5-million-gallon water tank, ensuring safe reliable service to Main Street businesses and much of Plymouth State University.
- Partnership for Public Health: $399,000 to renovate and modernize the existing community public health building in Laconia, reducing operational costs and increasing capacity for health education, drug use prevention, chronic disease management, and resource navigation programs.
- Newport Chamber of Commerce: Receiving $500,000 to renovate the 1897 railroad station into a welcome center and home for the chamber, linking the town's Main Street to other recreational assets, including the Community Center, Meadow Park, Community Garden, Dog Park, and the Newport-Claremont rail trail.
- John Hay Estate at the Fells: Receiving $127,200 for the roof replacement of the historic home of Hay, America’s ambassador to Great Britain, and Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. This cultural gem is open year-round, drawing 10,000 visitors annually and hosting art shows, weddings, and festivals.
From expanding childcare and healthcare access to revitalizing historic landmarks and shoring up infrastructure, these investments represent more than dollars, they’re about building stronger, more resilient communities across New Hampshire.