WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) today announced that the Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) is in line to receive $50,000 in federal funding for the implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This funding is awarded by the Economic Development Agency through a competitive grant program.  The EDA investment will be matched by the LRPC for a total investment of $100,000 for the region. With this assistance, the LRPC will be able to obtain the resources necessary to address the region’s economic challenges and development goals by examining a broad range of economic indicators.

Senator Gregg stated, “Summer is the time of year when economic activity in the Lakes Region is at its peak and, with this critical resource from the EDA, the Lakes Region Planning Commission can set out and invest in the region’s economy to determine how to make it more balanced and diverse throughout the entire year.  It is important to have an instrument in place which allows the LRPC to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the economy and develop a suitable plan for creating jobs, improving public infrastructure, and increasing productivity in the region.”

Kimon Koulet, Executive Director of the Lakes Region Planning Commission stated, “Funding assistance from EDA, which represents half of the overall amount, will enable the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by the Lakes Region Planning Commission and key stakeholders from the private and public sectors.  The CEDS will assess the region's economic climate, develop a vision for job preservation and growth, and generate a strategic blueprint for the future.  We appreciate the support of Senator Gregg and everyone else who helped get us to this point.”

The Lakes Region Planning Commission serves thirty towns in Belknap, Carroll, Grafton and Merrimack Counties including: Alexandria, Alton, Andover, Ashland, Barnstead, Belmont, Bridgewater, Bristol, Center Harbor, Danbury, Effingham, Franklin, Freedom, Gilford, Gilmanton, Hebron, Hill, Holderness, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, New Hampton, Northfield, Ossipee, Sanbornton, Sandwich, Tamworth, Tilton, Tuftonboro, and Wolfeboro.

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