Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Tuesday announced that the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is accepting applications for $1.3 million worth of federal assistance.

Created and funded by Congress, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership devoted to economic development in the northernmost regions

of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and New York. Today's announcement marks the first time the NBRC, which was first funded last year, will be accepting grant applications.

The NBRC plans to award this round of grants by Sept. 30, 2010.

"As northern Vermont communities work to create jobs and strengthen their local economies, the Northern Border Regional Commission presents important opportunities," Leahy, Sanders and Welch said. "We encourage Vermont organizations to explore whether NBRC funding makes sense for them."

Vermont's Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille and Orleans counties are among the 36 counties included in the regional development effort. Priority will be given to projects in Essex and Orleans counties, because of their higher unemployment and poverty rates and their lower per capita income.

Eligible projects include those that develop regional infrastructure, support job creation and economic development, promote sustainable land use or develop renewable energy sources. Those interested in pursuing funding opportunities can contact the Vermont delegation's district offices by calling:

• Ted Brady (Leahy): 802-229-0569
• David Weinstein (Sanders): 802 862-0697
• Brent Raymond (Welch): 802-652-2450

Click here to download the NBRC eligibility requirements