Vermont’s congressional delegation today announced that the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) will begin accepting applications for federal assistance beginning August 1^st, with the goal of awarding approximately $1.25 million by September 30^th.

Vermont’s delegation was influential in creating the NBRC, which directly invests federal resources for economic development and job creation in economically distressed regions of northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. In Vermont, eligible counties include Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Orleans, Caledonia and Grand Isle.

“We created the commission as a means of responding in practical ways to the common economic challenges throughout the border regions of the Northeast,” Sen. Leahy, Sen. Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch said. “The available funding will provide a vital boost to parts of our state that need it most.” 

Last year, NBRC awarded seven grants, totaling $1.3 million to the four states, including $234,000 for the Northern Vermont Fiber Optic Connection project and $141,150 for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The seven successful applicants indicated that at the completion of the projects, 700 jobs would be saved and/or created. Also, every $1 of NBRC funds would be matched by $11 of other public and private dollars.

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