November 16, 2021
(Woodstock, NH) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Funding for Commerce, Justice, Science and Allied Agencies, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representative Annie Kuster ( NH-02.)) And Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will be awarding $ 8,360,978 in government tourism grants to New Hampshire. The funding will support marketing, infrastructure, manpower and projects to promote business and travel.
Funding came from the American Rescue Plan, which Shaheen supported. During the negotiations on the relief legislation, Shaheen successfully secured $ 3 billion for the EDA to aid recovery of American communities from the pandemic, including $ 750 million specifically for travel, tourism and outdoor recreation.
“Travel and tourism are core industries driving the local economy across New Hampshire – these sectors are key to our state’s recovery from the pandemic. For this reason, I am excited to welcome over $ 8.3 million in marketing and job creation to advance these important Granite State industries, ”said Senator Shaheen, chairman of the Senate Funds Subcommittee, who oversees the funding of the EDA. “Securing funding for EDA grants to support New Hampshire tourism has long been a top priority of mine. I will continue to work to provide the resources needed to revive the local economy and get communities on track to thrive as we fight our way to the other side of the pandemic. “
“I’m biased, but I can’t think of a better place to visit than Granite State, and with this funding we secured through the American Rescue Plan, we can continue to grow our important tourism industry here in New Hampshire.” said Senator Hassan. “The COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the US-Canada border have hit New Hampshire hard and I am delighted that these funds are coming to New Hampshire to help us continue to grow our local economy, support and welcome our small businesses allows families and individuals from around the country and the world to see up close the natural beauty, historical and cultural attractions, and charm of our state. “
“New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and this Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant will strengthen our local economy and help more overseas visitors experience all that our state has to offer,” said Representative Sexton. “I was proud to work to have this funding included in the American Rescue Plan to help the New Hampshire tourism industry and bring more businesses and travelers to our state. I will continue to work to support small businesses in Granite State as we recover and rebuild from this pandemic. “
“Our travel and tourism industries are fueling the growth and success of many of New Hampshire’s small businesses,” said Rep. Pappas. “Investing like this helps boost local businesses and fuel this important part of our economy. As we recover from the pandemic, I will continue to support efforts that help our small businesses and communities thrive. “
The EDA’s mission is to guide the federal agenda for economic development by promoting competitiveness and preparing the country’s regions for growth and success in the global economy. As an agency of the US Department of Commerce, EDA invests in economically distressed communities to create jobs for US workers, fuel American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
As chairman of the Senate Funds Subcommittee that funds the EDA, securing resources for the agency has long been a priority for Senator Shaheen. In recently issued law Shaheen secured $ 395 million for the EDA through the Senate Appropriations Committee to fund the federal government for the 2022 budget year. That value is up $ 49 million from the previous year. It is estimated that this funding will generate $ 3.5 billion in local and private investment this year and support more than 30,000 American jobs. The senator previously against the efforts of the Trump administration Reduce or cancel funding for the EDA, which recently granted grants for a variety of projects to the Granite State communities, by Flood control infrastructure in Plymouth to Economic development projects in the Monadnock region.
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