Press Releases

Washington, DC --- Congressman Paul Hodes today wrote to President Barack Obama, urging him to appoint a federal co-chair to the Northern Border Regional Commission. Last week, President Obama approved $1.5 million in initial funding for the Commission that will help create jobs and spur economic development in New Hampshire’s North Country.

"I am grateful for the President’s support of this Commission that will create jobs for working families in New Hampshire’s North Country," said Congressman Hodes. "I urge the President to move quickly and appoint a federal co-chair so that we can provide immediate relief to our communities."

Congressman Hodes introduced legislation to create the Northern Border Regional Commission in 2007, during his first term in office. New Hampshire’s northern-most areas have some of the highest unemployment rates in the state. The funding that was approved last week is the first step in securing resources for the Commission, and Congressman Hodes will continue to push for more support in the future. The Commission will soon begin to invest in infrastructure improvements to roads, railways, and broadband internet throughout Grafton, Coos, Sullivan, and Carroll counties. It will also invest federal resources in job training, energy generation, and health care.

Joining Congressman Hodes in signing the letter were Representatives Carol Shea-Porter, Michael Arcuri of New York, Michael Michaud and Chellie Pingree of Maine, and Peter Welch of Vermont. The full text of the letter is below:

Dear President Obama,

Thank you for signing into law $1.5 million in funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission.  In order to direct needed funds to the struggling region, we urge you to appoint a federal co-chair.

Our region has been faced with tough economic circumstances and the Commission will help tackle these problems. The Commission will provide funding for regional infrastructure needs as identified by states. This federal-state partnership is tailored to the specific needs of the region. In order for the Commission to begin investing in the belt of counties along the Northern Border in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York, a federal co-chair must be appointed.

The Commission will fund projects that create jobs, strengthen traditional sectors in the region’s economy and lead to a more diversified economy.  Investments in the Northern Border region will be able to support projects such as improved transportation infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, health care facilities, job training, small business development, and alternative energy projects. By taking a regional view, the Commission can promote projects that confer a broader benefit without states having to compete among themselves for scarce funds for the region.

The Commission was formally authorized by Congress as part of Public Law 6124. On October 28, 2009, the appropriations bill was signed into law in Public Law 111-85 with $1.5 million in funding.

With funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission signed into law, we respectfully request that you appoint a federal co-chair.  We look forward to the establishment of the Commission during this difficult economic period to help jumpstart our regional economy.

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