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NBRC Awards $53.9 Million in 2025 Spring Round Grants, Supporting Economic Development and Transportation Infrastructure Projects

$53.9 Million Awarded in Spring Round Grants, Supporting Economic Development and Transportation Infrastructure Projects

69 new awards through the Catalyst and Timber for Transit programs will benefit communities throughout the Commission’s member states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2025
Contact: Andrea Smith, Program Director asmith@nbrc.gov
(603) 369-3001


CONCORD, N.H. – Today, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced $53.9 million in new awards as part of the Commission’s Spring Round competition across its Catalyst and Timber for Transit programs. The 69 awards will benefit communities throughout the Commission’s member states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

Awards made per program include the following:

  • $46.3 million awarded through the Catalyst Program:
    • 36 infrastructure projects support proposals for the construction of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems; road and sidewalk infrastructure; childcare, healthcare, and community center facilities; and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
    • 28 non-infrastructure projects fall within tourism and recreation, healthcare, business and workforce development categories. Six projects were awarded through a new feasibility category, for planning and design initiatives that will result in deliverables supporting the implementation of an infrastructure project.
  • $7.6 million awarded through the Timber for Transit Program includes three transportation infrastructure projects involving rail, trail, or pedestrian bridges, one feasibility project focusing on maintaining road infrastructure across the NBRC region, and one transportation-adjacent infrastructure project involving the construction of a new passenger terminal.

“The slate of awards approved by the Commission represent a generational investment in local economies across Northern New England and New York. This public investment in infrastructure will directly lead to the creation of new jobs and businesses, housing construction and improved economic opportunity and vitality in rural communities,” said NBRC Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders.

A project in Aroostook County, Maine will use Timber for Transit funding to build a pedestrian bridge with laminated, local timber as part of a transformative community initiative:

“We are excited to see how the Island Bridge Project will help to transform our community—not just by providing a safe and scenic crossing to our namesake island, but by supporting ongoing downtown revitalization. The use of lumber harvested from town-owned property makes this project even more meaningful. It will strengthen connections between neighborhoods, trails, and local businesses, encourage more foot traffic and community activity. This project reflects our dedication to accessibility, vibrancy, and a walkable, welcoming town center,” said Jutta Beyer, Town Manager for the Town of Island Falls.

In Chittenden County, Vermont, a Catalyst award will help replace aging wastewater plant infrastructure while setting the community up for extreme weather resilience and future development:

"This grant will have a huge impact on our community, and we are so grateful that this resource exists to make these improvements possible. With these funds, the Bolton Valley community will be able to move forward with a much-needed wastewater plant upgrade and set the stage for new residential development. These funds will move the needle on these projects. We truly cannot overstate the impact,” said Lindsay Deslauriers, President, CEO of Bolton Valley Water and Community Development Co.

Catalyst grant funding in Coös County, New Hampshire will go towards the renovation and expansion of a dental clinic, doubling capacity to meet oral health needs:

“This important award from the Northern Border Regional Commission will support the expansion of dental services in the North Country,” said Ken Gordon, Chief Executive Officer at Coös County Family Health Services. “Not only will local residents have expanded access to dental care, but the award will create the infrastructure needed to train a new generation of dentists and other oral health professionals.”

The funds for NBRC programs are available thanks to the support of the Congressional Delegations of all four NBRC states: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC’s grants management system will open for Fall Round pre-applications in August 2025. Please refer to NBRC’s website, www.nbrc.gov, for important dates and announcements about current and future funding opportunities.

To View Awards by State: Click for a PDF Version of the Full Press Release

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Created in 2008, the Northern Border Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership whose mission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont through flexible funding and strategic support.