NBRC Awards $37.2 Million to Drive Rural Economic Development
December 8, 2025
Contact: media@nbrc.gov
(603) 369-3001
CONCORD, N.H. – Today, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced $37.2 million in new awards as part of the Commission’s fall round competition across its Catalyst, Forest Economy, and Timber for Transit programs. The 59 new 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:
- $31.1 million awarded through the Catalyst Program:
- 24 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.
- 29 non-infrastructure projects fall within tourism and recreation, healthcare, business and workforce development categories. Eleven projects were awarded through a feasibility category, for planning and design initiatives that will result in deliverables supporting the implementation of an infrastructure project.
- $2.99 million awarded through the Forest Economy Program will help transform a rail facility into a small-scale transload hub for forest products, launch a Troops to Timber program to train veterans for careers in forestry and logging, and support advanced wood heating systems and develop a fuel price comparison platform to promote low-grade wood use.
- $3 million awarded through the Timber for Transit Program will support a bridge replacement and modernization project in New York, a multistate nanocellulose-enhanced concrete pilot program, and a feasibility study of a new Welcome Center at the Vermont-Canada border.
“NBRC is thrilled to announce these awards to rural communities across Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. NBRC funding will help unlock future private investment; grow the economy of the region, states and local communities; and importantly, improve the day-to-day lives of people that live in Northern New England and New York. The range of projects announced today highlight the flexible way NBRC can adapt to support the economic priorities of the region,” said NBRC Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders.
In New York, the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) will launch a nonprofit business acceleration program to benefit multiple counties:
“AEDC is delighted to receive Catalyst funding to allow us to launch a nonprofit accelerator for the Adirondacks. We know the critical role that the hundreds of nonprofits across our region play in driving the economy, workforce needs, jobs and quality of life within our communities and for its many visitors. External changes have presented increasing challenges to these important businesses and this initiative will employ AEDC’s skills to strategize for their stabilization and to maximize growth opportunities. We are so excited to see the catalytic impacts that this work brings across the region,” said Victoria Zinser Duley, Executive Director for the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC).
In Plymouth, NH, a Catalyst award will support a renovation project, turning a hospital-owned building into three transitional housing units for healthcare staff:
“This NBRC grant represents a critical investment in addressing our healthcare workforce challenges by providing quality transitional housing that will help us attract and retain the skilled professionals our community needs. By converting underutilized office space into residential units, we're creating practical solutions that support both our healthcare system and broader community housing efforts,” said Michelle L. McEwen, President/CEO of Speare Memorial Hospital.
In Vermont, a Catalyst project supports access to shared public space and a strong local economy through the acquisition and renovation of the Cambridge Community Center in Jeffersonville:
“This NBRC award will allow Cambridge 360 to acquire and renovate the Cambridge Community Center - a critical community and economic asset that directly supports regional economic activity, community connections, and quality of life. The CCC hosts fitness and youth programs, tournaments, and community events that generate local spending while providing equitable access to health and recreation for residents of all ages. The project will directly benefit small businesses and over 1,100 households in the region around Cambridge. We are honored to receive this award and excited to see its impact on our town!” said Sharon Laidlaw, Interim President of Cambridge 360.
A multistate project supported through the Timber for Transit program aims to catalyze commercialization of nanocellulose, support regional forestry jobs, and reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects:
“We are thrilled to receive this award in partnership with New Hampshire, New York, and Maine. Demonstrating nanocellulose-enhanced concrete in real community projects will help us build stronger, longer-lasting infrastructure, reduce climate impacts, and open new markets for lower market value wood products across the Northern Border region. This work supports rural jobs, drives innovation in forest products, and reinforces the value of keeping working forests working,” said Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
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 2026 spring round pre-applications in February 2026. Please refer to NBRC’s website, www.nbrc.gov, for important dates and announcements about current and future funding opportunities.