Sens. Shaheen, Hassan and Rep. Kuster Applaud $3.52 Million Grant to Strengthen Flood Control Infrastructure in Bristol

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) issued the following statements in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) that Bristol will receive a $3.52 million federal grant to make flood control infrastructure improvements that will help protect businesses in the town's downtown commercial district:

"Flooding can easily be the last straw for a small business. I'm very glad to see this new funding awarded to Bristol which will help provide some peace of mind to Bristol business owners," said Senator Shaheen, the lead Democrat on the Senate subcommittee that funds the EDA. "This project is about local economic development and the well-being of Bristol's downtown. Securing investments in New Hampshire infrastructure projects is one of my top priorities in the Senate and I'll continue to fight for resources to bolster our economy and help our small businesses."

"This $3.5 million federal grant to upgrade Bristol's flood control infrastructure will help protect Bristol's businesses from devastating losses," Senator Hassan said. "As Granite State businesses continue to face economic hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I will keep working to strengthen our resiliency to natural disasters, such as flooding, that could harm our economic growth and recovery."

"This federal grant is an important investment in the town of Bristol to help protect its local businesses from flooding," said Congresswoman Kuster. "Flooding poses a serious threat to businesses and homes in New Hampshire, and this funding will enable Bristol to invest in updated and improved flood control infrastructure to protect the town's local economy. I will continue working to improve our state's infrastructure and safeguard our communities from natural disasters."

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. During federal budget negotiations, Shaheen led successful efforts to prevent the EDA - the agency administering this grant - from being eliminated.