U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.52 Million to Protect Businesses From Flooding in Bristol, New Hampshire

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 23:

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.52 million grant to the Town of Bristol, New Hampshire, to make flood control infrastructure improvements needed to protect the downtown commercial district. The EDA grant will be matched with $500,000 in state funds and $380,000 in local matching funds.

"The Trump Administration is committed to helping American communities impacted by natural disasters obtain the modern infrastructure they need to encourage business attraction and growth," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. "This project will fund improvements to Bristol's flood control infrastructure to strengthen the area's physical and economic resiliency in the face of future natural disasters."

"This EDA investment will support critical improvements to Bristol's sewer and roadway infrastructure that will mitigate the effects of flooding on the local business community," said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. "The project includes the installation of new sewer lines, stormwater management and roadway improvements to help Bristol protect its commercial district during storms and decrease businesses' vulnerability to flood-related disasters."

"The people of New Hampshire appreciate the Federal support to address disaster-related concerns, and specifically to help ensure our critical infrastructure is resilient," said Governor Chris Sununu. "These types of investments provide results in so many important ways. We look forward to the successful completion of these projects and seeing the results for years to come."

"Flooding can easily be the last straw for a small business," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. "I'm very glad to see this new funding awarded to Bristol which will help provide some peace of mind to Bristol business owners. 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," said Senator Maggie Hassan. "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 Annie Kuster (NH-02). "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."

This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20) (https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ20/PLAW-116publ20.pdf), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (https://www.eda.gov/pdf/about/Economic-Adjustment-Assistance-Program-1-Pager.pdf) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA's Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.