U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on April 3 introduced a bipartisan bill that would enhance accessibility to the Northern Border Regional Commission (NRBC) grant program, a new federal-state partnership for economic and community development within the most distressed counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.

“The Northern Border Regional Commission grants and projects have made a significant impact in our communities located along the Canadian border,” Rep. Stefanik said. “I have seen the success of many of these projects firsthand, and this bill is an important step in increasing access to the program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Rep. Stefanik is among six original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), to introduce H.R. 6447 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH), which would permit the NRBC to temporarily contribute 100 percent of the cost of projects that are awarded funding.

Traditionally, NBRC grant recipients must contribute 20 percent of the total cost of a project from another funding source, while NBRC finances the other 80 percent.

If enacted, the legislation would temporarily waive the 20 percent matching requirement to encourage participation and ease the burden on recent grantees, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Stefanik’s office.

“This legislation aims to encourage participation and allow for the development of several important projects for our North Country communities,” said Rep. Stefanik. “Despite these challenging times, I will continue to advocate for the NBRC and the positive impact it has on our district.”

The North Country Chamber of Commerce supports H.R. 6447, which has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.