(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Economic Development Administration (EDA), along with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded the EDA’s announcement that the agency is awarding a $2.2 million grant to the Mount Washington Valley Trails Association in North Conway to construct a 2.2-mile multi-use recreational path that will attract additional visitors to the region. This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program.
This project will boost tourism by extending an existing path from the Cranmore Mountain Resort north to the Intervale Scenic Vista. The EDA investment will be matched with $989,985 in local funds and is expected to create 30 jobs, retain 15 jobs and generate $70 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“This latest grant from the Economic Development Administration reaffirms how critical the agency is to communities like North Conway, providing important federal investments to kick-start or enhance local projects,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “This funding will do just that by constructing a recreational path for Granite Staters and visitors from all over to explore and admire the beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This is a win for our tourism economy and the region. I’ll continue to fight for funding to support the EDA’s efforts, which so often benefit exciting Granite State projects like this.”
“Outdoor recreation is a critical part of New Hampshire’s way of life and helps power our economy. I’m excited to see these federal dollars that I helped secure head to the Mount Washington Valley to expand our trails,” said Senator Maggie Hassan. “This project will attract visitors, create jobs, support small businesses, and bolster the area’s tourism and economy. I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
“Outdoor recreation brings billions of dollars into New Hampshire’s economy every year, boosting our local small businesses and creating jobs. These funds for trail infrastructure will make the Mount Washington Valley an even more attractive place to visit, recreate, and do business,” said Representative Chris Pappas. “I will always support our communities in seeking out new opportunities that will drive economic development and improve quality of life.”
“The outdoor recreation and tourism industries are critical to the economic vitality of communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Representative Kuster. “Investing in Granite State trails will help to bring more visitors to our state, create jobs, and grow our economy.”
“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to helping this critical sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger and more equitably for the future.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to partner with Mount Washington Valley Trails Association in its locally drive efforts to leverage its tourism industry to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will enhance the visitor experience in North Conway, while also paving the way for job creation and more tourism-based economic development.”
As Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen oversees funding for the EDA. In the fiscal year (FY) 2023 government funding legislation that her Subcommittee released earlier this year, Senator Shaheen included $450 million for the EDA. This level is an increase of $76.5 million above the prior year. Shaheen previously opposed efforts by the Trump administration to reduce or eliminate funding for the EDA, which recently awarded grants to Granite State communities for a wide variety of projects.
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