By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-980169.mp3
Plattsburgh, NY – The Northern Border Regional Commission was created in the 2008 farm bill by Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and NY's Congressional delegation to plan and invest federal resources in those states northernmost, and most economically distressed, counties. The Commission has announced that 1.3 million dollars in grants will be awarded to the region by the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30th. Applicable projects must create jobs, and enhance the region's economy and infrastructure. Field Representative for Senator Patrick Leahy Ted Brady.
Northern Forest Center Program and Policy Director Joe Short finds the Border Commission grants different in a couple ways.
Joe Short says the Northern Border Regional Commission helps fill the gap where many federal programs fail to help rural communities.
Priority will be given to applications for projects in what are considered economically distressed counties. In NYS they are Clinton, Franklin, Fulton, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Oswego and St. Lawrence, and the Utica-Rome Labor Market Area. Other eligible counties in NY are Cayuga, Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, Madison and Seneca. Eligible counties in Vermont include Essex, Lamoille, Franklin, Orleans, Grand Isle, and Caledonia.