Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill makes changes to the authorities and programs of regional economic and infrastructure development commissions.

Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and establishes and expands NBRC grant programs. Regional commissions may make grants for the planning, construction, equipment, and operation of health, nutrition, and child care projects.

The bill also authorizes these regional commissions (as part of economic and infrastructure development grants) to promote the production of housing to meet economic development and workforce needs.

Each commission may accept transfers of funds from other federal agencies. Discretionary grants made by a commission to implement significant regional initiatives, to take advantage of special development opportunities, or to respond to emergency economic distress may be made without regard to specified percentage limitations. The bill limits the aggregate amount of discretionary grants.

The Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 4188, is a piece of legislation that aims to reauthorize the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for an additional five years. The NBRC is a federal-state partnership that provides economic development assistance to distressed counties in the northern regions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.

The bill seeks to continue the work of the NBRC in promoting economic growth and job creation in these rural and underserved areas. It includes provisions to allocate funding for infrastructure projects, workforce development initiatives, and small business support programs. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector partners, in order to maximize the impact of the NBRC's efforts.

Overall, the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023 aims to support the economic revitalization of communities in the northern border region through targeted investments and strategic partnerships. By reauthorizing the NBRC and providing funding for its programs, the bill seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these rural areas and help them thrive in the years to come.