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. The NBRC must establish a state capacity building program to provide grants to commission states (Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont) to better support business retention and expansion in eligible counties and for other specified purposes. Each commission state shall provide to the NBRC an annual work plan that includes the proposed use of the grant.

Additionally, the NBRC may make grants for the planning, construction, equipment, and operation of demonstration health, nutrition, and child care projects. Such grants must give special emphasis to projects and activities to address substance use disorders, including opioid and methamphetamine use.

The bill authorizes these regional commissions (as part of economic and infrastructure development grants) to (1) design, build, implement, or upgrade transportation or basic public infrastructure or workforce capacity to support the adaptation to and mitigation of climate challenges; and (2) 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 s 292, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. This bill aims to reauthorize the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which 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 NBRC was originally established in 2008 to address the economic challenges facing rural communities along the US-Canada border. The commission provides funding for projects that promote job creation, infrastructure development, and workforce training in these areas. The reauthorization of the NBRC would ensure that these vital economic development programs continue to receive federal support.

If passed, Bill 118 s 292 would extend the authorization of the NBRC for an additional five years, providing funding for projects that support economic growth and job creation in the northern border region. The bill also includes provisions to improve transparency and accountability in the commission's operations, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. Overall, the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023 aims to support economic development in rural communities along the US-Canada border, helping to create jobs and improve the quality of life for residents in these areas.