Contact: Barbara Riley
Monday, September 8, 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu (R-NH) today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has approved $290,950 in federal funds to help bring wireless broadband Internet to the North Country.  These funds will allow the Northern Community Investment Corporation (NCIC) to construct a new cell tower and install a wireless broadband network at nine sites in Stark and Northumberland, which includes the village of Groveton, New Hampshire. 

Senators Gregg and Sununu stated, “The Internet is a critical tool for both business and households, and expanding broadband access will attract business investment and provide a significant economic boost to hard hit communities in the North Country.  This grant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the North Country community to bring high speed broadband Internet access to the region.  We congratulate the NCIC, the Littleton Industrial Development Corporation, and community members for their commitment to bringing this much needed service to the North Country.”

           Jon Freeman, President, Northern Community Investment Corporation, stated, “Thanks to the assistance of Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu, a true home run was scored for Groveton!  This grant allows us to build a critical telecommunications infrastructure that will be foundational in building a vibrant and diverse economy for the region.” 

In 2007, the Senators secured $686,000 in federal funds for the North Country Broadband project; this year they were able to include $700,000 for the project in a funding measure which now awaits consideration by the full Senate.  Last month Senator Gregg announced a $578,150 grant to assist NCIC’s Broadband efforts in Stratford.

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