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Major Grant to Boost Economic Development in Monadnock Region

Published Monday Aug 24, 2015

The parent company of Vermont Yankee will provide a $350,000 grant that will benefit communities in southwestern New Hampshire affected by the closure of the nuclear facility, including Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Keene, Swanzey and Winchester.
 
Monadnock Economic Development Corp. applied for the grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation. “Through our Vermont Yankee Working Group, state officials and other stakeholders from affected communities have worked on coordinated efforts to ensure that our communities and workers are fully supported and protected,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan. “This grant is a result of those critical efforts and it will help spur economic development throughout affected communities in Cheshire County.”
 
The MEDC will use $250,000 to establish a revolving loan fund and investment program; the balance will be shared by the Southwest Region Planning Commission and the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce for planning and outreach. With investment capital available, the region can attract businesses creating new and sustainable jobs with benefits, like KEAP, which is upgrading the renewable energy facility at the transfer station to power a one-acre greenhouse that will provide salad to local markets.
 
“These funds represent Entergy Corp.’s contribution to investing in the future of Cheshire County,” said company Vice President Michael Twomey. “We are honored to assist in making this project a reality.”
 
About 200 New Hampshire residents were employed by Vermont Yankee, which has also supported charitable causes and safety improvements in its neighboring Granite State communities.
 
“The grant from Entergy Corp. is a continued investment in our communities,” said state Sen. Molly Kelly. “This will provide resources to the agencies that will be on the forefront of creating new opportunities and investment in the region at this economic crossroad. I am confident we’ll work together to chart the next course for southwestern New Hampshire.”
 
“I applaud our working group and Senator Kelly in particular, as well as the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation, the Southwest Region Planning Commission and the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce for their hard work to secure this grant, and I thank Entergy Corporation for its investment in our communities,” Hassan said.

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