Upper Valley communities to benefit from Northern Border grants

Army National Guard Sgt. Connor Mello carries a section of pipe across Elm Street Bridge with the help of Tess Malloy, who works in customer relations at the Woodstock Aqueduct Company, in Woodstock, Vt., on Monday, July 17, 2023. The potable water pipe will replace the fire hose connecting two fire hydrants across the river, allowing the town to access drinking water while the Woodstock Aqueduct Company works on a permanent solution to a broken pipe. (Valley News / Report For America - Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Alex Driehaus

By LIZ SAUCHELLI

Valley News Staff Writer

Published: 06-26-2025 3:36 PM

NEWPORT — Upper Valley municipalities and nonprofit organizations have received grant funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission for infrastructure and economic development projects.

The town of Newport received $512,000 to put toward upgrading “its aging water distribution system, ensuring reliable access to clean water for over 1,600 homes and local businesses,” according to a news release from the state-federal partnership that supports community development and infrastructure projects in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Separately, the Newport Chamber of Commerce received $500,000 to renovate a historic railroad depot into the Newport Welcome Center. Planned improvements include building a restroom that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and installing a public Wi-Fi hot spot.

“By repurposing the building, the initiative aims to enhance economic and tourism activity, strengthen local engagement, and integrate with surrounding public amenities,” the release said.

Elsewhere, the town of Sunapee received $740,000 toward a $925,000 project to replace an aging bridge on Sargent Road with a new sustainable timber bridge. The grant will cover “final engineering design, environmental review, easement acquisition, and construction, ensuring a durable infrastructure solution that benefits local residents, businesses, and emergency services while promoting the use of timber in transportation applications,” the release said.

On the Vermont side of the region, the town of Woodstock received $869,000 to “upgrade its municipal drinking water system,” the release said. Earlier this year, the town purchased the system from the private company that previously owned it. Planned upgrades include replacing a well and installing a new water main. The project has a total cost of $1.7 million.

“By modernizing the system, Woodstock aims to enhance public health and safety, facilitate economic growth, and strengthen the town’s role as a regional tourism hub,” the release said.

Just outside of the Upper Valley, the John Hay Estate at The Fells in Newbury, N.H., received $127,200 to put toward replacing a roof on its historic main house.

Article continues after...