Community Project Funding
Any Community Project Funding request must match specific funding accounts and purposes, which are detailed in this booklet. Please note, the information in the booklet largely consists of content drawn from House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 guidelines.
Keep in mind that Congressman Pappas can typically only submit 15 requests to the House Appropriations Committee. Given the high levels of interest, not every organization will get a request submitted to the Appropriations Committee.
Submissions for FY26 have closed. More information will be posted for FY 2027 community project submissions when our office has it.
Important Information
Community Support
Community engagement and support is crucial in determining which projects are worthy of Federal funding. Only projects with demonstrated community support will be considered. This recommendation builds on past Committee reforms, and Members will be required to present to the Committee evidence of community support that were compelling factors in their decision to submit the request.
Examples of these include, but are not limited to:
- Letters of support from elected community leaders (e.g. mayors or other officials);
- Press articles highlighting the need for the requested Community Project Funding;
- Support from newspaper editorial boards;
- Projects listed on State intended use plans, community development plans, or other publicly available planning documents; or
- Resolutions passed by city councils or boards.
Ban on For-Profit recipients
The Committee is imposing a ban on directing Community Project Funding to for-profit entities.
Matching requirements
Several Federal programs eligible for Community Project Funding requests require a State or local match for projects either by statute or according to longstanding policy. The Committee will not waive these matching requirements for Community Project Funding requests, so it is important that Member offices discuss with their State and local officials the ability for localities to meet matching requirements prior to requesting a project. Note: This does not mean that matching funds must be in-hand prior to requesting a project, but that local officials must have a plan to meet such requirements in order for such a project to be viable.
One-year funding
Each project request must be for fiscal year 2026 funds only and cannot include a request for multiyear funding. However, the performance period for a project funded with amounts provided in fiscal year 2026 will depend on the appropriations account from which it is funded and may be longer than one year.
State, local, or Tribal governmental entities as grantees
Members are encouraged to consider public entities as primary grantees to oversee the completion of the project.
- For infrastructure projects, many States have established lists or intended use plans with projects that have already been vetted by governmental officials (e.g. drinking water, wastewater, and highways).
Non-profits as grantees
Requester will need to provide evidence that the recipient is a nonprofit organization by either supplying the Employer Identification Number or an IRS determination letter. Further, many water projects often partner with non-profit entities to complete projects. Therefore, projects may also be directed to non-profits with an inherently governmental function.
Process
Interested municipalities and non-profits can make their requests here.
All requests will be reviewed by Congressman Pappas’s Community Advisory Board to vet their feasibility and ensure they meet the requirements laid out by the House Appropriations Committee.
Final submissions will be made to the House Appropriations Committee and Congressman Pappas will attest neither he nor his immediate family has a financial stake in any of the projects he chooses to submit.
FAQs
Q: What is Community Project Funding?
A: Community Project Funding (also known as Congressionally Directed Spending or earmarks) are requests by Members of Congress to provide specific, one-time funding to a municipality or organization meeting requirements outlined under federal law. Projects receiving funding typically have a clear purpose and goal beyond normal operating activities for which traditional funding is not available.
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting my request?
A: The deadline for requests is March 31, 2025.
Q: What happens after I submit my request?
A: Congressman Pappas’s office will review your request and determine if further information is needed and if your request meets the guidelines laid out by the House Appropriations Committee.
Q: Should I submit my request to other Congressional Offices?
A: Our office strongly recommends you submit your project to all of your federal representatives.
Q: Are there limits on what I can request funding for?
A: Yes. The programs providing funding for these requests have restrictions and guidelines on how these funds can be used. Generally speaking, Community Project Funding cannot be used for debt services, operating costs or salary, reimbursement of costs already incurred, or for projects that do not have community support.
Q: Can I request Community Project Funding for a multi-year project?
A: No. Community Project Funding is a one-time appropriation of funds that must be allocated within a one-year timeframe. If you have a multi-phase project that will take years to complete you can request funding for a specific portion of your project.
Q: If my project is selected will I receive the full amount I requested? And when will I receive it?
A: Congressman Pappas and his office will diligently work to include your project in the relevant appropriations bills but there is no guarantee the request will be funded at the requested level. Typically funds have been made available the calendar year following the request.
Q: Can I submit multiple projects for consideration?
A: Yes, but it is highly unlikely you will have multiple requests funded. If you do make multiple requests, please be prepared to rank in terms of priority.
Q: I have received Community Project Funding in previous years through Congressman Pappas’s Office. Can I apply again?
A: Yes. All requests will be given consideration.
Q: What is the Community Advisory Board?
A: Congressman Pappas is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process when making Community Project Funding submissions and assembled a group of volunteers with experience in government and non-profit management to help him and his office vet and assess all project requests. The Community Advisory Board works closely with Congressman Pappas and his office to review projects, ensure they fulfill a need in their community, and meet the requirements laid out by the House Appropriations Committee.
Q: What are some examples of projects which have been funded through this process in past years?
A: You can see examples of projects selected by Congressman Pappas in past years here and below.
Projects submitted by Congressman Chris Pappas on behalf of his constituents and his district for FY ‘26 can be found below.
Project: Derry, Londonderry, Windham Police RMS/CAD System
Requester: Town of Derry Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 1 Municipal Drive, Derry, NH 03038
Funding Request: $1,817,000
Description: The Towns of Derry, Londonderry, and Windham are seeking grant funds for a regionalized records management software and computer aided dispatch police information systems in order to replace outdated technologies. This project will increase interoperability, communications, and information sharing with agency partners and community stakeholders.
Letter: Derry, Londonderry, Windham Police RMS/CAD System
Project: Pettengill Road Traffic Improvements and Widening Project
Requester: Town of Londonderry
Account: Highway Infrastructure Projects
Address: 268B Mammoth Road, Londonderry NH 03053
Funding Request: $3,000,000
Description: The project entails traffic signal, timing, and geometric improvements to Pettengill Road, as well as the widening of Pettengill Road to four lanes. This project will improve traffic flow and safety on Pettengill Road, opening an additional 700 acres to development.
Letter: Pettengill Road Traffic Improvements and Widening Project
Project: Martins Ferry Roadway Intersection Improvement and Bridge Project
Requester: Town of Hooksett
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 35 Main Street, Hooksett NH 03106
Funding Request: $2,800,000
Description: This project would reconstruct the intersection of Martins Ferry Road and North River Road including roadway realignment, realignment of Messer Brook and construction of a new bridge. The improvement will address speed concerns and will eliminate the risk of flooding and erosion and redirect the stream to its natural course. It will also eliminate significant maintenance concerns regarding the existing guardrails and drainage culvert.
Letter: Martins Ferry Roadway Intersection Improvement and Bridge Project
Project: Rochester Wastewater Lagoon Desludge Phase II
Requester: City of Rochester
Account: STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 209 Chestnut Hill Road, Rochester, NH 03867
Funding Request: $2,000,000
Description: The second proposed phase of this project will restore equalization capacity at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Facility in order to maintain safe and adequate operations and allow for future growth and development in the community.
Letter: Rochester Wastewater Lagoon Desludge Phase II
Project: Garrison Crossing
Requester: Dover Housing Authority
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 62 Whittier St., Dover, NH 03820
Funding Request: $6,000,000
Description: This project will support mixed-use commercial and affordable housing development on 13.92 acres of City-owned land to build 116 apartments and 196 parking spaces, including 25 electric vehicle charging stations.
Letter: Garrison Crossing
Project: Urban Forest Workforce Housing Project
Requester: Portsmouth Housing Authority
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 245 Middle Street Portsmouth, NH 03801
Funding Request: $3,000,000
Description: This project will develop 44 units of permanently affordable workforce housing with a modern, high-quality, early learning center with capacity for up to 70 children, as well as non-profit social services and community space to support these households and others throughout the region.
Letter: Urban Forest Workforce Housing Project
Project: Portsmouth Police IT & Security
Requester: Portsmouth Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 3 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Funding Request: $1,500,000
Description: This project will upgrade, expand, and improve information technology (IT), communications, and facility security equipment at the headquarters of the Portsmouth Police Department.
Letter: Portsmouth Police IT & Security
Project: Newmarket Police Department Technology Upgrades
Requester: Newmarket Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 70 Exeter Street, Newmarket, NH 03857
Funding Request: $400,000
Description: This project will invest in improved dispatch and land mobile radio consoles, along with modern document management software for the Newmarket Police Department. Replacing these control stations and base/repeaters will allow Department to increase its capacity by allowing for better operational redundancy and over-the-air control. The modern document management software upgrades will assist the Department in becoming an accredited agency and meet modern policing standards.
Letter: Newmarket Police Department Technology Upgrades
Project: Somersworth Police Department Police Portable Radios
Requester: Somersworth Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 12 Lilac Lane, Somersworth, NH 03878
Funding Request: $130,000
Description: This project will purchase 30 police portable radios to replace equipment that is near or beyond the manufacturer's recommended equipment life.
Letter: Somersworth Police Department Police Portable Radios
Project: JFK Coliseum Chiller Plant Replacement
Requester: City of Manchester
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 475 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Funding Request: $1,400,000
Description: This project would replace the chiller plant and switch gear at JFK Memorial Coliseum, which is an important municipal asset for the City of Manchester and surrounding communities. During the winter of 2022-2023, the facility saw over 54,000 individual users. The arena supports public recreation, as well as club teams at the youth, high school and adult levels.
Letter: JFK Coliseum Chiller Plant Replacement
Project: Manchester MS4 Drainage Improvements
Requester: City of Manchester
Account: STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 300 Winston Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Funding Request: $2,400,000
Description: This project will address failing and undersized water infrastructure, which will reduce city resources spent on temporary fixes and improve water quality in the Merrimack River, which is a key drinking water source for about 600,000 people.
Letter: Manchester MS4 Drainage Improvements
Project: Rye Fuel Island Replacement
Requester: Town of Rye
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 10 Central Rd Rye, NH 03870
Funding Request: $1,400,000
Description: This project seeks to relocate and replace critical infrastructure and end-of-life equipment for fueling vehicles and equipment. The current system, which is approximately 39 years old, poses a significant environmental risk due to its location above a sensitive water aquifer. This project is critical to safeguard the Town's water resources and ensure continued operation of essential services.
Letter: Rye Fuel Island Replacement
Project: Newmarket Sewer Reliability Improvements Project
Requester: Town of Newmarket
Account: STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 186 Main Street, Newmarket, NH 03857
Funding Request: $4,400,000
Description: This project addresses a critical infrastructure need by replacing an aging sewer forcemain and upgrading essential wastewater pumping facilities. These upgrades ensure that reliable wastewater conveyance will continue and will mitigate potential negative environmental outcomes, such as untreated wastewater discharges into the Lamprey River.
Letter: Newmarket Sewer Reliability Improvements Project
Project: Barrington Commons
Requester: Town of Barrington
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 4 Signature Drive, P.O. Box 660, Barrington, NH 03825
Funding Request: $4,000,000
Description: The funding would be used to establish a 13-acre public park in Barrington’s Town Center with multi-generational amenities to achieve the community’s decades-old vision of supporting community and economic growth. The project will support the hundreds of approved residential housing units and help meet the increased demand for new commercial and residential development within the community.
Letter: Barrington Commons
Project: New Hampshire Rail Trail User Counting Network
Requester: Rockingham Planning Commission
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 156 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
Funding Request: $435,500
Description: This project would support the purchase and installation of a network of 68 permanent automated trail user counters on 35 rail trails in New Hampshire.
Letter: New Hampshire Rail Trail User Counting Network
Projects submitted by Congressman Chris Pappas on behalf of his constituents and his district for FY ‘25 can be found below.
Project: Barrington Commons
Requester: Town of Barrington
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 4 Signature Drive, P.O. Box 660, Barrington, NH 03825
Funding Request: $3,000,000
Description: The funding would be used to establish a 13-acre public park in Barrington’s Town Center with multi-generational amenities to achieve the community’s decades-old vision of supporting community and economic growth. The project will support the hundreds of approved residential housing units and help meet the increased demand for new commercial and residential development within the community.
Letter: Barrington Commons
Project: Derry, Londonderry, Windham Police RMS/CAD System
Requester: Town of Derry Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 1 Municipal Drive, Derry, NH 03038
Funding Request: $1,750,000
Description: The Towns of Derry, Londonderry, and Windham are seeking grant funds for a regionalized records management software and computer aided dispatch police information systems in order to replace outdated technologies. This project will increase interoperability, communications, and information sharing with agency partners and community stakeholders.
Letter: Derry, Londonderry, Windham Police RMS/CAD System
Project: Garrison Crossing
Requester: Dover Housing Authority
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 62 Whittier St., Dover, NH 03820
Funding Request: $4,000,000
Description: This project will support mixed-use commercial and affordable housing development on 13.92 acres of City-owned land to build 116 apartments and 196 parking spaces, including 25 electric vehicle charging stations.
Letter: Garrison Crossing
Project: JFK Coliseum Chiller Plant Replacement
Requester: City of Manchester
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 475 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Funding Request: $1,400,000
Description: This project would replace the chiller plant and switch gear at JFK Memorial Coliseum, which is an important municipal asset for the City of Manchester and surrounding communities. During the winter of 2022-2023, the facility saw over 54,000 individual users. The arena supports public recreation, as well as club teams at the youth, high school and adult levels.
Letter: JFK Coliseum Chiller Plant Replacement
Project: Manchester MS4 Drainage Improvements
Requester: City of Manchester
Account: STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 300 Winston Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Funding Request: $2,400,000
Description: This project will address failing and undersized water infrastructure, which will reduce city resources spent on temporary fixes and improve water quality in the Merrimack River, which is a key drinking water source for about 600,000 people.
Letter: Manchester MS4 Drainage Improvements
Project: Martins Ferry Roadway Intersection Improvement and Bridge Project
Requester: Town of Hooksett
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 35 Main Street, Hooksett NH 03106
Funding Request: $1,500,000
Description: This project would reconstruct the intersection of Martins Ferry Road and North River Road including roadway realignment, realignment of Messer Brook and construction of a new bridge. The improvement will address speed concerns and will eliminate the risk of flooding and erosion and redirect the stream to its natural course. It will also eliminate significant maintenance concerns regarding the existing guardrails and drainage culvert.
Letter: Martins Ferry Roadway Intersection Improvement and Bridge Project
Project: New Hampshire Rail Trail User Counting Network
Requester: Rockingham Planning Commission
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 156 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
Funding Request: $409,000
Description: This project would support the purchase and installation of a network of 68 permanent automated trail user counters on 35 rail trails in New Hampshire.
Letter: New Hampshire Rail Trail User Counting Network
Project: Newmarket Police Department Technology Upgrades
Requester: Newmarket Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 70 Exeter Street, Newmarket, NH 03857
Funding Request: $400,000
Description: This project will invest in improved dispatch and land mobile radio consoles, along with modern document management software for the Newmarket Police Department. Replacing these control stations and base/repeaters will allow Department to increase its capacity by allowing for better operational redundancy and over-the-air control. The modern document management software upgrades will assist the Department in becoming an accredited agency and meet modern policing standards.
Letter: Newmarket Police Department Technology Upgrades
Project: Newmarket Sewer Reliability Improvements Project
Requester: Town of Newmarket
Account: STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 186 Main Street, Newmarket, NH 03857
Funding Request: $4,080,000
Description: This project addresses a critical infrastructure need by replacing an aging sewer forcemain and upgrading essential wastewater pumping facilities. These upgrades ensure that reliable wastewater conveyance will continue and will mitigate potential negative environmental outcomes, such as untreated wastewater discharges into the Lamprey River.
Letter: Newmarket Sewer Reliability Improvements Project
Project: Pettengill Road Traffic Improvements and Widening Project
Requester: Town of Londonderry
Account: Highway Infrastructure Projects
Address: 268B Mammoth Road, Londonderry NH 03053
Funding Request: $3,000,000
Description: The project entails traffic signal, timing, and geometric improvements to Pettengill Road, as well as the widening of Pettengill Road to four lanes. This project will improve traffic flow and safety on Pettengill Road, opening an additional 700 acres to development.
Letter: Pettengill Road Traffic Improvements and Widening Project
Project: Portsmouth Police IT & Security
Requester: Portsmouth Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 3 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Funding Request: $1,500,000
Description: This project will upgrade, expand, and improve information technology (IT), communications, and facility security equipment at the headquarters of the Portsmouth Police Department.
Letter: Portsmouth Police IT & Security
Project: Rochester Wastewater Lagoon Desludge
Requester: City of Rochester
Account: STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 209 Chestnut Hill Road, Rochester, NH 03867
Funding Request: $4,000,000
Description: The proposed project will restore equalization capacity at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Facility in order to maintain safe and adequate operations and allow for future growth and development in the community.
Letter: Rochester Wastewater Lagoon Desludge
Project: Rye Fuel Island Replacement
Requester: Town of Rye
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 10 Central Rd Rye, NH 03870
Funding Request: $1,200,000
Description: This project seeks to relocate and replace critical infrastructure and end-of-life equipment for fueling vehicles and equipment. The current system, which is approximately 39 years old, poses a significant environmental risk due to its location above a sensitive water aquifer. This project is critical to safeguard the Town's water resources and ensure continued operation of essential services.
Letter: Rye Fuel Island Replacement
Project: Somersworth Police Department Police Portable Radios
Requester: Somersworth Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 12 Lilac Lane, Somersworth, NH 03878
Funding Request: $125,000
Description: This project will purchase 30 police portable radios to replace equipment that is near or beyond the manufacturer's recommended equipment life.
Letter: Somersworth Police Department Police Portable Radios
Project: Urban Forest Workforce Housing Project
Requester: Portsmouth Housing Authority
Account: CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 245 Middle Street Portsmouth, NH 03801
Funding Request: $3,000,000
Description: This project will develop 44 units of permanently affordable workforce housing with a modern, high-quality, early learning center with capacity for up to 70 children, as well as non-profit social services and community space to support these households and others throughout the region.