Community Project Funding

Community Project Funding allows local governments and qualified non-profits to receive a one-time, small to medium-sized allocation to complete projects of local importance and priority. All funds will be limited to state and local governments and nonprofits that carry out quasi-government functions. For-profit institutions, such as private companies, will not be eligible for funding. As your Member of Congress, Representative Pappas is committed to advocating for these and other federal appropriations of importance to the First District.

Community Project Funds will not increase overall spending levels. The funds are also limited to smaller amounts, targeted to local communities and select nonprofits.

The use of Community Project Funding has bipartisan support in Congress, with both House Democrats and Republicans supporting a transparent process as a way to target funds to projects that make sense for the district. New Hampshire has a long history of using these funds. Over fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, both Republican and Democratic members of New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation made community project funding requests which resulted in more than $491,000,000 in federal funding to benefit New Hampshire communities. Find that historical data here.

Community Advisory Board

To further welcome input from First District constituents, Congressman Pappas has assembled a five-member Community Advisory Board (CAB) to review and vet all Community Project Funding requests. This bipartisan group of community leaders will provide oversight and review all project requests.

The Community Advisory Board includes:

George Bald, Somersworth

George Bald was elected Mayor of the City of Somersworth in 1978, the youngest Mayor in the City’s history at 27 years old. After leaving Somersworth, he began the Economic Development department for the City of Rochester. In 1994, he began his duties as Economic Development Director for the Pease Development Authority. In 1998, Governor Jeanne Shaheen appointed George as Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development for the State of New Hampshire. In May 2004, he was appointed Executive Director of the Pease Development Authority, overseeing the continuing development of the 3,000-acre business park/airport. In 2006, Governor John Lynch appointed George for a second time as Commissioner of the Department of Resources & Economic Development. George, a U.S. Navy veteran, retired in 2012. Currently, he serves as chair of the Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission.

Theresa Kennett, Conway

Theresa Kennett has lived and worked in the Mt. Washington Valley for 40 years. Prior to retirement, Theresa was an advocate for affordable housing, instrumental in developing a framework for a public transportation system in Carroll County, and establishing a drug prevention and wellness program of activities for the Conway School District. In addition to her professional commitments, Theresa has a long history of community service, including membership on the Conway School Board, Conway Board of Selectmen, Conway Police Commission, Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and several non-profit boards.

Rick Russman, Kingston

Former Republican State Senator Russman's career of public service spanned over 35 years serving District 19 for over 10 years in the NH legislature. During his tenure, Rick served as Chairman of the Senate Environmental Committee working on legislation that protects New Hampshire’s clean air and clean water. After practicing law in the Exeter area for 32 years, Rick retired in 2004. Rick remains involved with the Society for the Protection of N.H. Forests, Southeast Land Trust, and Friends of Kingston Open Space. He is also co-founder of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.

Valerie Rochon, Hampton

Valerie Rochon is the President and Chief Collaborator of the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth NH, leading an organization that serves close to 800 members of the business community to build economic vitality in the greater Portsmouth area. Her background is in non-profit management and destination marketing, both domestically and internationally.

Kevin Clougherty, Manchester

Kevin Clougherty began his career in Manchester as a senior member of the team that successfully developed and implemented one of the first capital improvement programs (CIP) in the country. In 1985, he was appointed the State of New Hampshire’s first-ever Chief Deputy State Treasurer. In 1989, Kevin became the Chief Financial Officer of Manchester. He remained in that position for the next twenty years during which time his office oversaw the development of numerous major capital projects. In 2008, Kevin served as Commissioner of Revenue for the State of New Hampshire. Today, Kevin is an Intermittent Advisor for the United States Treasury Department, Office of Technical Assistance, working to improve budget/liquidity/ cash management operations in Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Uganda. 

Public Disclosure of Submissions

Underscoring his commitment to transparency, all Community Project Funding Requests that Rep. Pappas receives will be posted here.

Appropriations requests are collected by the office HERE.

Review and Comment Period

First District constituents will also have an opportunity to submit comments for consideration HERE.

Following the public disclosure of submissions, the Community Advisory Board will hold a meeting to review project requests. The municipalities and non-profits that submitted the request will be invited to speak about their project and answer questions for the Board. Records of this meeting will be available to the public upon request. Those meetings are available here, here, and here.

No Financial Interest

As part of the important reforms associated with Community Project Funding, the House Appropriations Committee is requiring Members to submit a certification that neither they nor their immediate families have any financial interest in projects they request. A template for such certification is available here.

Determination of Community Need

Final submissions will be required to show a clear need and positive impact on the community. 

Additional Information and Resources

House Committee on Appropriations Requests: https://appropriations.house.gov/appropriations-requests