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Community Project Funding

As of now, we are waiting for House leadership and Appropriations Committee to release the guidance for community project funding Fiscal Year 2025. While Rep. Pappas is a strong advocate for community project funding, House leadership may choose to stop allowing Members of Congress to submit projects through this process.

However, given the short timeline between the release of guidance and deadlines for Member submissions, we wanted to provide you with the information you need to consider developing a project submission for FY 2025 community project funding cycle. We are also sharing our form for FY 2025 community project submissions. Please note that we may follow up with clarifying updates once the Appropriations Committee releases guidance for the FY 2025 community project funding process.

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 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.

Project submissions should be made through Congressman Pappas’s Community Project Request Form. Due to the incredibly compressed timeline instituted by the House Appropriations Committee, Community Project Funding requests are due no later than March 22, 2024.

Congressman Pappas will choose project requests based on their adherence to the criteria set by the House Appropriations Committee. This is to ensure the highest likelihood that the project gets funding; however, there is no guarantee that any project request will be fulfilled by the House Appropriations Committee or that the funding will be at the level requested.

The project should have a concrete, definitive, and detailed description. Projects that are located within New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, are scalable, have already secured a portion of the project’s funding needs or have a plan to secure matching funds, with strong evidence of public support, with clear ability to execute the project, and which align with important priorities for communities in NH-01, will be given priority.

After submission, Congressman Pappas’s Office may have follow-up questions and information requests, and the project submission may need to be modified.

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 2025 funds only and cannot include a request for multiyear funding.  However, the performance period for a project funded with amounts provided in fiscal year 2025 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 and are required to provide the following information by March 15.

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: Yes, requests must be made to Congressman Pappas’s Office by March 15. 

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 the projects selected by Congressman Pappas for FY ‘22 and FY ‘23 here.

Projects submitted by Congressman Chris Pappas on behalf of his constituents and his district for FY ‘24 can be found here and below. 

Project: Wolfeboro, NH Police Department Public Safety Building Renovation and Expansion
Requester: Town of Wolfeboro
Address: 251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro NH 03894
Funding Request: $1,314,000
Description: The funding would be used for expanding the existing Wolfeboro Police Department space to meet the needs of the current occupants, visitors, and Police, Fire, Dispatch and Emergency Management, and allow for a de-contamination area during construction.
Letter: NH Police Department Public Safety Building Renovation and Expansion

Project: Danville, NH New Police Department Building
Requester: Town of Danville
Address: 210 Main St, Danville, NH 03819
Funding Request: $200,000
Description: The funding would be used for the building of a police station for the Danville Police Department. This funding would help create offices to meet staffing needs, secure booking areas to process adult and juvenile detainees, and an impound yard to hold vehicles and other impounded property. It will also allow for the Danville Police Department to build three garage bays, additional restrooms, a larger parking area for employees and visitors, and an exercise and training area.
Letter: NH New Police Department Building

Project: City of Manchester, NH Christian Brook Sewer Separation Project
Requester: City of Manchester CSO
Address: 300 Winston Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Funding Request: $4,000,000
Description: The funding would be used for the construction of a new lateral drainage system for the northern central portion of the city stretching from McIntyre Ski area to the Merrimack River.
Letter: NH Christian Brook Sewer Separation Project

Project: Londonderry, NH Exit 4A Public Water and Sewer Facility Extension
Requester: Town of Londonderry
Address: 268B Mammoth Road, Londonderry NH 03053
Funding Request: $4,900,000
Description: The funding would be used to construct a 12-inch line public water and sewer facility required to extend water and sewer service to the Exit 4A area of Interstate 93, which is currently under construction and programmed for 300 residential dwelling units, 250,000 q. ft. of hospital or medical office uses, 170,000 sq ft. of assisted living or nursing care, a 200-room hotel, and 700,000 sq ft of commercial and office space.
Letter: NH Exit 4A Public Water and Sewer Facility Extension

Project: Portsmouth, NH Seacoast Greenway Trailhead Access
Requester: City of Portsmouth
Address: 1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth NH 03801
Funding Request: $2,070,400
Description: The funding would be used to construct two trailhead facilities for the NH Seacoast Greenway along with a short but critical segment of 10-feet wide multi-use path paralleling Borthwick Avenue on City-owned land. This will close the gap between the Borthwick Avenue trailhead and Downtown Portsmouth. Funding will also support a 40-space paved parking area for trail users, concrete pads and enclosures for portable restrooms, bicycle racks, trailhead kiosks and wayfinding signage, and a landscaping and seating area.
Letter: NH Seacoast Greenway Trailhead Access

Project: Carroll County, NH Infrastructure and Construction for Future Development
Requester: Carroll Mount Washington Valley Habitat for Humanity
Address: Settlers Green 2 Common Ct # C31, North Conway, NH 03860
Funding Request: $885,180
Description: The funding would be used by the Mount Washington Valley Habitat for Humanity for roadway construction, utility installation, well and waterline installation, and drainage measures for a planned 13-unit development.
Letter: NH Infrastructure and Construction for Future Development

Project: Manchester, NH Downtown Traffic Signal Infrastructure Improvements
Requester: City of Manchester Traffic Signals
Address: 475 Valley Street, Manchester NH 03103A
Funding Request:
 $1,600,000
Description: The funding would be used for the construction of the City of Manchester’s Downton Traffic Signal Infrastructure Improvements project which will improve signal timing with active detection technology.
Letter: NH Downtown Traffic Signal Infrastructure Improvements

Project: Laconia, NH Hill Street Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
Requester: City of Laconia
Address: 45 Beacon Street East, Laconia, NH, 03246
Funding Request: $810,000
Description: The funding would be used for the replacement of the Hill Street Pedestrian Bridge in Laconia, which spans the Winnipesaukee River.
Letter: NH Hill Street Pedestrian Bridge Replacement

Project: Greater Londonderry, NH Granite YMCA Childcare Center Building Project
Requester: Greater Londonderry Granite YMCA
Address: 670 N. Commercial Street # 103. Manchester, NH 03101
Funding Request: $4,000,000
Description: The funding would be used to construct a 7000 sq. ft. childcare center within the Granite YMCA’s new full-service YMCA facility to serve Derry, Londonderry, and Windham communities.
Letter: NH Granite YMCA Childcare Center Building Project

Project: Derry, NH Police Department Camera and Facility Technology Upgrades
Requester: Derry Police Department
Address: 1 Municipal Drive, Derry, NH, 03038
Funding Request: $585,790
Description: The funding would be used to procure 63 body worn cameras, equip 15 marked cruisers with integrated in-car video systems, as well as associated wireless access points. Funding will support necessary training and start-up of this equipment, the upgrading and outfitting of four interview rooms, six detainee containment cells, and two detainee processing and receiving areas with cameras.
Letter: NH Police Department Camera and Facility Technology Upgrades

Project: Rockingham County, NH Sheriff's Office Technology to Upgrade Dispatch Consoles and State Core Tie-In
Requester: Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
Address: 101 North Road Brentwood, NH, 03833
Funding Request: $750,000
Description: The funding would be used to tie in the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office to the New Hampshire geo-redundant P25 radio system core. This tie in to the New Hampshire State Core would include enhancing the land mobile radio system to provide greater radio and cellular coverage, upgrade console stations, network equipment, and software, and build a cutover plan for implementation to minimize any potential down time of the radio system.
Letter: NH Sheriff's Office Technology to Upgrade Dispatch Consoles and State Core Tie-In

Project: Bedford, NH Police Department Camera and Technology Upgrades
Requester: Bedford Police Department
Address: 55 Constitution Drive, Bedford NH 03110
Funding Request: $62,000
Description: The funding would be used to equip Bedford Police Department with new body worn cameras, upgrade the camera system in the Incident Command Vehicle, and obtain a Bi-Directional Amplifier for Bedford High School/Middle School.
Letter: NH Police Department Camera and Technology Upgrades

Project: Belknap County, NH Regional Accident Investigation Team (BRAIT) Forensic Mapping Project
Requester: Laconia Police Department
Address: 126 New Salem Street, Laconia, NH 03246
Funding Request: $98,799
Description: The funding would be used to procure a technology laser scanner, a drone with mapping capabilities, and associated software for the Belknap Regional Accident Investigation Team (BRAIT) within the Laconia Police Department.
Letter: NH Regional Accident Investigation Team (BRAIT) Forensic Mapping Project

Project: Rye, NH Police Department Body Worn Cameras
Requester: Rye Police Department
Address: 555 Washington Road, Rye NH  03870
Funding Request: $41,518
Description: The funding would be used to procure body worn cameras for members of the Rye Police Department.
Letter: NH Police Department Body Worn Cameras

Project: Lee, NH Police Department Portable Radio Replacement
Requester: Lee Police Department
Address: 20 George Bennett Rd, Lee, NH 03861
Funding Request: $57,000
Description: The funding would be used to replace existing portable radios and procure new portable radios for the Lee Police Department.
Letter: NH Police Department Portable Radio Replacement