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GREGG AND SHAHEEN ANNOUNCE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF $1 MILLION FOR SQUAMSCOTT COMMUNITY COMMONS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and Jeanne Shaheen today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $1 million for Squamscott Community Commons in Exeter.  These funds will be used to help construct a new 80,000 square foot multi-tenant Community Center which will house a full-service YMCA, SeaCare Health Services, Exeter Center for Creative Arts, Great Bay Kids Company, and Rockingham Community Action.  Funding for this project was included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, which is now ready for consideration by the full Senate.  The funding is included within the Committee allocation set out for the Fiscal Year 2010 spending measures.

Senator Gregg, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee stated, "The construction of the new Community Center in Exeter will provide valuable resources to families and individuals. When completed, the Center's health facilities, recreational activities, and other important community support services will benefit the entire Seacoast Community.  I applaud Squamscott Community Commons for their vision and commitment to bringing this facility to fruition."

Senator Shaheen stated, "Thousands of Seacoast residents will benefit from housing so many valuable service together at the Squamscott Community Center. This new, more efficient facility will truly bring the community together, and provide children, families and seniors with the services they need."

"All of us who are associated with Squamscott Community Commons are enormously grateful to Senator Gregg and Senator Shaheen for their efforts and support.  We truly appreciate the fact that the Senators understand the importance of this project to the Seacoast region and to the thousands of lives that will be improved by the presence of this multi-generational community center.  Now, more than ever, communities need to be looking for ways to streamline services and reduce costs for non-profits and this project will provide comprehensive access to social, health, recreational, cultural, and educational services under one roof.  We extend our warm thanks and that of the people of the Seacoast region to Senator Gregg and Senator Shaheen,"  said Robin Drunsic, executive director of Squamscott Community Commons.

"Senators Gregg and Shaheen have once again proven their commitment to the people of NH through their support of Squamscott Community Commons," says Carter Siegel, chair of the Squamscott Community Commons' steering committee. "The Commons will be a model for the nation in non-profit sustainable design, environmental stewardship, economies of scale, and regional collaboration.  As chair of the steering committee and on the behalf of all the hard working volunteers and professional staff who have devoted their time and energy to this effort, I'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to both Senator Gregg and Senator Shaheen. Their backing of Squamscott Community Commons' mission and vision is a valuable testament to the project's worth and will be an inspiration to all of us as we continue to raise funds for the community center."