September 23, 2020

Governor Janet Mills today dedicated an additional $164 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to support school systems as they continue to implement health and safety protocols to protect students, staff, and their families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These new funds build on the Mills Administration’s initial investment of $165 million earlier this year.

“School officials across Maine are working day and night to protect the health of their students, their staff, and their communities while providing a high quality education. They deserve our full and unwavering support,” said Governor Mills. “This funding helps ensure that our schools are best equipped as they can be to meet the challenges they face now as well as any that may arise this fall.”

“We recognize the incredible efforts of school communities across Maine who are working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of staff and students,” said Pender Makin, Commissioner of Education. “These funds are critically important to address the immediate need for increased staffing, supplies and technology to ensure that schools can safely and flexibly meet the educational, social-emotional and nutritional needs of their students during these unprecedented times.”

Beginning next week, the funds will be distributed to School Administrative Units (SAUs) based on an equitable, weighted formula that the Maine Department of Education developed in collaboration with School Superintendents from across the state. The Maine Department of Education will first provide each SAU with its maximum allocation according to the formula. SAUs will then complete an application describing how the funds will be spent in order to remain within the constraints Congress has placed on the use of CRF monies and attest to their compliance with the health and safety requirements of the Framework for Re-Opening Schools and Returning to In-person Instruction. Once the applications are approved, SAUs can begin submitting receipts for reimbursement of approved expenditures.

“These funds have been critical to schools’ ability to open safely,” said MSSA Executive Director, Eileen King. “The first round of funds were frequently allocated to facility and technology upgrades that were needed for a safe and efficient return to school, where possible. This second round of funding will assist school and district leaders as they address the continued needs that arise from evolving and flexible plans, and ensure they have the resources and staffing for a safe learning environment.”

In August, Governor Mills signed an Executive Order (PDF) authorizing the Maine DOE to provide one year emergency teaching certifications to qualified individuals. In partnership with Eastern Maine Community College, the DOE is also offering a certification for “Learning Facilitators.” These pre-teacher level staff members can staff learning centers or serve as an in-person learning assistant for a remote instruction teacher.

Schools may use these additional CRF funds to pay for substitute teachers or learning facilitators as well as other needs such as transportation and facility modifications to support physical distancing; cleaning supplies for buses or buildings; contract custodial, tutoring, and medical staffing; technology and ongoing connectivity needs; and professional development for teachers who must become fluent in hybrid and remote learning models in order to accommodate all students, among other possibilities.

With this second investment, the Mills Administration has dedicated $329 million to support Maine students and teachers as school districts pursue in-person, hybrid, or remote learning options, meeting the total need for start-up and ongoing operational costs for schools identified by the Maine Department of Education earlier this year.

Recognizing that more funding would be needed for ongoing operations, Governor Mills authorized an initial disbursement of $165 million in CRF funds to help schools prepare for in-classroom instruction in July.

For additional information on the use of CRF funds to support Maine schools, please visit the Department of Education website.

Many businesses are still struggling to develop "back to work" plans in the face of COVID-19. Nervous employees, hesitant customers, changing government guidelines, and changing environmental conditions are just a few of the issues they are facing.  To develop, adapt, or evaluate your plans, I encourage you to join Fusion Cell's public health experts at our upcoming webinar, Getting Back to Work: A Proven Approach to Mitigating COVID-19 Risks for Employees and Customers.

 

Fusion Cell's team of military-trained, public health experts has decades of experience preparing US Military bases to reduce the spread of infection from diseases and pandemics.  They are now using that expertise to help businesses get employees and customers back to the business at the highest safety and efficiency levels.   

 

Join our educational webinar to learn what you need to do to get back to work, maximize business output, and maintain the highest possible safety levels. 

 

Details and Registration

• Subject: Getting Back to Work: A Proven Approach to Mitigating COVID-19 Risks for Employees and Customers
• When: September 29th, 1-2 PM ET
• Speakers include Michael Klingshirn, a board-certified epidemiologist and public health expert, who serves as the Director of Consulting Services for Fusion Cell

Register here to attend the live presentation with our public health experts. 

 

Here is what one Fusion Cell customer said about our COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Service:

"Fusion Cell brought the planning and execution experience we lacked, but desperately needed. The experience and guidance Fusion Cell provided was invaluable in comforting our employees and parents," said Joe Williams, Head of School, New Hampton School.  

 

Webinar Registration: Getting Back to Work

Eversource’s energy efficiency solutions continue to help small business customers save money and energy during COVID-19 pandemic

 

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (September 22, 2020) — As small businesses like Liberty International Trucks adapt in the face of the challenges and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eversource’s energy efficiency solutions remain an important option that helps customers save on energy costs. Liberty has been New Hampshire’s leading truck sales, parts, and service company since 2000. When the company was looking for ways to modernize its Manchester facility before the emergence of COVID-19, it turned to Eversource and its partner Rexel to upgrade the space with LED lighting and controls that will save the family-owned business more than $2,000 a year on energy costs.

 

“For small businesses, it can be overwhelming to prioritize energy efficiency projects when you’re managing day-to-day operations, and you don’t have a staff dedicated to energy management,” said Eversource Energy Efficiency Spokesperson Kate Peters. “Liberty is a great example of a local business taking advantage of energy efficiency solutions to cut energy use and save money, which has taken on even greater importance for customers in light of the pandemic.”    The interior lighting upgrades at Liberty include its wash bay area, main shops, and shop offices and are not only helping the company save money, but are also creating a better environment for employees and customers. The company is planning additional exterior lighting upgrades at both its Manchester facility and Barrington location to optimize its energy use further and maximize energy savings.    “Safety and sustainability are two big components of our business,” said Liberty International Trucks Director of Service Operations Dave Mullen. “The work at our Manchester facility is starting to pick back up again, and with the new high-performance lighting, it’s much brighter and more comfortable, and we are more productive. Additionally, we know that between the energy cost savings and reduced maintenance hours, we’ll be putting dollars back into our bottom line. With the uncertainty and challenges created by the pandemic over the last six months, reinvesting these savings in our company will help us continue to succeed.”    Rexel worked with Eversource to help Liberty implement the lighting project and install the new equipment at its Manchester facility. Rexel employs over 35 people across its five locations in New Hampshire and supports Eversource’s energy efficiency programs across the state.    “One of my favorite parts of my job is working with and supporting local businesses like Liberty who understand the long-term value of improving their facility,” said Rexel New Hampshire Energy Solutions Specialist Michele Colotti. “Together with Eversource, we are committed to offering local businesses customized solutions that lower energy use, improve their work environment, lower the cost of facility maintenance, and enhance overall sustainability – all of which is vitally important as businesses continue to navigate through the pandemic.”   In June, Eversource restarted its in-person energy efficiency services with enhanced health and safety guidelines and increased incentives for energy efficiency projects with a range of offerings for residential, small business, municipal and commercial & industrial customers. Customers interested in an energy assessment or other energy efficiency services and rebates should visit the Save Money & Energy section of Eversource.com for more information.

 

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Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2020 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies and the #1 utility by Forbes and JUST Capital. Eversource is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving more than 519,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 9,500 homes and businesses in Hampton, North Hampton and Rye. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 8,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

September 22, 2020

State's vastly expanded testing capacity must still be used wisely

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Health and Human Services Jeanne Lambrew announced today that anyone in Maine can now get tested for COVID-19 without the need for a separate order from a health care provider, a milestone resulting from Maine's vastly expanded testing capacity.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has broadened its Standing Order (PDF) to include all individuals who think they need a COVID-19 test. This means that participating sites may test anyone in Maine over the age of 12 months who feels they need a test, even if they don't have a primary care provider or a written order from a clinician.

This expanded access is made possible by Maine's expanded testing capacity, including ramping up operations at the State lab, partnering with Maine-based IDEXX Laboratories Inc., and developing nearly 30 "swab and send" testing locations throughout Maine.

As of yesterday, Maine is conducting 400 tests per 100,000 people, a State record. Maine ranks first in the nation on the percentage of people tested according to a target level developed by researchers at the Harvard Global Health Institute.

"Increased access to testing is a critical part of the strategy to mitigate the spread of this deadly virus, to return kids to school safely, and to ensure that our economy stays up and running," said Governor Janet Mills. "This expanded order is another step forward in our ongoing battle against COVID-19 as Maine continues to be a national leader in testing capacity."

"Today's broadening of the Standing Order is the result of months of work and effective partnerships with health care organizations across Maine," said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. "While it represents a significant milestone, testing alone will not defeat this virus. Maine people must remain vigilant with the public health measures that prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Additionally, the Standing Order now also applies to antigen testing, in addition to PCR (molecular) testing. The clinical performance of rapid antigen tests largely depends on the circumstances in which they are used. Rapid antigen tests perform best when the person is tested in the early stages of infection with coronavirus when viral load is generally highest. The Standing Order does not apply to antibody testing, which has not been proven reliable.

While it's always best to talk with a health care provider about getting a COVID-19 test, those who believe they've been exposed to COVID-19 may get a test at a site operating under the Standing Order. The Order helps people who don't have a primary health care provider, can't communicate in a timely way with their health care provider, or are visiting Maine or coming back to Maine from another state, for example.

Previously, the DHHS Standing Order broadly allowed people with known exposure or elevated risk of exposure to the virus to get tested, with or without symptoms. Now, people who feel they need a test who are not otherwise at high risk can get tested, with or without symptoms.

Maine CDC continues to encourage people experiencing symptoms to get tested, as well as close contacts of infected individuals, people of color, and others at high risk of COVID-19.

While more people in Maine can now get tested under the Standing Order at participating sites, not everyone should get tested. Testing capacity has been vastly expanded but resources must continue to be used wisely. Maine CDC does not recommend, for example, that people get tested for peace of mind before visiting another household or attending a gathering. This is because a person could already have been exposed but been tested too early for the virus to be detected, or could be exposed to COVID-19 after getting tested. Testing alone is not prevention, and a negative test does not necessarily mean it's safe to gather with others. The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are to practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene and wear a face covering in public.

The U.S. CDC also does not advise frequent, routine testing in most circumstances.

Dozens of sites across Maine have been providing testing under the Standing Order since it was first issued in June. This includes all of Maine's 27 Swab and Send sites. The Swab and Send sites complement the roughly 40 current testing sites already available to the public. For a list of all sites providing tests to people without symptoms and without requiring a provider referral, visit the Keep Maine Healthy website.

Some of the organizations operating Swab and Send sites, as well as other organizations, are offering testing to their patients at additional sites as well. For a complete and frequently updated list of COVID-19 testing sites in Maine, visit Get-Tested-COVID19.org.

DHHS covers the full costs of specimen collection and lab testing for any COVID-19 lab test done at one of the State-contracted Swab and Send sites through at least October 31, 2020. For other testing sites, individuals should confirm coverage with their health plan as well as ask about any payments that may be required.

The DHHS Standing Order complements but does not replace patients' relationship with their health care provider. It also does not require all health care providers or COVID-19 test collection sites to provide a test.

It's always best to call a testing site before going to schedule an appointment, which is typically required. Policies on minimum age for testing vary among locations, so individuals should check before seeking a test for anyone under 18. Children 12 months and younger should see a health care provider for a COVID-19 test.

View a list of frequently asked questions on the Standing Order (PDF).

September 22, 2020

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today after the Public Utilities Commission announced the selections in the largest procurement of renewable energy in Maine’s history:

“Today’s announcement is a historic step forward in Maine’s effort to embrace renewable energy, create good paying green-collar jobs, diversify and expand our economy, and combat the threat of climate change. This progress, which is the direct result of bipartisan energy legislation I signed last year, further establishes Maine as a national clean energy leader.”

The decision today by the PUC is the result of bipartisan legislation, LD 1494, “An Act To Reform Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard” sponsored by Senator Eloise Vitelli and signed into law by Governor Mills. The law increased Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard from 40 percent to 80 percent by 2030 and set a goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, and the approval by the PUC today represents the first major step toward reaching those renewable energy goals.

September 21, 2020

Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration will launch a second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program beginning Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Phase 2 will make available approximately $95 million in remaining funds from Phase 1 and expand access to the program by increasing the number of eligible businesses and non-profits. Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people will be eligible for grant rewards. Previously, small businesses and non-profits with up to 50 people were eligible. Additionally, licensed childcare and behavioral health organizations will be eligible in this round. The Department of Economic and Community Development estimates that nearly 3,000 more businesses and non-profit organizations will be eligible for grants as a result of the program’s expansion.

Additionally, the Governor announced that up to $5 million of the $95 million will be dedicated to support the viability of businesses less than a year old, which were not previously eligible. The Maine Technology Institute (MTI), which offers grants, loans, equity investments, and services to support Maine’s innovation economy, will lead the application review and financial disbursement of awards in their seven sectors.

The Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program is intended to help sustain the viability of Maine’s small businesses and nonprofits - not to replace lost profits – by providing short-term financial relief for businesses and non-profit organizations that incurred business disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding the size of businesses also expands its scope since some types of businesses typically have more than 50 workers. Applications for Phase 2 will be accepted Wednesday, September 23, 2020 through Friday, October 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. with grants expected to be awarded in late November.

“In the first phase of our program, we focused laser like on the economic viability of small businesses and non-profits, entities that may have fallen through the cracks of other relief programs and needed support. Now, with $95 million remaining grant funding, we are launching the second phase to make sure that as many eligible businesses as possible can have some financial relief,” said Governor Mills. “While these grants cannot wholly replace or repair the economic damage this pandemic has caused, we hope that they will help sustain businesses through this difficult time. As always, I continue to urge Congress to step up to provide greater relief to the people and State of Maine.”

For additional information about the program, please visit the Department of Economic and Community’s website.

The Economic Development Districts, which administer the program across the state, report to the Department of Economic and Community Development that approximately 2,100 businesses and organizations submitted eligible applications in Phase 1, with 89 percent of these applications coming from small businesses and 11 percent from non-profits. Of the small business applications, they estimate that approximately 30-35 percent of them came from the hospitality sector, which includes lodging establishments and restaurants, with the rest representing a broad cross section of economic sectors. The Department anticipates $105 million in awards, averaging approximately $45,000, to be made in early October, although final eligibility and financial verification steps are being completed now.

Phase 1 of the program was intentionally designed to support small businesses and non-profit organizations. The Administration, in partnership with the Economic Recovery Committee and Economic Development Districts, designed the program in this manner to ensure that small businesses that may have been unable to access other grant or funding opportunities had the ability to apply in this initial phase.

“We are pleased to be able to move to Phase 2 of the grant program. The expansion of the businesses and non-profits eligible will allow these funds to support additional businesses,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “We recognize that these awards won’t fully replace losses, but we are aiming to help keep as many businesses viable as possible while they develop a path forward.”

Grants may be used to cover expenses, including but not limited to: payroll costs and expenses; rent or mortgage payments for business facilities; utilities payments; necessary operating expenses; expenses incurred to replenish inventory or other necessary re-opening expenses; purchase of personal protective equipment required by the business or business related equipment. Funds must be spent on operations that are strictly within Maine. Recipients are liable for any misuse of funds, and the grants are subject to audit.

The Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program builds on the Mills Administration’s support for Maine businesses and employees, which includes a commitment of $270 million to backfill Maine’s Unemployment Trust Fund to support Maine businesses amidst the increased demand for unemployment benefits, as well as $8.4 million to support childcare services so Maine people can go back to work. Earlier this year, at the request of Governor Mills, the Small Business Administration allowed Maine businesses to apply for economic support loans. Additionally, the Governor and the Legislature worked together in a bipartisan manner to establish a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME, in partnership with financial institutions, to provide low- or no- interest loans for eligible people in Maine.

Somersworth, NH - September 18, 2020 – The Falls Chamber of Commerce welcomed Somersworth’s newest restaurant, Indo U.S. Cuisine, to the community and Chamber with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The ceremony took place on September 18th, at the restaurant’s location, 192 Main Street, Somersworth, NH 03878.

Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard kicked off the ribbon-cutting with a thoughtful speech recognizing the rich cultural influence that the Indonesian community brings to Somersworth, and wished the couple “many years of success” in the “city on the move”.

Family and friends of Don and Joice LeFleur traveled from all corners of the Country to celebrate the joyous occasion, and they cheered thunderously as the couple cut the ribbon to signify the official opening of Indo U.S. Cuisine.

Chamber board members Tom O’Neil from Tri-City Networking Group, and Michael Muise from Edward Jones were also in attendance to welcome the Chamber’s newest members.

Guests were treated to pre-packaged, take-home samples of succulent menu staples such as martabak and chicken satay, as well as Indonesian chocolate bars and tea.    

Indo U.S. Cuisine is a family-oriented restaurant owned and operated by Don and Joice LeFleur. The menu is an exciting fusion of traditional American and Indonesian breakfast and lunch recipes.

The Falls Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit association of businesses, professionals, individuals, and organizations working together to advance the economic well-being of its members and the community. For details on The Falls Chamber membership, a schedule of activities, and information on other programs, please visit www.thefallschamber.com or email Allison at info@thefallschamber.com

September 17, 2020

Order addresses projected revenue shortfall while avoiding deep programmatic cuts & layoffs and preserving critical public health, safety, and education funding for now

Governor Janet Mills today signed a curtailment order to maintain budget stability amid a projected revenue shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Order, which adopts recommendations from the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, curtails allotments to the State’s General Fund by $221,775,584 and to the Highway Fund by $23,000,822.

The order avoids deep programmatic cuts, thereby protecting Maine’s safety net infrastructure and preserving critical public health, public safety and education funding that Maine people rely on. It also avoids layoffs of State personnel and leaves intact Maine’s Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the “Rainy Day Fund”, the balance of which stands at $258.9 million, an increase of more than $50 million under Governor Mills.

“While every state in the nation is facing significant challenges as a result of COVID-19, our actions today will ensure Maine’s fiscal stability in the short term and prevent significant impacts to the services that Maine people rely on,” said Governor Mills. “I urge Congress and the Administration in Washington to act immediately to provide additional aid to state and local governments so that we can continue to preserve critical services for Maine people and chart a full economic recovery.”

In July, the non-partisan Revenue Forecasting Committee projected that the State of Maine would face a $528 million revenue shortfall in the General Fund for the biennium ending June 30, 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the release of that report, Governor Mills worked with the Legislature in a bipartisan manner to pass a supplemental budget and related legislation that set aside more than $106 million in the General Fund.

To fill the remaining $422 million shortfall in the General Fund, the Governor directed the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) to find solutions that minimize the impact on critical programs, such as GPA for education and critical State government personnel. DAFS presented its recommendations last week, which the Governor adopted today.

More specifically, the curtailment order:

• Replaces approximately $97 million in State spending with one-time Federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Coronavirus Relief Funds for authorized public health and safety costs in line with updated guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department;
• Adopts approximately $125 million in departmental cost savings and efficiencies. These departmental cost savings include funds from CARES Act’s higher Medicaid federal reimbursement rates (“FMAP”); federal grants awarded for departmental functions; and managing expenses by freezing many vacant positions; delayed technology updates; reduced spending on contracts; and cancelling conferences, projects and related travel.

In January 2021, also as part of the plan to balance the budget, the Governor will propose for Legislative approval an additional $130 million in General Fund departmental efficiencies utilizing improved FMAP and transferred appropriations from the FY20 General Fund. These transferred appropriations went unspent thanks, in part, to Governor Mills’ mandate to her Cabinet, at the outset of the pandemic, that State government adopt frugality measures, which include the same style of freezes, delays and cancelations.

Similarly, the Governor will request $70 million in proceeds generated by the State liquor operation to be moved from the Maine Municipal Bond Bank to the General Fund, including $50 million deposited in past years and $20 million anticipated in FY21.

Also included in Governor Mills’ curtailment is approximately $23 million in savings to address the shortfall in the Highway Fund. An additional $17 million of Highway Fund savings will be available upon Legislative approval.

A curtailment order is a mechanism Maine governors can use to balance upended budgets when the State Legislature is adjourned. The previous four governors have issued curtailments. The $244,776,406 in total curtailment ordered by Governor Mills goes into effect today and will be made on a quarterly basis through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2021.

“As all States across the nation struggle with the drastic consequences of COVID-19, this Administration’s proactive fiscal management and willingness to attract and leverage federal resources has made all the difference in preserving solvency for the State’s most important functions and supporting the state’s economy. Governor Mills’ curtailment order addresses the shortfall as we know it today and ensures the continuity of crucial services for Maine residents during these unprecedented times,” said DAFS Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa. “As we look ahead to the next biennium, we will continue to closely monitor revenue receipts, updated forecasting, and the availability of federal funds, which will be even more crucial in FY22 and FY23 if we are to avoid significant programmatic changes.”

Through the National Governors Association, Governor Mills has joined her Republican and Democratic counterparts across the country to advocate for additional funding for State and local governments.

A copy of the Governor’s Executive (PDF) and Financial Orders (PDF) are attached.

Dover, NH – During the week before the Labor Day long weekend, COAST fixed route bus ridership was the strongest it had been since early March.

Between Monday and Friday, greater than 9% more trips were taken on COAST’s 13 different bus routes over the previous week (the previous high since March). On Saturday, greater than 28% more trips were taken on COAST’s buses over the previous high for a Saturday since early March. All told, ridership on the region’s public transit system was up nearly 17% for the week.

“After seeing a leveling off of ridership through August, we are very happy with the growth in ridership that we saw last week,” commented Rad Nichols. “Our public transit services fulfill a critical need in the region and are highly valued by our passengers who need a safe, affordable and efficient way to access jobs, doctor’s appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and for their other necessary trips.”

Following up on their previous strong week of ridership, on Tuesday, September 8 COAST also offered free rides for any passengers wishing to go and vote at their local polling place. While the transit system does not provide transport to each individual polling station, this policy helps voters get to the nearest bus stop to their polls by offering a free ride to everyone who is voting!

Passengers simply tell their driver that they are on their way to vote, or on their way back from voting, and by the honor system they will not be charged for their ride. Ridership on Tuesday was the highest of any day at COAST since mid-March , an 18% increase from an average Tuesday over the previous month.

“We encourage everyone to take part in the privilege of voting,” stated Dave Sandmann, COAST Board Chair. “If our free ride policy on statewide election days mean more of our passengers vote, then we couldn’t be happier. Voting is a civic duty that every single one of us should actively participate in.”

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has provided public transit service to the Seacoast New Hampshire region since 1982. COAST is a non-profit agency, operating a regional public transit system that relies primarily on federal and local government support to operate. COAST is governed by a board of directors representing the communities served, two regional planning commissions, and many local and state agencies. COAST’s vision is to be an innovative leader in providing a broad range of public transportation services, connecting, and coordinating a robust network of transportation options for everyone.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide approximately $530 million to support the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. The funding will be provided through the Seafood Trade Relief Program and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

About the Seafood Trade Relief Program
STRP is part of a relief strategy to support fishermen and other producers while the administration continues to work on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American farmers compete globally. The STRP prohibits a person or legal entity from receiving more than $250,000 from the program. In addition, an applicant’s average adjusted gross income (AGI) cannot exceed $900,000 unless at least 75 percent of the AGI of the person or entity comes from farming, ranching, forestry, seafood harvesting, or related activities.

More information about the program, including application and instructions: https://www.farmers.gov/seafood

<https://www.farmers.gov/seafood>


The link to the local service centers for both Rockingham and Strafford counties: https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator?fips=33017&state=nh&statecode=33&cntycode=017