New border grants announced while program's future in doubt

(AP) — The $2.25 million in federal grants for a series of development projects for the economically challenged area along the U.S.-Canadian border in northern Vermont could be the last unless Congress funds next year's program over the objection of the Trump Administration.

The Vermont grants announced Thursday by Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy and Republican Gov. Phil Scott will help fund 10 programs, ranging from $46,000 so the Vermont Brewers Association can bring out-of-state tourists to the state's breweries, to $425,000 to help build sidewalks and support recreation trails in St. Johnsbury.

Officials in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and upstate New York say the Northern Border program has helped create and save hundreds of jobs since it was created almost a decade ago by using relatively small amount of money to generate other investments while encouraging developments in traditionally underserved areas.

New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster, who announced last week $2.2 million in funding for 13 projects in her state, said the commission supports critical infrastructure and economic development projects.