CDFA outlines federal Rural Health Infrastructure program; Merrimack County at Letter of Intent stage

Representatives of the Community Development Finance Authority on April 13 briefed the Merrimack County Board of Commissioners on the Rural Health Infrastructure Program, a competitive funding stream intended to support minor renovations to rural health facilities.

Katy Easterly Marty, Executive Director, and Rebecca Boisvert, Director of Community Development, said CDFA is one of five state contractors administering federal and state funds for the program. They said New Hampshire received the largest award in New England and that CDFA operates under a performance contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The presenters emphasized that eligibility is guided by a regional "Go-North" map, the application timeline is tight, awards are competitive, and required environmental reviews could affect project schedules.

CDFA representatives told the Board that Merrimack and Coos Counties currently have projects at the Letter of Intent stage; they cautioned that environmental review requirements and competitive scoring could delay final awards. The presentation did not include final project lists or dollar amounts.

Commissioners did not take immediate action at the meeting; CDFA said it will provide updates as projects progress and as application windows move forward.