Grant funding is available for job creation projects in eligible northern border communities, according to Rep. Bill Owens and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).

“The Northern Border Regional Commission is designed to support projects that will help create or retain jobs in our community,” said Owens. “I encourage all qualified applicants from the district to consider this opportunity and look forward to seeing the funds awarded later this year.”

The commission intends to award roughly $1.2 million by late summer.

Owens, a Democrat from Plattsburgh whose district covers the northern tier of New York

from Lake Champlain to Lake Ontario, said interested people can contact the New York Department of State at (518) 473-3355 or their regional development corporation for more information. Owens said his Watertown staff is also available to assist interested parties at 782-3150.

According to the NBRC, grants will be awarded to projects that address infrastructure, job training, tourism and similar issues, while states develop their own process for ranking eligible application that meet NBRC criteria.

The commission was created by Congress to alleviate economic distress and promote job opportunities throughout 36 counties in New York, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Eligible counties in New York’s 21st Congressional District include St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, and Lewis.