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Two local organizations have received over $1.4 million in federal grants between them from the Northern Border Regional Commission. 

The funds will help the Community Health Center of the North Country (CHCNC) provide the region with more pediatric care, and will partially fund an overhaul of the town of Waddington's water mains downtown.

The NBRC, along with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who represents St. Lawrence County in the 21st District, and senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, made the announcement June 23. 

The funds, awarded through NBRC's Catalyst Program, are part of $53.9 million in new grants as part of the Commission’s Spring Round competition to benefit communities throughout the Commission’s member states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

The NRBC awarded $615,625.72 to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, Inc. via Community Health Center of the North Country (CHCNC) to expand pediatric healthcare services at its federally qualified Health Centers in Canton and Ogdensburg. 

This project, at a total cost of $774,531.90, will increase clinic capacity by constructing exam rooms, improving patient flow, and enhancing access to preventive care, vaccinations, and chronic disease management for children in medically underserved communities, said a press release from the NBRC. 

By strengthening healthcare infrastructure, CHCNC aims to reduce emergency room visits, lower costs, and improve long-term health outcomes while supporting workforce development in rural New York, NBRC said.

“We are extremely grateful for the Northern Border Regional Commission’s decision to award Community Health Center of the North Country funds from the 2025 Spring CATALYST Program, and specifically thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her assistance during the application process," said Dave Bender, CEO Community Health Center of the North Country, in a press release from Stefanik's office. 

"Her unwavering support of community health centers, and rural healthcare needs in general across the District, does not go unnoticed and is genuinely appreciated. For independent providers of healthcare services like ourselves, awards such as this are mission critical to our growth, and expanding access to care for the communities we are part of. We identified a need for more pediatric care in Ogdensburg, and the surrounding areas, and have added two pediatricians and one family practitioner already this year. This grant will now allow our team to add multiple state of the art exam rooms designed and used specifically for pediatric care," Bender said.

The Village of Waddington is awarded $793,000 from NBRC to replace deteriorating water mains in its downtown district, ensuring reliable access for residents and businesses while preventing further economic decline, NBRC said. 

This project will install 4,800 linear feet of new water mains along Main Street and St. Lawrence Avenue, addressing frequent water breaks, contamination risks, and service disruptions. By modernizing essential infrastructure, Waddington aims to protect public health, sustain local businesses, and support future economic development in St. Lawrence County.

The total project cost to replace the water lines is estimated at $1,543,000, said NBRC.

The funds for NBRC programs are available thanks to the support of the Congressional Delegations of all four NBRC states Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, the organization said. 

The NBRC’s grants management system will open for Fall Round pre-applications in August 2025. Refer to NBRC’s website, www.nbrc.gov, for important dates and announcements about current and future funding opportunities.