Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) visits Buker Community Center

On Monday, September 22, 2025, the City of Augusta had the distinct honor of welcoming, Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders and NBRC Executive Director Sarah Waring, to our city to tour the recently completed Buker Community Center Child Care HVAC Project.

The project, funded in part through an NBRC Catalyst Grant, installed a year-round HVAC system at the Buker Community Center’s childcare facility. The system ensures safe and reliable operations during extreme heat and cold, improving comfort for children, families, and staff while strengthening Augusta’s childcare infrastructure.

“This investment makes a real difference for Augusta families,” said Mayor Mark O’Brien “Thanks to NBRC support, the Buker Center can provide consistent, safe services for children while giving parents the confidence to pursue work and training opportunities.”

The City of Augusta received an $82,867.00 NBRC Catalyst Grant to support this project, with the balance of funding provided by the city. The upgrade reflects NBRC’s mission to strengthen communities across northern New England by improving workforce participation, enhancing resiliency, and supporting equitable access to services.

About the Northern Border Regional Commission 

The NBRC is a federal-state partnership established by Congress in 2008 to promote economic and community development in northern New England and New York. Covering 60 counties across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, the Commission invests in projects that support workforce training, infrastructure, business and entrepreneurship, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience. Through its Catalyst Program and other initiatives, NBRC provides critical resources to strengthen rural economies and improve quality of life across the region.

To learn more about the Buker Community Center and what they offer for services and resources, please call the following number at: 207-626-2350, or visit their website at: https://lnkd.in/erUvFBik

To learn more about the NBRC, please visit their website at: https://www.nbrc.gov/