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AUGUSTA – Local organizations are among the 26 recipients across Maine of awards from the Maine Connectivity Authority to support community-driven broadband solutions.
Five organizations in the Turner Publishing circulation area were awarded Get Ready Community Support program grants ($1 million shared by 12 winners): Greene Broadband Committee, town of Chelsea, town of Dresden, Bath Fiber Optic Alliance, Greater Portland Council of Governments (Casco, Raymond, Sebago, Naples and Standish).
Members of the first Get Ready cohort will receive up to $10,000, as well as professional services including technical support to develop high-level network designs, financial support to develop a capital cost analysis, legal assistance, and project management and meeting facilitation support.
“The pandemic has taught us that high-speed connectivity is crucial for education, commerce, telehealth and dealing with isolation,” said Greene resident Carl Bucciantini. “Our Broadband Committee is excited to be awarded this grant which will help identify the need and chart a path to high-speed, affordable internet access for all residents.”
Four organizations in the Turner Publishing circulation area were awarded Regional & Tribal Broadband Partners program grants: Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Auburn, $153,078; Greater Franklin Development Council, Farmington, $215,743; GrowSmart Maine, Augusta, $183,400; Somerset Economic Development, Skowhegan, $209,500.
The program will help deploy, sustain and maximize the benefits of broadband infrastructure investment in all state regions, according to MCA. Each partner will build and lead digital inclusion efforts in their region, while also support for community and regional-scale broadband infrastructure solutions and investments.
Both programs support community-driven broadband solutions that ensure universal connectivity, strengthen and grow the number of partners thinking about digital equity and inclusion, and create increased alignment and coordination between communities, regions and the state, according to the MCA. The initiatives are funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program.
For a full list of award recipients and more information, visit maineconnectivity.org.
