Maine Connectivity Authority Announces $9.6 Million in Broadband Grants

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On August 9, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) issued a total of $9,600,633 through the Partnerships Enabling Middle Mile (PEMM) program to aid in two broadband projects that would connect a total of 15,561 homes and businesses in 12 communities.

One of the Maine broadband awards was to the Lincoln County and Consolidated Communications partnership. It received $6 million. That sum was matched by $24,309,864 in private and public investment. Some of the matching funds were from the Lincoln County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The project will serve 14,436 homes and businesses in Woolwich (in Sagadahoc County), Wiscasset, Alna, Dresden, Boothbay, Edgecomb, Waldoboro, Whitefield, and Nobleboro.

“Residents of Lincoln County have learned how essential a dependable internet connection has become. We’ve heard from so many residents struggling to access telehealth care, online classes, government services and those wanting to improve their job skills, and this opens a new world for all of them,” said Coastal Maine Regional Broadband Community Digital Planner Mary Ellen Barnes.

The second Maine broadband award on August 9 was to the Waldo County and Direct Communications’ partnership. It received an award of $3,600,633, matched by $1,900,000 in private and public investment including municipal ARPA funds. The project will serve 1,125 homes and businesses in Frankfort, Prospect, Stockton Springs, and Winterport.

Last month, MCA president Andrew Butcher, told Telecompetitor that the state, which is slated to receive $272 million through the BEAD program, has twin goals: To “not leave anyone in the digital dark” and to maximize the long term impact of the funding it receives and partnerships it builds.

Further information on Maine broadband projects and elsewhere in the United States can be found in Telecompetitor’s Broadband Nation section.