Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners
Program Description​
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The Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners program helps deploy, sustain and maximize the benefits of broadband infrastructure investment in all state regions.
In Year 1, partners will build and lead digital inclusion efforts in their region and tribe while also providing support for community and regional-scale broadband infrastructure solutions and investments.
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In Year 2, partners will being to implement planned activities.
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Who is Eligible?​
Non-profit organizations, Indian Tribal governments, or planning commissions, economic development agencies or organizations, councils of government (COGs), schools, libraries, political subdivisions of tribal governments.
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MCA Contact
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Maggie Drummond-Bahl
Sr. Director, Digital Equity & Partnerships
mbahl@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 209-3841
Program Goals
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Support community-driven broadband solutions that ensure universal connectivity
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Strengthen and grow the number of partners thinking about digital equity and inclusion
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Create alignment and coordination between communities, regions, and the state
Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners
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Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments
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Eastern Maine Development Corporation
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Four Directions Development Corporation
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Greater Franklin Development Council
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Greater Portland Council of Governments
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GrowSmart Maine
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Island Institute
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Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission
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Northern Forest Center
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Northern Maine Development Commission
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Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission
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Somerset Economic Development
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Sunrise County Economic Council
Program Priorities & Deliverables
The program will prioritize partnerships that demonstrate the following:
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Demonstrated experience by applicant and/or identified partners within the region in community-driven broadband and broadband planning, digital equity, digital inclusion, or digital skills programming, including participation in the Maine Broadband Coalition “community of practice.” If this is a new program area for the applicant, it will be important to describe how quickly the applicant can adopt broadband as a priority, for example if a Board decision or other decision making process might require time.
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Ability to convene a broad, representative alliance of partners identified and committed to the project within their region. Click here for suggested partners.
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Demonstrated capacity to complete the program deliverables through a clear staffing plan and identified roles for members of the regional alliance.
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