$6M grant to aid broadband in Wiscasset, Boothbay, Edgecomb, Woolwich, other towns

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Maine Connectivity Authority’s board on Friday approved two grant awards through the Partnerships Enabling Middle Mile (PEMM) program. MCA grant funding totaling $9,600,633 will help connect 15,561 homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed internet across 12 communities. Both projects represent the culmination of years of concerted community-driven broadband planning and regional collaboration, and both highlight the immense value of public/private regional-scale partnerships. MCA's grant funding will be matched by significant public and private investment from community and ISP partners.

The Lincoln County and Consolidated Communications partnership received an award of $6,000,000, matched by $24,309,864 in private and public investment including Lincoln County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This grant incorporates the highest percentage of financial commitment from any public-private partnership awarded through an MCA program to date. In partnership with Consolidated Communications, this 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 Mary Ellen Barnes, community digital planner, Coastal Maine Regional Broadband.

The other award is to 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 partnership in Waldo County was also a recipient of the Get Ready: Community Support program in 2022. Get Ready provided technical assistance to accelerate community broadband planning through the development of private-public partnerships, resulting in the ability to leverage funds and submit this successful grant proposal. In partnership with Direct Communications, this project will serve 1,125 homes and businesses in Frankfort, Prospect, Stockton Springs and Winterport.