Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners
Program Description
The Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners program helps deploy, sustain and maximize the benefits of broadband infrastructure investment in all state regions.
In Year 1 (2023), 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.In Year 2 (2024), partners will being to implement planned activities. Year 3 (2025)will serve as a responsive bridge year toward capacity and resource sustainability with an increased focus on serving covered populations.
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.
MCA Contact
Kendra Jo Grindle
Director of Community Strategy
kgrindle@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 370-0160
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: Year Three
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Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
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Mi’kmaq Nation
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Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk
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Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik
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Penobscot Nation
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Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments
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Eastern Maine Development Corporation
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Greater Franklin Economic & Community Development
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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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Piscataquis County Economic Development Council
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Somerset Economic Development Corporation
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Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission
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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.
