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 (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.
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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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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.
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