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$110 million approved for broadband expansion in rural Maine

$110 million approved for broadband expansion in rural Maine

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The effort to expand broadband access in Maine is getting a $110 million funding boost.

On Thursday, the Maine Connectivity Authority announced the approval of the funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The $110 million comes in addition to $18.2 million from the second round of funding through ARPA’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and $21 million from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan.

Independent U.S. Sen. Angus King says the new funding will be used to bring high-speed, reliable internet connections to 22,500 households across the state, with a focus on rural areas that lack access to reliable broadband internet.

“For our people, our economy, and our future, a high-speed internet connection must be available to everyone in Maine who wants one – and that’s why I committed Maine to achieving that goal by the end of 2024,” said Governor Janet Mills.

 

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