News

$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.

 

Latest Headlines

13 hours ago in Local

Driver cited after rear-ending MTA maintenance vehicle in Cumberland

A maintenance worker with the Maine Turnpike Authority suffered minor injuries when their truck was rear-ended in Cumberland Friday morning.

13 hours ago in Local

Maine medical examiner says Milford toddler died of hypothermia

State officials say a toddler who was found unresponsive in Milford a few days after Christmas died of hypothermia.

15 hours ago in National, Trending

US employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs last month, rebounding from a weak February

American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment...

15 hours ago in National, Trending

The Latest: US and Israel are trying to rescue fighter jet crew in Iran, Israeli source says

The U.S. military launched a rescue operation Friday after Iranian state media reported that an American fighter jet went down and at least...

17 hours ago in Local

No Injuries in Chaotic Multi-Vehicle Crash, Fire on I-295

Troopers say a vehicle crashed into the center median at about 7 am.