The ConnectME Authority has recently awarded $1.6 million in grants to expand broadband communications services to unserved areas in Maine.
The 23 grants to eight recipients will help fund projects totaling nearly $2.4 million to expand services to an estimated 2,300 households and businesses, according to a press release. Grant applications were judged based on a number of criteria, including the projected percentage of households that would be served; the level of public-private partnerships created; the level of community support for the projects; and the financial viability of the projects. Projects are expected to be completed within one year of receiving the funding. To date, ConnectME has awarded 76 grants totaling $6 million.
Recipients in this sixth round of funding are:
- Axiom Technologies: three grants for projects in Marion Township, Great Wass Island and Brookton-Forest City
- ChebeagueNet: project on Chebeague Island
- Cornerstone Communications: five grants for projects in Charleston, South Chester, South Hudson, Lincoln and West Old Town
- FairPoint Communications: project in Georgetown
- Oxford County Telephone: project in the Hartford and Bethel area
- Premium Choice Broadband: three grants for projects in Cedar Lake/T3-R9, Medford and Orneville Township
- Pioneer Broadband: eight grants for projects in Blaine, Bridgewater, Houlton, Masardis and Presque Isle
- Time Warner: project in Porter