Broadband Coalition Update: April 2022
- Town of Stow
- Apr 7, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 13
The Town of Stow Select Board [SB] has entered into an alliance of 8 towns to have a broadband internet system installed. The Town has received a $4,000 grant from Connect Maine for initial planning. Connect Maine is the lead agency in the State for the Development of high speed internet. The Town has also received a $48,000 grant from the US Government [USG]. The grant has limited projects that it may be used for in small rural communities but broadband investment is one that may be considered. The SB has committed to use up to $10,000 of this grant as matching funds for a planning grant for the coalition.
Connect Maine was recently awarded a $72,000 grant for this plan. An RFP for a professional plan has been issued.
Senator King reported that there will be more than $400 million for Maine from the Infrastructure appropriation. The Coalition feels that we must be ready with a well-researched plan. The Coalition does not want to be left out with the cities receiving most of the money. In the 21st Century it is an important piece of economic infrastructure.
The SB appointed Rob Flint to be our representative to the coalition. The Board appreciates his volunteered time and effort. The SB is open to additional representation if other Citizens have an interest.
An important request from the SB. Would you please go to the following link and test your internet speed? It will take less than 5 minutes and it will be automatically saved. The more Citizens that will do this speed test the better. You can also find the link on the Towns web-site. Thank you very much!