Community Facilities Receive More Than $12 Million to Help Close the Digital Divide

The Maine Connectivity Authority awarded more than $12 million in grants to fund digital improvements to 12 community organizations across Maine. The grants are part of the Maine Connectivity Authority’s Connectivity Hubs Program, which will help community anchor institutions—such as libraries, community centers, municipal and tribal buildings, and affordable housing developments—provide workforce training, education and telehealth services in areas most impacted by a lack of access to high-speed internet. The Connectivity Hubs Program is funded through the ARPA Capital Projects Funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury. The twelve organizations receiving grant awards include:

1. Aroostook Agency on Aging, Presque Isle, $400,989
2. Bridgton Public Library, Bridgton, $250,000
3. Caribou Public Library, $1,847,528
4. Franklin County Adult and Community Education, Farmington, $1,773,574
5. Hope Association, Rumford, $279,112
6. Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Houlton, $1,247,639
7. Mano en Mano, Milbridge, $1,784,497
8. Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk, $545,612
9. Seniors Plus, Lewiston, $900,000
10. St. George Municipal School Unit, Tenants Harbor, $684,715
11. Town of Stonington, Stonington, $1,753,420
12. YWCA Central Maine, Lewiston, $651,928