Maine Connectivity Authority Accepting Applications for $100 Million in Broadband Infrastructure Grants

Applications are open for the Main Connectivity Authority's "Connect the Ready Program." The competitive grants program will allocate $70 million to public & private partners such as governmental entities, broadband utility districts, and internet service providers (ISP). This initiative will support partners’ efforts to proactively and collaboratively design, fund, and build broadband infrastructure projects in eligible areas. The program will prioritize the deployment of broadband infrastructure in mostly unserved communities, including some of the most rural and remote around the state. The strong partnerships between Maine’s communities and ISP businesses are at the core of Connect the Ready. The program builds on the growing list of 44 Maine communities and regions that have received broadband infrastructure funding through Maine Connectivity Authority (and previously the ConnectMaine Authority). By allowing communities to demonstrate where access is needed the most, new internet infrastructure will grow to meet Mainers not only where they are, but where they're headed. Connect the Ready is part of the comprehensive suite of Maine Connectivity Authority's “All-In” Programs, which are funded by a $150 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund and the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program.