Maine lawmakers approve new broadband agency

Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the creation of a new public authority to coordinate investing tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for broadband infrastructure in Maine. Both houses of the Legislature passed L.D. 1484, establishing the Maine Connectivity Authority with a mandate to expand universal high-speed internet access and telecommunications infrastructure across the state. Governor Janet Mills supported the measure and called the proposal one of the most important issues facing the Legislature this year. Authority officials will be responsible for directing a $15 million state broadband bond and up to $129 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for internet infrastructure. The amount available to support broadband expansion is unprecedented, but less than one-third of the state’s estimated need of $600 million. The new authority would also have the ability to borrow money, negotiate contracts with private internet providers, own infrastructure and provide grants to companies and communities. It is directed to deliver a report to the Legislature in 2030 describing whether it has fulfilled its intended purpose, needs more time or should be disbanded.