Maine Connectivity Authority’s Logo. It is Portland Based.
Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the public agency expanding connectivity and digital opportunity statewide, announced late last week $3.3 million in grant awards for capital improvements to make economic and social opportunity possible for individuals and communities through digital access.
New awardees include the Maine State Library, the Bangor Public Library and all branches of the Portland Public Library.
The grants are part of MCA’s Connectivity Hubs program which helps community anchor institutions — such as libraries, community centers, municipal and tribal buildings — provide workforce training, education and telehealth services in areas and among populations most impacted by barriers to reliable internet connectivity.
More than $700,000 will expand the services offered by the three Area Reference & Resource Centers (ARRC) in Maine: Bangor Public Library, Maine State Library and Portland Public Library. Through this funding, all three facilities will be able to advance digital services including access to high speed fiber internet, public access computers and digital skills support, including l:1 technology assistance and formal classes.
“Maine’s three Area Reference and Resource Center libraries are essential anchors for the state’s 257 public libraries and their patrons, espeically those libraries that serve our smallest and most rural communities where resources may be far and few between,” said Lori Stockman, State Librarian. “Connectivity Hub funding will augment the services they provide to residents in these communities with access to new resources such as privacy pods for telehelath appointments and job interviews, charging stations for devices, and new Wifi equipment and computer equipment for public use. These libraries help Mainers improve their quality of life through access to information and technology that they can’t afford to purchase on their own.”
SeniorsPlus was awarded an additional $2.6 million to their current Connectivity Hub project underway with MCA. In 2024, SeniorsPlus was awarded $900,000 to contribute to the new one-story Education Center and commercial kitchen, aimed at expanding the capacity to serve older adults in western and central Maine. The additional funds will cover the financing gap necessary for SeniorsPlus to establish their facility in Lewiston.:
“For many older adults and individuals with disabilities, digital connectivity is a lifeline to healthcare, family, community resources and opportunties for continued independence,” said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, President and CEO of SeniorsPlus. “This investment will help ensure that more people have access not only to reliable broadband, but also to the support and skills needed to confidently navigate an increasingly digital world. Together, we are creating stronger connections that reduce isolation, expand access and improve quality of life.”
All awardees have committed to completing capital improvements by December 2026 as mandated by the program’s federal funding source: ARPA Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Earlier this year, MCA received approval from CPF administrators to reallocate CPF funds awarded to Maine in order to invest further in existing Connectivity Hub grantess and add new hubs based in public libraries. With the December deadline in mind, MCA worked with Maine State Library and other partners to identify eligible projects that could quickly deploy remaining federal funds.
“The increase in Connectivity Hubs investments are just one example of how the Maine Connecdtivity Auhority is able to leverage public funds to meet the specific needs of people and communities in Maine,” said Andrew Butcher, MCA president. “We are thrilled to ensure the completion of the SeniorsPlus facility in Lewiston and to support the Maine State Library system which serves as a critical partner for enabling internal access and digital opportunity.”
In an effort to leverage the Capital Projects Funds in support of investments like Connectdivity Hubs, MCA has established a Digital Opportunity Fund to partner with other state agencies, financial instiutions, philanthropies and institutions of higher learning to expand the reach of Maine’s connectivity investments. Connectivity Hubs are already delivering impactful programming based on their region’s identified needs, including the GRACE Innovation Center in St. George and the Island Connectivity Hub in Stonington.
MAINE CONNECTVITY AUTHORITY is located in Portland. For more information, please call 207 370-7439 or email it at: info@maineconnectivity.org