Rural areas in Maine are getting a boost of more than $500,000 from the state as part of a drive to bring broadband to more communities.
The ConnectMaine Authority said its board approved $554,500 in grants to seven communities. Argyle, Bremen and Hudson received infrastructure grants to bring fiber-optic service to nearly 1,000 locations, while Swans Island, Litchfield, the East Grand Lake region and Sanford received community planning grants.
The communities are matching the grants with more than $1 million.
The broadband improvements are needed to “spur innovation, create opportunity, provide telehealth and remote learning, and build a strong, diverse economy,” said Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat.