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August 3, 2009
AUGUSTA – Maine’s Broadband Strategy Council will meet today, August 3, for the second time since its establishment this past legislative session.
The Broadband Strategy Council was created to advise the ConnectME Authority on all matters pertaining to broadband opportunities available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as well as advise the University of Maine System with respect to matters pertaining to the lease or sale of excess broadband capacity of the educational broadband service.
Rep. Cynthia Dill, D-Cape Elizabeth, who submitted legislation creating the Council and serves as its House chair, said that she is pleased that the work of the Council is underway. “It’s very exciting that there is such wide support for coordinating Maine’s efforts to compete for federal recovery broadband money,” said Dill. “The state’s efforts to attract resources to expand Maine’s broadband network will be enhanced by this Council.”
Under the guidance and direction of the Council, the ConnectME Authority, which was created in 2007 to expand broadband access in the most rural, under-served areas of the state, will coordinate the efforts of state agencies in taking advantage of broadband opportunities for public institutions and act on behalf of the state in any application of funds and resources under the Recovery Act.
Representatives from Sen. Snowe and Rep. Pingree’s offices are expected to be at the meeting.
The meeting will be held today at 1:30 p.m. in the Judiciary Committee room on the fourth floor of the State House.
Contact:
Rep. Cynthia Dill, 767-7197
Sean Smith, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433