The Community Broadband Planning Support Program includes resources and assistance for communities that have chosen the operational structure of a Broadband Utility District in order to expand broadband service availability. ConnectMaine prioritizes assistance to communities that meet the following requirements:
- At least four municipalities or local governments have undertaken the Community-Driven Broadband Planning Process;
- Local government leaders have approved efforts to form a BUD;
- There's commitment that the BUD will take on the responsibility of digital equity and inclusion, including efforts to connect customers to the Affordable Connectivity Program or similar opportunities; and
- There's commitment to a broadband solution that will result in broadband service availability--service offerings will include 100mbps/100mbps at least.
Resources
State statutes allow organization and interlocal cooperation to establish a utility district for broadband services and issue revenue bonds.
- Interlocal agreement template (coming soon)
- Interlocal agreement example (pdf) and example2 (pdf) and example3 (pdf)
- Filing agreement with Secretary of State (coming soon)
- Example of articles of incorporation (pdf)
- Example of warrant article for revenue bond (coming soon)
- Example of financial statements for revenue bond (coming soon)
Assistance
For communities that have decided to establish and use a Broadband Utility District to expand broadband availability, ConnectMaine staff will coordinate outreach for technical assistance needed.
- Community of Practice
- Legal Counsel Consultants
- Legal Services from MMA
- Bond Counsel
- Municipal Bond Bank
- Example: Downeast Broadband Utility
- Example: Midcoast Internet Development Corporation
- Example: Old Town Orono Fiber Corporation
Grants
The legal fees and other costs involved in establishing a Broadband Utility District are eligible project costs under ConnectMaine Community Broadband Planning Grants. ConnectMaine aims to ensure availability of Broadband Infrastructure Grants for BUD applicants.
- Factsheet about BUDs and revenue bonding (pdf)
- Example of seeking support from local leaders (pdf)
- BUD board structure and policies template (coming soon)
- Example of BUD By-Laws (pdf) and example2 (pdf) and example3 (pdf)
- Financial or business model template (coming soon)
- Example of business plan (coming soon)
- Example of incorporation resolutions (pdf)
- Revenue bond factsheet of strategies and partners (coming soon)