Federal Funds to Drive High-Speed Internet Expansion in Maine: Closing the Digital Gap
As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ‘Investing in America’ initiative, Maine is earmarked to receive over $270 million for high-speed Internet access, signaling a major stride towards bridging the digital divide.
“What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you don’t have access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet service now – you will, thanks to President Biden and his commitment to investing in America,”
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program’s Impact in Maine
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, from which Maine’s allocation of $271,977,723.07 is derived, enables Maine to establish local grant programs, providing a springboard for potential job growth and sustained economic progress.
Accelerating Maine’s Digital Transition and Economic Growth
The allocated funding is projected to increase participation in the digital economy, stimulate local fiber-optic cable manufacturing, and catalyze job creation in Internet infrastructure.
High-Speed Internet: A Fundamental Necessity in Maine
“High-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s society,” emphasized Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. This substantial investment by the Biden-Harris administration demonstrates their commitment to guaranteeing Internet access for all Mainers.
Maine’s BEAD Funding Breakdown
Maine will receive $271,977,723.07 from the BEAD program. This significant funding will be employed to deploy or upgrade broadband networks, ensuring reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet services for everyone in Maine.
Looking Ahead: Stimulating Economic and Social Progress in Maine
In line with long-termist principles, this investment is expected to ignite economic and social advancement in Maine for years to come. Beyond immediate benefits, the initiative paves the way for a brighter, more digitally interconnected future for the Pine Tree State.
State allocations and funding details
In total $42.45 billion in funds will be allocated to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.
A detailed list of funding allocations for each state, D.C., and the territories can be found on InternetForAll.Gov.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| State/Territory | Allocation Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,401,221,901.77 |
| Alaska | $1,017,139,672.42 |
| Arizona | $993,112,231.37 |
| Arkansas | $1,024,303,993.86 |
| California | $1,864,136,508.93 |
| Colorado | $826,522,650.41 |
| Connecticut | $144,180,792.71 |
| Delaware | $107,748,384.66 |
| District of Columbia | $100,694,786.93 |
| Florida | $1,169,947,392.70 |
| Georgia | $1,307,214,371.30 |
| Hawaii | $149,484,493.57 |
| Idaho | $583,256,249.88 |
| Illinois | $1,040,420,751.50 |
| Indiana | $868,109,929.79 |
| Iowa | $415,331,313.00 |
| Kansas | $451,725,998.15 |
| Kentucky | $1,086,172,536.86 |
| Louisiana | $1,355,554,552.94 |
| Maine | $271,977,723.07 |
| Maryland | $267,738,400.71 |
| Massachusetts | $147,422,464.39 |
| Michigan | $1,559,362,479.29 |
| Minnesota | $651,839,368.20 |
| Mississippi | $1,203,561,563.05 |
| Missouri | $1,736,302,708.39 |
| Montana | $628,973,798.59 |
| Nebraska | $405,281,070.41 |
| Nevada | $416,666,229.74 |
| New Hampshire | $196,560,278.97 |
| New Jersey | $263,689,548.65 |
| New Mexico | $675,372,311.86 |
| New York | $664,618,251.49 |
| North Carolina | $1,532,999,481.15 |
| North Dakota | $130,162,815.12 |
| Ohio | $793,688,107.63 |
| Oklahoma | $797,435,691.25 |
| Oregon | $688,914,932.17 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,161,778,272.41 |
| Rhode Island | $108,718,820.75 |
| South Carolina | $551,535,983.05 |
| South Dakota | $207,227,523.92 |
| Tennessee | $813,319,680.22 |
| Texas | $3,312,616,455.45 |
| Utah | $317,399,741.54 |
| Vermont | $228,913,019.08 |
| Virginia | $1,481,489,572.87 |
| Washington | $1,227,742,066.30 |
| West Virginia | $1,210,800,969.85 |
| Wisconsin | $1,055,823,573.71 |
| Wyoming | $347,877,921.27 |
| American Samoa | $37,564,827.53 |
| Guam | $156,831,733.59 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $80,796,709.02 |
| Puerto Rico | $334,614,151.70 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $27,103,240.86 |
