At the April 29 Southport selectmen’s meeting, Alan Hinsey of Lincolnville Communications Inc. (LCI), brought news of the Broadband Planning Grants currently being offered by the Island Institute through the Tom Glenn Community Impact Fund.

The grants, to support community-driven broadband projects in Maine’s coastal and island communities, range in size from $5,000 to $15,000 with matching funds required. Selectmen were enthusiastic. “The recent crisis has surely highlighted that broadband is essential for everyone,” said Selectman Smith Climo.

The Southport Community Broadband Committee, as part of the 3 Bridged Islands project, has been working toward establishing a fiber-to-the-home broadband network for all of Southport for about five years.

“We shared a preliminary planning grant with Georgetown and Arrowsic Islands two and a half years ago,” said Committee Chair Nancy Prisk after the meeting. “And at the 2018 Southport Town Meeting, voters approved funds for a dollar match.”

Those funds will now be made available for the Island Institute grant application. Hinsey proposed seeking a $15,000 grant. “That will come in the form of $7,500 from the Island Institute and $7,500 in matching funds from the town,” he explained. Selectmen unanimously agreed.

LCI will now work with Brian Lippold of Casco Bay Consulting to make the application.