PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Community Development
In 2025, SCEC provided planning, technical assistance, and coordination support to municipalities and unorganized territories, while continuing staffing and fiscal services to the Washington County Council of Governments.
Technical Assistance
Through technical assistance funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission( NBRC), staff assisted the Town of Beals, Cherryfield Town Square, GrowSmart Maine, Island Institute, and the Town of Jonesport with successful NBRC Catalyst Grant applications in 2025. These five grants total $ 2,352,264 for projects related to economic development plans, working waterfront implementation plans, renovation of a blighted building, and the expansion of two commercial waterfronts.
Jonesport downtown area and working waterfront
In its capacity as a Technical Assistance provider for the Community Development Block Grant( CDBG) program, SCEC offers comprehensive support to eligible entities, ranging from application development to general community development initiatives.
Broadband
Broadband infrastructure and digital equity remained key priorities for SCEC in 2025. Staff coordinated with communities and Maine Connectivity Authority to ensure Washington County received BEAD funding under updated federal guidance and deployment timelines.
Through public-private partnerships, fiber connectivity was expanded to more than 4,000 homes.
With funding from the Maine Connectivity Authority, SCEC established a technology sponsorship fund in partnership with giveIT. getIT. The fund provides refurbished computers to low income households.
Additional partnerships with public libraries and adult education providers across Washington County expanded access to devices, digital skills training, and workforcefocused technology education.
Students rebuild computers as part of the giveIT. getIT partnership at Shead High School
News for Communities
SCEC sent at least two editions of“ News for Communities” to every municipal office and other individuals in Washington County every quarter in 2025. These emails include information about training, grant opportunities, technical assistance, and other items that can be helpful to towns / cities. Anyone is welcome to sign up to receive these emails on our website.
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