A new report commissioned by the Maine Connectivity Authority said the state is already expected to have a shortfall of 3,240 workers in broadband jobs. The figure casts a shadow on the goal of connecting every part of the state.
The city's metro area may get a faster, better-connected mass transit system in the future but not right away, according to an agreement released this week that was signed by seven separate agencies.
Lawmakers are considering a trial electric vehicle rebate for commercial vehicles to find out if they will work in Maine's challenging environment and if the state's industrial sector will give them a shot.
Roughly 116,000 homes and businesses in Maine do not have broadband service, according to federal data. The grants announced this week will expand service to more than 16,000 homes and businesses in nine counties.
On the heels of a week-long civil trial surrounding the data collection practices of the Maine State Police, officials will seek an outside review into whether its intelligence unit is violating federal privacy laws.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s recent announcement that it would again be delaying the deadline for compliance with federal identification requirements has prompted some to call for an end to the initiative.
Ken Boykin’s plans to promote data-based decision-making start by convening a steering committee and advisory group, along with writing a charter for the recently revived role he now occupies.
The state will see around $100 million for high-speed Internet projects as part of a $1 billion pot of funding from the federal government. Other projects include the purchase of electric buses and charging infrastructure.
Ken Boykin, who has worked with the state for the last five years, will become its new chief data officer Oct. 31. He replaces Youri Antonin, who left the position in November 2019.
Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. got approval Tuesday to spend up to $205,000 to buy hybrid cruisers and equip them, after being notified that five ordered in February would not actually be coming.
