Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission will likely receive a completed county-wide housing study by early 2023. On Aug. 16, commissioners authorized LCRPC to negotiate with Camion Associates of Saratoga Springs, New York for a study. Camion is an economic research organization with offices in Portland. In 2017, Camion produced a housing study for the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Joint Economic Development Committee. 

Barnes described the county survey as a full assessment on housing supply and demand, town-by-town profiles, and analysis of how new state legislation would impact local ordinances. Barnes estimated a completed survey would take six months and Camion’s fee would be around $40,000. 

“We’re looking for creation of an action plan to help towns reduce housing barriers,” Barnes said. “It will be good having a consultant looking at the impact of LD 2003 and at local zoning, municipal water and sewer systems. I’m so excited about this because the commission hasn’t been able to look at housing county-wide for awhile.”  

In other action, commissioners discussed how to divvy up $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for county broadband projects. Commissioners agreed projects which expanded and provided underserved broadband residents should rate high on a priority list. Commissioner William Blodgett asked about the scale of various broadband expansion projects. Barnes reported projects could range from as little as $10,000 to $25,000 up to a couple hundred thousand dollars. “It really depends on the project and how many underserved residents are being assisted,” she said. 

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer described the allocation process as difficult. “The biggest challenge is making equitable choices. Not every town has the same needs and not every one will apply. So you can’t just give everyone the same amount,” she said. 

Commissioners are hoping towns will use ARPA funds to leverage additional state funds though Maine Connectivity Authority. Barnes reported MCA has $158 million for broadband expansion projects. She provided commissioners with a one-page bulletin describing how MCA would consider applications. The notification read: “The new MCA grant application calendar would begin in October with a November deadline. These are complex, time-consuming applications. We expect it to include a requirement or evaluation criteria with a minimum local financial commitment.” 

MCA is also providing general funding guidelines. Prior to applying for county funding, an application for a specific state or federal grant must be underway. County funds will support projects to unserved or underserved locations. County awards are contingent on projects receiving a state or federal grant. County funds may equal, but not exceed, town contributions. The county reserves the right to revise priorities, depending on availability of state, federal, local, or private sector funding.

The county’s ARPA allocation process includes an application form and review by two to three broadband advisors and LCRPC staff. The Maine Broadband Coalition will help LCRPC develop the application and review process. County commissioners will finalize the review process.