AUGUSA — The ConnectME Authority is in the process of conducting a series of community forums to receive public comment regarding broadband issues in Maine as part of the creation of a strategic plan. Citizens, business owners, municipal representatives and others are encouraged to participate. Input gained at these forums will be incorporated in the draft of the plan to be available for review in early November.

Remaining forums will be held at the following locations:

- Campus Center of the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) on Wednesday Sept. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

- Jewett Hall Auditorium of the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) on Wednesday Sept. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Community desires and expectations regarding broadband availability, quality, and adoption in Maine, including goals or priorities which attendees feel are important. They will participate in a facilitated group discussion.

For those unable to attend a forum, they can submit written remarks on the ConnectME Authority website at maine.gov/connectme/forums.shtml. Online comments received by Sept. 30, will be reviewed and considered during creation of the draft strategic plan in October. After release of a draft triennial strategic plan in November, a public hearing to receive comments on the draft plan will be conducted on December 4, 2015.

This more formal event will allow for further public comment on the draft released in November. In February 2016, the Board will vote on a final strategic plan for broadband in Maine, with publication and promotion of it to immediately follow. For more information on the forums and the strategic planning process, contact: Connect.ME@maine.gov.