Boothbay is a recipient of two grants. One is a $7,500 Maine Community Foundation Grant which town officials have accepted. Boothbay applied for it in conjunction with Boothbay Harbor for examining potential broadband internet expansion. The other is a matching Central Maine Power grant to buy an electric car charging station.

During the Dec. 12 board meeting, Town Manager Dan Bryer reported CMP had awarded a matching grant of up to $3,000 for a charging station. In previous meetings, Bryer informed selectmen that hybrid driving tourists use several different Apps which all  identify electric car charging locations in trip planning. The Boothbay region already has several inns and businesses with charging stations, and if the town had its own, it may result in more tourist traffic in the region.

“I have looked at several Apps and they all have information about where these electric chargers are located. A couple local inns have chargers, but for tourists who may not want to spend a night this could bring them to town for the day,” he said.

Bryer reported a single charging station costs around $3,500. He will consult with local master electrician Gary Arsenault, who owns  Northern Light Electric, about what model may best serve local interests. Arsenault would also answer more technical questions about operating a municipally owned charging station.  “This may be a nice amenity for the town. I will pick Gary’s brain and bring back more information for board consideration.”

Among the unanswered questions selectmen have is whether or not the town’s solar grids could power a new electric car charging station and if the town should charge for a charge.

In response to the other grant, there was no hesitation in the board’s decision accepting it. Last fall, Selectman Kristina Ford spearheaded an effort to seek a MCF grant for up to $15,000. Now with a $7,500 grant secured, the town will work with Boothbay Harbor to create a broadband committee researching options for improving local internet speed and reliability. Boothbay officials expect the grant to fund a facilitator who would review the region’s current broadband internet options and make recommendations for upgrading.

“Every house doesn’t need fiber optic cable. This committee will identify what is needed, and help us move forward,” Ford said.

The town isn’t only receiving funds, it’s also sending dollars out. The selectmen voted 5-0 to contribute $1,235 for a grassroots effort by the state’s minimum education funding receivers in securing more aid. Last year, the town of Fayette initiated an effort for minimum receiving schools to receive at least 15 percent state funding. Fayette began sending its town manager to approximately 116 Maine towns which are minimum receivers.

On Nov. 26, Robinson addressed the Boothbay selectmen who verbally supported the plan for a legislative lobbying effort designed to create an additional $22 million in school funding. The additional monies would not impact the current Essential Program and Service funding formula. The $22 million would be a second tier of funding designated to get minimum receivers, like Fayette which receives 7 percent, and the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District, which receives 10 percent, to a 15 percent minimum state funding threshold.

Robinson previously met with Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor selectmen and CSD officials in seeking their support. He also asked for financial support in the “Raise the Roof” lobbying effort. Robinson is asking municipalities for $5 per student. In Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, Robinson calculated the CSD’s share was $2,235. On Dec. 10, Boothbay Harbor selectmen voted, 3-2, to contribute $800. And Boothbay selectmen followed suit Dec. 12 with a unanimous vote contributing $1,235.

Selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9 in the municipal building.