To streamline the process, Southport selectmen voted 3-0 Jan. 26 to authorize Axiom Technologies, LLC in “all matters” relating to the $1.9 million broadband installation. Board Chairman Gerry Gamage said, “the decision was made to speed up the process.”

The project is stalled as Axiom waits on pole permits from Central Maine Power and Consolidated Communications. Town officials hope installation begins in April, and is completed by November or December. “It all hinges on the pole permits. Until we get those permits, we can’t do anything,” Gamage said.

The project is an attempt to provide all citizens with access to high-speed internet. Southport needs 320 residents to subscribe to the municipal service to offset  costs. Gamage reports, at last count, 110 had committed to subscribing. 

In other action, the board is looking to fill four budget committee vacancies. The committee consists of nine members and one alternate. Currently, the budget committee includes Rob Cronk, Guy Randlett, Karen Curtis, Cindy Smith and Celeste Brown.

Selectmen also reported the town is seeking a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to fix a road near the town hall and extend a water line. Gamage reported the town is seeking the grant in conjunction with Maine Department of Transportation. “We’ve been raising money for three years and want the grant to hire an engineer,” Gamage said. “The way the road is constructed, it’s unsafe, especially entering or exiting from the south. We want to build up the road, and put in a water pipe.”

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 in the municipal building.