L-A and Western Maine want Google!

(Lewiston, ME) – The communities of Lewiston and Auburn and the Oxford Hills Region have submitted a joint Request for Information for a Google project to site a super high speed Internet network in the area.

Google will select one or more communities throughout the United States to become test sites to develop a fiber-based high-speed network that could potentially be 100 times faster than most consumers have at home. As part of the selection process, Google recently called for interested communities to submit detailed information on issues ranging from climate and topographical data to the number of electrical conduits and high-tech employees in the area.

Improved Internet connectivity would potentially offer a huge boost to existing businesses, education centers and citizens as well as greatly expand business development opportunities. The area’s various hospitals, colleges and commercial industries could all benefit through improved opportunities to collaborate, create and conduct business in completely new ways.

Lewiston, Auburn and Western Maine formed a coalition together with the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments and submitted an application on Friday, March 26th, the project deadline. The coalition included the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, the governments of the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn, and the Western Maine Economic Development Council.

Even after the deadline, efforts to attract Google to Lewiston, Auburn and Western Maine continue, and are gathering popular support.

The project has found a life on-line, and includes a website (www.lawantsgoogle.com), a Facebook group (Google Fiber for L-A and Western Maine) and a video depicting community residents in support of the project. The L-A Economic Growth Council is encouraging public support for the Google Fiber for Communities project and is hoping that the movement picks up speed.

Google has said it will choose the communities or community later this year.

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