In a rural state, connecting people to commerce can be especially difficult, so the strength of our economy and communities relies on the maintenance of our ports, roads, railways, airports, and rivers.  These resources – and others such as broadband, sewers, and utility lines – play a key role in supporting our businesses and facilitating the high standard of living that we in Maine enjoy. As we adjust to the real challenges of global climate change, we will need not just to maintain but to improve our infrastructure in order to protect Maine from seawater incursion on our coasts and islands, increased wear on our transportation networks, and defense against extreme weather events. Our state—and our country— incur a debt when we postpone investments in our transportation and infrastructure systems. Preserving and improving our state’s infrastructure and transportation systems is an essential component of any long term path to economic prosperity, and I am committed to supporting projects that keep Maine moving forward. 

Increasing access to high-speed broadband, both fixed and wireless, is also key to ensuring our ability to compete in today’s global economy, and it is critical that we continue to invest in next generation broadband networks to advance innovation in education, health care, agriculture, and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Maine, regardless of where one lives. I have outlined a roadmap to help meet the broadband challenges faced in Maine and across the country, including steps to better connect rural communities and close the digital divide.