Located in the state's far-flung corners, Maine's Rural News areas are much like rural America in many ways. They have their charms. Some are remote, and others are more like Maine's Rural News and more urban cousins like Portland and Ogunquit. There are also some unique challenges.
Aside from the obvious economics, one of the greatest strengths of Maine's Rural News communities is that they are home to many multigenerational residents. For this reason, the locals are often quite proud of their area. This pride is further augmented by the fact that many of them can still live the good life, even though they are in a state with a high cost of living.
The area has also become home to some of the state's most innovative businesses. For example, the Maine Farmland Trust is a nonprofit that has helped the area advance the future of farming. They have also been certified by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. This is an honor that is not widely awarded.
While Maine has seen its fair share of growth over the last few years, many residents feel it has been more of a boom at the seams than a boom in the big picture. This has been a result of many factors, including the recession. This has also contributed to a decline in traffic volume and a rise in fatal accidents. The traffic fatality rate in Maine was twice as high as the average rate in the state. This resulted from several factors, including a stay-at-home order that led to less enforcement of traffic laws and increased speed.
Maine has also seen an increase in vacationers, particularly during the summer. This has been a boon to the tourism industry, with record numbers of visitors to Maine's Rural News resorts. The town of Rumford, for example, has seen its population decrease by more than half in recent years, partly due to a decline in employment opportunities at the local paper mill. This has led to the emergence of a new industry - aquaculture.
Maine has also seen much growth in the healthcare industry, particularly home medical care. This is because many residents of rural Maine are working long days and are not afforded the luxury of having healthcare professionals available to them. This has led to the creation of community technical education centers, which have helped to address the shortage of nurses in rural areas.
As a result, Maine has also seen an increase in broadband internet service, with the state receiving millions in federal funds to upgrade the state's broadband infrastructure. This has been a major benefit to rural communities, as the private sector still needs to provide high-speed Internet service in these areas.