The Maine Public Broadcasting Network and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development are holding a Bangor press conference today to announce a $396,000 USDA Rural Development grant to MPBN to help develop a television series. The MPBN programs, which will air this September and October, will feature six cities and towns in Maine, specifically Limestone, Lincoln, Rockland, Waterville, Wilton, Bangor and Brewer.

The programs will highlight how the communities have been working to define and implement strategies leading to longer-term economic vibrancy. Their stories, lessons learned, successes and continuing challenges are of importance to Maine. The series will attempt to determine whether Maine towns can jump-start their economies from Main Street, or whether strong hometown economies are the answer.