ROCKPORT — Drivers and residents in Rockport Village over the past few weeks have likely noticed line crews stringing lines along utility poles through downtown and out to the Rockport Town Office.

The new line is fiber optic, and it is being strung to both improve Internet capabilities to the heart of the downtown village out to Maine Media College and to attract new business in to the village buildings, according to Town Manager Rick Bates.

The fiber optic cable will initially by used by the Rockport Public Library, Maine Media College and its classrooms at the Shepherd Block in the village, and at the town office. Installation of fiber optic cable into the library is being partially funded by a grant from MaineREN, the state Resource and Education Network, which has been wiring schools and libraries in various communities around Maine.

In addition to the grant monies, the fiber optic installation is being funded in part by Tax Incremental Financing money that the town has been holding and money from the college.

”This is the result of a positive vote at special town meeting in February to add fiber optic as an allowable use in the TIF District, and to authorize the Rockport Select Board to spend the money already accumulated in the TIF District for that purpose,” said Bates. “It is expected that the construction will be completed in the next week and that there will be a more formal announcement and press conference in late May.”

Bates said earlier this year that the installation of fiber optic cable in the village would likely lead to a demand for expansion of the service across town, which will be good for residents as well as existing and future business pursuits.

“Once the fiber optic is in downtown, we anticipate there will be enough residential use demanding it be expanded,” said Bates. “And that will be good for business growth in town too, as the added security of a dedicated fiber line is attractive.”

Bates said the service provider will be GWI. Bates originally said the project would cost around $60,000, but an updated figure is not currently available.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.