Leaders of the Maine Community College System will be joined by Gov. Baldacci on Wednesday to announce a major new community college initiative focused on strengthening rural Maine.

The initiative — which includes significant new gifts and investments in community college programs targeted to rural Maine — is the result of a listening tour across the state, conducted by MCCS President John Fitzsimmons during the summer and fall of 2007.

A report summarizing the findings of the tour, along with key recommendations, will be released in conjunction with the announcement.