AUGUSTA (AP) – An agreement has been reached that will enable residents of Washington and Aroostook counties to continue receiving radio transmissions from the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

Republican Sen. Kevin Raye of Perry told lawmakers Thursday that the network agreed to continue operating towers in Calais and Fort Kent. MPBN officials had planned to shut down transmissions from the two radio towers on Feb. 28 in response to a budget shortfall.

MPBN also agreed that any future cost-saving measures would be spread across the state rather than targeted on particular geographic areas.

MPBN President Jim Dowe said the network will evaluate its budget to identify places to save money. MPBN says it must cut costs because of decreases in the state subsidy, major contributions and corporate support.