by
<a href="mailto:candiceb@awcnet.org">Candice Bock</a>, <a href="mailto:brandona@awcnet.org">Brandon Anderson</a> | Apr 22, 2019
Governor-request bill <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5511&Chamber=Senate&Year=2019" target="_blank"><strong>SB 5511</strong></a>, which creates a statewide broadband office and new funding program, passed the House last week after being amended on the floor.
Governor-request bill SB 5511, which creates a statewide broadband office and new funding program, passed the House last week after being amended on the floor.
The bill establishes a competitive grant and loan program managed by the Public Works Board to help promote expanded broadband access to unserved areas across the state. Eligible applicants for the grant and loan program include local governments, tribes, nonprofits and private companies.
The House floor amendment authorizes the Public Works Board to fund up to 90 percent of the total cost of a project and up to $5 million in “Indian country” and “distressed areas,” as defined in RCW 43.168.020.
AWC supports the Legislature’s intent to expand access to high-speed broadband in unserved areas but opposes the House and Senate capital budget diversions of critical infrastructure dollars from the Public Works Trust Fund to support the new broadband grants and loans. AWC has been working to encourage legislators to find another funding source for this new program.
AWC supports access to high-speed broadband in unserved areas but opposes diversions of critical infrastructure dollars from the Public Works Trust Fund.
The Senate must now vote to adopt the changes made by the House before final passage of the legislation.