by
<a href="mailto:candiceb@awcnet.org">Candice Bock</a>, <a href="mailto:brandona@awcnet.org">Brandon Anderson</a> | Apr 29, 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 Legislature last week after the Senate adopted amendments made in the House.
Governor-request bill SB 5511, which creates a statewide broadband office and new funding program, passed the Legislature last week after the Senate adopted amendments made in the House.
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.
AWC supports the Legislature’s intent to expand access to high-speed broadband in unserved areas but opposed the capital budget’s diversions of critical infrastructure dollars from the Public Works Trust Fund to support the new broadband grants and loans.
The bill is now headed to the Governor for signature.