$200 million request made for Capital Broadband Investment Acceleration Program

SB 5577, introduced by Sen. Nikki Torres (R–Pasco), creates the Capital Broadband Investment Acceleration Program within the Washington State Broadband Office. Intended to assist the state in taking advantage of the influx of federal dollars available for broadband services, the program would fund efforts to increase broadband access in unserved areas of Washington.

The bill requests a $200 million appropriation from the Washington Legislature to fund the competitive grant program within the current biennium. Awards made to program applicants are to be used as match funds required to participate in federal broadband infrastructure programs. Priority for grants must be for projects that serve distressed areas and rural counties across the state. Cities and towns are eligible applicants.