The Public Works Board (PWB) recently announced $17.8 million for local funding to expand broadband construction throughout state.
The Board received 29 different project applications for a total request of $73 million in funding, with the demand exceeding the available funds by over 300%. This year’s recipients include the Makah Tribe, Kalispel Tribe, Grant County PUD, Port
of Skagit, Wahkiakum County PUD, Hood Canal Telephone and Port of Ilwaco.
This broadband funding was part of the 2019-21 $21 million legislative investment in public broadband infrastructure. The funding was redirected from PWB’s traditional infrastructure account in an effort to support communities with poor broadband
service. To learn more about the PWB’s current efforts to increase broadband availability, click here. To learn more about AWC’s legislative efforts to increase
municipal broadband access, click here.