SB 5175, sponsored by Sen. Joe Nguyen (D–White Center), expands the Community Economic Revitalization Board’s (CERB) authority to provide loans and grants to local and tribal governments for broadband infrastructure.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of reliable, accessible broadband for the purposes of education, economic development, health care, and professional development. This bill provides explicit authority to CERB to provide grants and loans to local and tribal governments to support the build-out of broadband infrastructure. Financial assistance may be provided to applicants that encourage, develop, and improve broadband access, drive job creation, expand markets, or support the ongoing needs of local education systems.

While SB 5175 is subject to appropriation, Governor Inslee’s proposed biennial budget includes a $9.5 million appropriation to CERB to administer financial assistance for broadband infrastructure.

Dates to remember

SB 5175 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee at 8 am on January 21.