PWB Broadband Connecting Washington Shelley Westall PWB Broadband
PWB Broadband: Connecting Washington Shelley Westall
PWB Broadband: The Team Shelley Westall Program Director Jeff Takahashi Program Manager Sheila Richardson Project Manager
Broadband Program History 2 SSB 5511 (2019) • Establishes PWB Broadband Construction Grant & Loan Program • Funds Program with $25 M • Creates State Broadband Office
Broadband Partners Our Partners • The State Broadband Office • Community Economic Revitalization Board • Utilities and Transportation Committee
Program Eligibility • Local governments • Tribes • Nonprofit organizations • Cooperative associations • Multiparty entities comprised of public entity members • Limited liability corporations organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access, and • Incorporated businesses or partnerships
Program Requirements and Limits Project Profiles • Unserved (25 mbps download/3 mbps upload or less) • Shovel-ready projects • Meets or is scalable to the state goals in statute and/or defined by the State Broadband Office Funding Limits • Distressed and Severely Distressed: $5 M (max 90% of total project costs) • Non-Distressed: $2 M (max 50% of total project costs)
Unique Requirements • Provider notifications • Objection process • UTC feasibility review
Our First Funding Cycle July 13 July 27 Sept 9 Application Open ISP Contact Deadline Application Closes Applications Posted Challenge Process Starts UTC and PWB Review Starts Early October Challenge Process Closes Late October Challenge Review & Award of Funds
PWB Broadband: More than a Funding Source • Foster partnerships with Broadband Action Teams and Champion Teams to better understand the unique broadband needs. • Function as subject matter experts with the ability to offer creative solutions. • Collaborate with SBO to measure broadband need and support data driven solutions. • Develop and map pipeline of shovel-ready projects. • Remain nimble and ready for new opportunities.
Public Works Board Contacts Karin Berkholtz Shelley Westall Executive Director Program Director Public Works Board (360) 725 -3051 (360) 764 -9038 karin. berkholtz@commerce. wa. gov Shelley. westall@commerce. wa. gov pwb. wa. gov
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