Bill > SB5439

This bill aims to facilitate the coordinated installation of broadband infrastructure along state highways in Washington. It does this by: 1. Expanding the role and responsibilities of the Governor's Statewide Broadband Office to include coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOT) on broadband deployment, and requiring the office to report on these coordination efforts. 2. Directing the DOT to proactively provide information to broadband providers about planned highway projects, to enable coordination and installation of broadband facilities during construction, if feasible. 3. Allowing the DOT to enlist its contractors to install broadband conduit as part of road construction projects, if no broadband providers are able to participate, in order to benefit the transportation system and users. 4. Requiring the DOT to adopt a policy to enable collaboration between the department and broadband providers on limited access highway projects. 5. Directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study and provide recommendations on DOT strategies and partnerships to address broadband service gaps, using transportation infrastructure and projects. The overall goal is to improve broadband access and coordination, especially in underserved areas, by leveraging the state's transportation system and projects.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5439&Year=2021&Initiative=false