Bill > SB5188

This bill modifies existing law regarding broadband infrastructure grants and loans administered by the state's public works board. The bill expands the board's ability to provide funding by adding loans for repairing and replacing existing middle mile and last mile broadband infrastructure, in addition to previous grants for new infrastructure. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribes, nonprofits, cooperatives, limited liability corporations, and businesses focused on broadband access. The bill maintains the existing competitive grant and loan program's structure, where applicants must provide detailed project information such as location, service area, proposed speeds, community support, and potential economic benefits. The board will prioritize projects in unserved areas, with special consideration for tribal lands, economically distressed regions, and projects that serve community institutions like schools and healthcare facilities. The bill caps state funding at 50% of project costs (or up to 90% in financially distressed areas), with individual project grants not exceeding $2 million (or $5 million in special circumstances). A key addition is the provision for emergency public works broadband projects, allowing low-interest or interest-free loans to repair infrastructure damaged by natural disasters or unforeseen events, with priority given to replacing existing damaged infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5188&Year=2025&Initiative=false