Bill > SB5671

This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for Washington state's broadband service expansion grant and loan program, which aims to promote broadband access in unserved areas. The bill narrows the list of eligible applicants by removing limited liability corporations and incorporated businesses/partnerships from the previous list, leaving eligible entities as local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, cooperative associations, and multiparty entities comprised of public entity members. The bill maintains the program's core purpose of awarding funding for broadband infrastructure projects, with a focus on middle mile and last mile infrastructure in unserved areas. Key provisions include prioritizing projects in unserved and economically distressed areas, requiring applicants to provide detailed project information such as geographic service area, proposed speeds, and community benefits, and establishing an objection process for existing broadband service providers. The bill also sets funding limits, stipulating that grants cannot exceed 50% of a project's total cost (or up to 90% in financially distressed areas), with a maximum award of two million dollars per project (or five million in certain circumstances). Additionally, recipients must guarantee that the infrastructure will be maintained for public use for at least 15 years, ensuring long-term public benefit from the investments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5671&Year=2025&Initiative=false