The bill amends RCW 43.155.160 to establish a competitive grant and loan program aimed at enhancing access to broadband services in unserved areas of Washington State. The new provisions include the ability for the board to award grants and loans specifically for the acquisition, installation, and construction of middle mile and last mile infrastructure, as well as for the repair and replacement of such infrastructure. The bill emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for broadband deployment and includes a requirement for applicants to demonstrate community support and the unserved nature of the project area.

Additionally, the bill introduces a priority system for evaluating applications, focusing on projects that serve unserved areas or would become unserved without repairs. It also allows for the board to prioritize projects that involve public-private partnerships, benefit economically distressed areas, and support community institutions. The funding structure is designed to ensure that no single project receives more than fifty percent of its total cost from state funds, with exceptions for financially distressed areas. The bill also outlines the process for objections from existing broadband service providers and establishes guidelines for emergency public works broadband projects in response to natural disasters or unforeseen events.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.155.160