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. It introduces provisions for funding the acquisition, installation, construction, and repairs of middle mile and last mile broadband infrastructure. The board, in collaboration with the office, is tasked with developing administrative procedures for the application process, which includes specific criteria for evaluating applications. Notably, the bill emphasizes that the preapplication and award processes do not apply to repair and replace public works broadband projects, which are defined separately.

Additionally, the bill allows for low-interest or interest-free loans and grants specifically for repair and replace public works broadband projects necessitated by unforeseen events. It clarifies that funding cannot be provided to new providers to overbuild existing infrastructure and outlines the eligibility criteria for applicants. The bill also sets limits on the percentage of project costs that can be funded and specifies that funds awarded must primarily serve the public interest. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the process for improving broadband access while ensuring that existing infrastructure is not unnecessarily duplicated.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.155.160