Senate vote unanimous for state broadband office
A statewide broadband office would be created under legislation passed by the Washington state Senate in a unanimous vote March 6. Senate Bill 5511 would establish the Governor’s Statewide Broadband Office, require the Public Works Board to create a grant and loan program, and modify the state Universal Communications Services Program, along with other changes. The Public Works Board grant and load program could be awarded to local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and multiparty entities, among other groups. The projects must meet certain criteria to receive funding like being located in an underserved area or offering new or updated broadband service to important institutions in the community.