Engaging the Public

The last two months have seen so much progress in the Community Reinvestment Plan. This progress will be highlighted in the Interim Legislative Report (published and shared here by the end of the calendar year), but I would like to highlight one aspect of the great work  our contractor, the Harriet Tubman Foundation for Safe Passage (HTFFSP) is doing: their public engagement and collaboration. The HTFFSP model of gathering community…

Up to $900 million at stake: State seeks public input on federal broadband map

Up to $900 million at stake: State seeks public input on federal broadband map

Deadline looms for verification and challenges to service data that will determine Washington’s share of significant federal broadband infrastructure funding OLYMPIA, WA – Washington state’s three funding partners working to expand broadband access to all businesses and residents are asking the public to help check Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data in a recently published National Broadband Map.  The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), and Public…

FCC Broadband Mapping

The Washington State Public Works Board, Washington State Broadband Office, and Community Economic Revitalization Board encourage the public to review and verify or challenge the information for their location on the recently published FCC National Broadband Map. The accuracy of this map is critical for future broadband funding allocations. Step by step guidance for FCC Broadband Mapping has been made available.

Commerce makes final Right of Way Safety Initiative funding awards to city and nonprofit proposals in latest step toward closing Camp Hope

Commerce makes final Right of Way Safety Initiative funding awards to city and nonprofit proposals in latest step toward closing Camp Hope

New investments bring total to 376 beds for temporary and permanent housing now funded in Spokane. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce will fund multiple proposals from the final portion of state’s Right of Way Safety Initiative funding available for work to close the homeless encampment on Washington State Department of Transportation property in Spokane, known as Camp Hope. These newest investments of more than $4 million…

State Broadband Office offers $120 million in grants to build “last mile” infrastructure

State Broadband Office offers $120 million in grants to build “last mile” infrastructure

Grants up to $12 million each offered as Washington state pushes toward goal of high-speed internet access for all residents and businesses by 2028 OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Broadband Office is accepting applications now through January 17, 2023 for grants of up to $12 million each for broadband infrastructure construction projects. With $120 million available, the grants target “unserved” areas – defined as areas lacking access to reliable…

FCC Broadband Mapping

What is it? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published a new National Broadband Map. This map attempts to show where internet service is and is not available for every location in the country. The accuracy of this information is critical to the future of broadband in the state. Why does it matter to me? Verification of services Does the map show that broadband service is available at your location,…

Department of Commerce announces $32.5 million in grants from new Small Business Innovation Fund

Department of Commerce announces $32.5 million in grants from new Small Business Innovation Fund

Funding will support at least 22 projects across Washington state focused on increasing programs and services to help meet the needs of underserved communities, businesses, entrepreneurs OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced 22 projects conditionally awarded Small Business Innovation Fund (SBIF) grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. The total $32.5 million awarded will fund a variety of activities, including: small business incubators and accelerators,…

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $11.9 million in six counties

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $11.9 million in six counties

State funds will leverage nearly $130 million in private, local and other state resources and are expected to create more than 125 family wage jobs. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) yesterday approved $8.75 million in low interest loans and $3.2 million in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur broadband deployment, business growth and job creation in communities throughout the…