Public Works Board - Broadband Financing

Scoring Criteria for All Broadband Program Applications
Distressed Areas List

Broadband Construction Grant and Loan
Cycle Open 7/13/20 – 9/9/20

The Public Works Board Broadband Construction Grant and Loan program focuses on activities that provide broadband internet to unserved areas of the state. The division of grant and loan funds available is determined by legislative statute. Please refer to the application guidelines for the funding methodology.

Electronic submission of applications for all PWB programs are through ZoomGrants. Paper copies will not be accepted.

Click Apply for PWB Broadband Construction Grants and Loans via ZoomGrants to reach the ZoomGrants website. If you have a ZoomGrants account, log in and follow the instructions. If you are a new user, complete the required information for a new ZoomGrants account to create a profile. Please do not use “The” as the first word in the agency name. Once the agency profile has been created, select the Public Works Board Program you wish to apply for, check the “apply” button, and start your proposal. Answers are automatically saved.

Prior to submitting an application, please print out and complete the Threshold Criteria Checklist. This will ensure that the submitted application is complete.

Broadband Construction Grant and Loan Application Overview (PDF)

Training – 
Broadband Construction Application Workshop (Video)
Broadband Construction Application Workshop PowerPoint (PDF)
Using ZoomGrants to Apply for Public Works Board Loans (PDF)
ZoomGrants Applicant Slideshow (PDF)
ZoomGrants Applicant Video

Potential applicants please note:

RCW 43.155.160 (5) (o) requires applicants for PWB Broadband Construction grants and loans to contact local Internet service providers (ISPs) near the proposed project area to request their plan to upgrade broadband service in the project area to speeds that meet or exceed the state’s definition of broadband service within the time frame of the proposed project. This contact must be made a minimum of six-weeks prior to the submission of an application for funding from the PWB, and documentation of this interaction must be submitted with the application.

Broadband Planning Assessment Survey

In order to determine the unserved broadband need in Washington, the Public Works Board is seeking responses to the Statewide Broadband Planning Assessment Survey.  The survey will help the PWB plan for training and focus support for specific areas: feasibility, pre-construction planning, and construction.

By understanding where you are with your broadband planning and projects, the PWB is able to better define overall need and develop a clear picture to communicate to our Legislative partners.

Feasibility and Outreach Grant
Cycle – Closed

Broadband Feasibility and Outreach grants support public outreach and engagement activities that establish and galvanize community-based efforts to bring broadband infrastructure to unserved areas. Community-based efforts, such as Broadband Action Teams, are essential to ensure that community needs are met in planning for broadband expansion.

Broadband Feasibility and Outreach Grant Application Guidelines (pdf)
Broadband Feasibility and Outreach Grant Application Preview (pdf)

2019 Planning-Feasibility Study Grant Awards

On December 6, 2019 the Public Works Board approved $450,000 in funding for Broadband Planning-Feasibility Study Grants.

For the ranked list of applicants, click here.

Planning-Feasibility Study Grants
Cycle – Closed

Broadband Planning-Feasibility Study Grants are for strategic planning activities that facilitate the deployment of broadband service in unserved areas across Washington. The total amount available is $500,000, with a maximum award of $50,000 per applicant.

Broadband Planning-Feasibility Grant Application Guidelines (PDF)
Broadband Planning-Feasibility Application Preview (PDF)