Objections received and WSBO evaluation of the objection

The objection period is closed for existing network service providers to object to an application for broadband construction funding under the WSBO Broadband Infrastructure Grant – ARPA Capital program. Objections demonstrating that the following circumstance will be considered:

• The proposed project will result in overbuild because the objecting party currently provides, has begun construction to provide, or will begin construction within a year of the date that the WSBO awards are issued to provide broadband service to end users at 100/20 Mpbs or speeds equal to or greater than state speed goals (RCW 43.330.536). The WSBO reserves the right to require an objector to provide a bond, letter of credit or other indications of financial commitment guaranteeing the construction project’s completion.

Steps for existing network service providers:

1. Review the applicant list, project areas, proposed service delivery speeds, and project area maps.
2. Compete the Objection Intake Form.
3. Complete the Objection Address Information spreadsheet.
4. Submit the completed Objection Intake Form, Objection Address Information spreadsheet, and service area maps to Connie.Rivera@commerce.wa.gov.

Objections must contain all required documentation and be received by February 10, 2023 to be considered. 

The WSBO is working with applicants and objecting providers to resolve areas of potential overbuild in proposed projects. Upon completion of this process, awards will be announced. The WSBO anticipates announcing awards in April 2023. 

• BIG Recipient Handbook
  • BIG Handbook Forms
• BIG Grant Award Recipients (coming soon)

This application cycle would not be possible without the participation of communities, local governments, tribes, and private businesses..

• NOFO Listening Session All Parties (on YouTube)
• NOFO Listening Session ISP Focused (on YouTube)
• NOFO Listening session Tribal Nations
• Spring 2022 funding round slide deck
• Written Comments

The State Broadband Office finalized the list of projects that have been selected for funding in our first round of Infrastructure Acceleration Grants.

• IAG Recipient Handbook
  • IAG Handbook Forms
• Fall 2021 Infrastructure Acceleration Grants Award Winners
• Fall 2021 WSBO Acceleration Grants Map
• February 2022 IAG Accepted Applicants webinar
  • Passcode: m$p8?=2A
• Slides
• Fall 2021 Funding Cycle Full Application Materials (Closed)

The WSBO is one of 13 projects awarded funding from the NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program. Washington will receive $30 million for last-mile fiber and last-mile wireless projects that aim to overcome barriers to broadband access and connectivity in five rural counties of the state: Ferry, Jefferson, Kittitas, Okanogan and Stevens, serving an estimated 7,196 unserved households. These counties were selected following through a 2019 assessment – part of our collaborative work between WSBO, Public Works Board and CERB to provide universal high-speed internet access throughout the state by 2024.

• NTIA Award Breakdown

The WSBO has matching grants available for federal broadband infrastructure financing opportunities. Matching fund applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis for local partners applying for federal broadband infrastructure funding (grants or loans). Match grant awards will be committed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants whose projects are strong candidates for the federal funding opportunity sought. Match awards may not exceed $5 million or 25% of the federal grant amount sought, whichever is less.

Eligible applicants include local governments, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofit organizations and nonprofit cooperative organizations, and public-private partnerships

• State Broadband Matching Grants
• WSBO 21-23 Matching Guidelines

A Rapid Design Study is a technical review that provides communities with project information including but not limited to:

• Design analysis, up to 6 different designs, with different configurations of each project, Including 100% fixed Wireless, Various hybrid models, and 100% Fiber to the premise;
• Cost projection;
• Barriers for planned location(s);
• Tribal lands in the project area;
• Number of locations in project area unserved by wireline 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload; and
• Follow up with the technical advisor for results of Rapid Design study.

The WSBO has a limited amount of funding to provide communities with Rapid Design Studies to facilitate their buildout of broadband infrastructure. Interested local governments or tribes should contact Connie Rivera at 360-704-9535 or connie.rivera@commerce.wa.gov for additional information.

The WSBO has a limited amount of funding to provide contracted grant writing services to local governments and tribes seeking funding from a federal agency for broadband infrastructure development. These services cannot be used to apply to state or local funding sources.

This program partners the community with a grant writer to:

• Evaluate project with the community to determine which funding source has the highest probability of success.
• Assist in gathering, editing, and preparing the documentation required for the specific Federal Funding.
• Provide the community with application narratives as needed.
• Support the community to ensure a completed grant application package is submitted on-time.

Interested local governments or tribes should contact Connie Rivera at 360-704-9535 or connie.rivera@commerce.wa.gov for additional information.

The State Broadband Office, the Public Works Board, and the Community Revitalization Board all fund broadband projects. What’s the difference? Learn more on the Broadband Funding page.