The objection period is currently open 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 happy to announce that the cycle for federal grants through the ARPA Capital program is open from 11/22/2022 through January 17, 2023. ARPA Capital funds focus on critical capital broadband projects that deliver broadband access to unserved populations.

Eligible Applicants

• Units of local government
• Federally recognized tribes
• Nonprofit organizations
• Nonprofit cooperative organizations
• Multiparty entities comprised of a combination of public entity members or private entity members lead by a public entity.

For more information and to apply, please use the following links:

• Broadband Infrastructure Grant – ARPA Capital guidelines
  Broadband Infrastructure Grant Application Q&A (Updated 1/12/23)
• Broadband Infrastructure Grant – ARPA Capital application webinar (Video) Passcode: %s0HgnPk 
• Broadband Infrastructure Grant – APRA Capital application webinar slides (PDF)
• WSBO Broadband Construction ZoomGrants Portal

Applications will be accepted until midnight on January 17, 2023. Rating and ranking will begin on January 18, and awards are anticipated on February 28, 2023. There is a provider challenge period from January 20 through February 10, 2023.

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. A second round of funding will become available later this spring. 

• IAG Recipient Handbook
• 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

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 Public Works Board Broadband Funding page.