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Programs in six counties and 10 tribal communities will increase broadband access and use in the next year. Broadband advocates in six counties and 10 tribal communities will spend the next year improving access and increasing broadband use in their part of the state.  The five Local Technology Planning Teams…

Across Washington, there is a new way to help people locate affordable rental housing Across Washington, there is a new way to help people locate affordable rental housing. HousingSearchNW.org, an online, no cost, service for renters and landlords, is expanding service statewide. A group of King County organizations (Rental Housing…

Governor Jay Inslee today directed the state Department of Commerce to release $150,000 from its Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account to support local economies affected by the Skagit River bridge collapse on Interstate 5. Governor Jay Inslee today directed the state Department of Commerce to release $150,000 from its Economic…

High Percentage of New Homes in Washington State Exceed Current Energy Code The Washington State Department of Commerce and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), representing an alliance of Northwest utilities and energy efficiency organizations, today announced a study of residential energy code compliance that shows Washington State is highest in the nation. In 2009, Washington…

For decades, transforming Puget Sound’s forest lands, fields and shorelines into places for new homes and businesses often has come at the expense of the environment. While development reduces fish and wildlife habitat, it can also have other negative environmental effects such as diminishing the effectiveness of wetlands and floodplains…

Community and region-wide broadband planning efforts get an assist from new grant funds available through the Washington State Broadband Office. The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced that applications are available for the 2013 Local Technology Planning Team grant program. The grants awards will range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are…