Eychaner named acting director of Washington State Broadband Office

Eychaner named acting director of Washington State Broadband Office

Departing director Russ Elliott stewarded state office from start up to one of the nation’s leading efforts toward digital equity for rural communities OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Commerce Director Lisa Brown today announced that Dawn Eychaner will serve as acting director of the Washington State Broadband Office effective Sept. 30, when current director Russ Elliott leaves the position to serve as Chief Executive Officer of a California telecommunications carrier. Eychaner…

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $17.9 million in 13 counties

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $17.9 million in 13 counties

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved over $15.3 million in grants and $2.6 million in low-interest loans for planning, economic development and rural broadband infrastructure construction projects. Nine rural broadband projects were approved for over $14 million in grants from the CERB coronavirus capital projects fund, enabling an estimated 3,858 high-speed internet connections once completed. Another three projects approved for funding under CERB’s…

State Public Works Board accepting grant applications for broadband construction

State Public Works Board accepting grant applications for broadband construction

Over $43 million in federal grant dollars available for broadband projects to unserved and underserved communities OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) is accepting applications for broadband infrastructure construction grants now through Oct. 1, 2021. Cities, towns, counties, special purpose districts and Tribes are eligible to apply. It is important to note that RCW 43.155.160(5)(o) requires applicants to contact local Internet service providers (ISPs) near the…

State Public Works Board announces June broadband infrastructure webinars

State Public Works Board announces June broadband infrastructure webinars

Stakeholder roundtable and broadband construction application workshop scheduled OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Public Works Board is hosting two broadband infrastructure webinars in June: Stakeholder Roundtable, June 17, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. This online meeting provides an update on development of the Public Works Board broadband program. The Zoom webinar will engage stakeholders and partners in an open discussion about completed work, where the program is headed, and current stakeholder efforts…