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Cowlitz County signs letter supporting Comcast Xfinity broadband grant application for unserved, underserved areas
Summary
The board approved consent items that included a letter from the Washington State Broadband Office supporting Comcast Xfinity’s grant application to extend service to unserved and underserved households; commissioners discussed the program but did not authorize county funding.
Cowlitz County commissioners approved consent agenda items that included a letter from the Washington State Broadband Office supporting Comcast Xfinity’s efforts to apply for grant funding to extend Internet service to unserved and underserved households in the county.
During discussion, a commissioner asked whether the broadband support represents a county grant or program. County staff explained the broadband effort is federal grant-funded and that the letter is intended to support Comcast Xfinity’s application; staff said they were not aware of county funds being used for the project. "My understanding on this, the letter that we received, with regards for approval was that Xfinity was… applying for a grant, and they wanted to use us as leverage," a commissioner said.
Commissioners also noted the county maintains a broadband committee that previously awarded funds and that providers must be willing to extend service into rural areas for federal funding to be effective. The item was listed in correspondence within the consent agenda; the board approved the consent agenda as presented.
No specific county financial commitment was described at the meeting. Staff said the state broadband office and federal programs are the source of grant funds and that local provider participation is required for deployment to remote areas.
