Clallam County staff: broadband conduit 80% in, customer service expected in 2026

Clallam County staff reported that two grant-funded broadband buildouts are making steady progress, with most underground conduit in place and fiber installation advancing, though permit and power‑pole replacement issues could delay full service in some areas.

Staff member Steve (staff member) told the county that the Public Works Board area — described in the briefing as the Dan Kelly Road and Power Plant Road corridors — has its underground conduit fully installed and poles set. Steve said fiber placement was about 40% complete earlier in the month and staff estimated the combined underground and aerial work was likely at or above 50% by the time of the meeting. He added that the project team hopes to have some customers connected by the end of 2026 and broader customer turn‑up completed in 2026 or sooner where work is complete.

The larger Washington State Broadband Office area includes more miles of conduit and remains behind the smaller area. Staff reported roughly 200 miles of conduit in the larger grant area and said about 80% of that conduit has been installed. Progress is being slowed in places by pending permits and power‑pole replacements coordinated with the local public utility district (PUD).

On budget, staff reviewed the capital plan that allocates roughly $5,000,000 for the larger Wazewell/Washco area and about $500,000 for the Public Works Board section. Steve said contractors may request contingency funds under their contracts to cover higher than expected costs (for example, additional pole replacements), and that county administrative costs are included in current projections. County staff said, however, that significant cost overruns beyond the contract contingency would be the contractor’s responsibility under current agreements.

Staff acknowledged some resident complaints about construction impacts — contractors cutting private lines or using private roads with short notice — but said county inspection staff and the contractor’s field supervisors have generally responded to and resolved those issues. The county also issued right‑of‑way permits for underground work and reported active construction inspection by Jesse Goodman and others.

The board and staff agreed to monitor December billings closely because timing of vendor invoices will affect year‑end carryover and the amount of contingency that remains available for 2026 work. No new action or vote was taken during the update.

Ending: County staff will continue to track field progress, coordinate permitting and PUD pole replacements, and report back as vendor billing and permit outcomes become clearer.