Proposal to let Public Works Board make broadband repair loans draws caution from cities
Staff briefed SB 5188 to let the Public Works Board make loans for broadband repair and replacement; the Association of Washington Cities warned the change could be ill-timed given recent and proposed sweeps from the Public Works Assistance Account and urged consideration of the CURB board as an alternative venue.
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The committee heard a staff briefing on Senate Bill 5188, which would expand the Public Works Board’s broadband program authority to include loans for repair and replacement of middle-mile and last-mile broadband infrastructure. Rob Hatfield (staff) told the committee the program would prioritize applications for areas that would be unserved if repairs do not take place and cited operating and capital costs for Commerce associated with administering the expanded program.
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