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Cowlitz County sets public hearing on Ziply Fiber franchise in county right-of-way
Summary
County engineer asked the Board of County Commissioners to set a public hearing on a nonexclusive franchise for Ziply Fiber to install fiber in county rights-of-way; the board voted to schedule the hearing under state franchise procedure (RCW 36.55).
Cowlitz County commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing on a proposed nonexclusive franchise for Ziply Fiber to install fiber infrastructure within county rights-of-way.
County engineer Susan Eugenis told the board she was asking “to adopt a resolution to set a hearing for a public hearing to discuss the granting of a nonexclusive franchise to Ziply fiber,” and said the process is outlined under state law (RCW 36.55). The board moved to add the item to the agenda and then approved calling the hearing, which is scheduled for March 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Why it matters: franchises give private utilities a formal right to occupy public rights-of-way under county terms and conditions. Eugenis said the franchise would require the company to meet the county’s utility accommodation policy, which applies to all utilities operating in the right-of-way.
What the board did: an unidentified commissioner moved to call for the public hearing on the nonexclusive franchise; the presiding officer called the vote and the motion carried with an affirmative vote. The hearing will allow public comment and permit the board to consider franchise terms before any final approval.
Next steps: The public hearing will be the formal opportunity for residents, businesses and county staff to raise concerns or conditions for the franchise. No final franchise approval occurred at the meeting; commissioners will act only after the public hearing and any necessary follow-up.
