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Committee hears bill to let Public Works Board fund broadband repairs; cities warn of funding risk
Summary
Senate Bill 5188 would let the Public Works Board issue loans to repair and replace middle‑ and last‑mile broadband infrastructure and prioritize areas that would become unserved; the Association of Washington Cities warned that statutory changes now could risk the Public Works Assistance Account amid prior budget sweeps.
The Capital Budget Committee heard staff and public testimony on Senate Bill 5,188, which would authorize the Public Works Board to issue loans for repair and replacement of middle‑mile and last‑mile broadband infrastructure.
Rob Hatfield, staff to the committee, said the bill would expand the broadband service expansion grant and loan program to include repair and replacement and require priority for applications in areas that would become…
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