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Public Works Board clarifies broadband policy to allow up to 100% grant in catastrophic events
Summary
The board voted to insert language into broadband policy granting discretion to provide up to 100% grant funding for repair or restoration of existing broadband infrastructure when catastrophic disaster conditions apply; staff noted the authority aligns with ESSB 5949 and available broadband funds.
The Public Works Board voted to add clarifying language to its broadband policy permitting the board, under catastrophic disaster conditions, to exercise discretion to provide up to 100% grant funding to repair or restore existing broadband infrastructure.
Sheila Richardson, programs director for the Public Works Board, told members the change aligns the broadband policy with statutory and capital-budget language and restores an option the board has previously used. "By adding that specifically to the policy in alignment with traditional [policy], it just gives the board a flexibility, in the event that we get an application that comes to us to be able to award grant funding," she said. Sheila emphasized the intent is repairing existing infrastructure damaged by catastrophic conditions and that the provision carries a caveat: if an existing provider will not repair or replace damaged infrastructure and an alternative proposal comes forward, the board may consider replacement under certain conditions.
Members discussed guardrails. Laura Petso said she was "not quite sure which way I'm gonna go on this today" and that she has "never actually been a fan of the 100% grant idea," urging future retreat-level discussion about hardship policy and saying she would prefer a cap such as 75% in most circumstances. Dean Reynolds and other members emphasized the provision is discretionary and requires a board vote to apply 100% funding in any case.
Max Weddings noted the broadband funding is in a separate state broadband account and that the legislature in 2024 (ESSB 5949) gave the board authority to transition broadband loan dollars to grants for the 2023-25 capital budget. Sheila and Max said about $5,000,000 in broadband loan dollars are available for conversion to grants if the board deems it appropriate.
The motion to insert the underlined sentence clarifying that "if catastrophic conditions apply, the board has discretion to provide up to 100% grant funding as available" was moved by Sharon Trask, seconded by Dean Reynolds, and adopted by voice vote; no opposed or abstaining voices were recorded on the transcript.
Next steps: staff will continue monitoring emergency conditions and apply existing hardship and catastrophe criteria when evaluating broadband emergency grant requests.
