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Commissioners approve 10-year non-exclusive Comcast franchise for Cowlitz County
Summary
The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 10-year, non-exclusive franchise allowing Comcast to use county rights-of-way in populated areas; the agreement requires compliance with the county utility accommodation policy and provides franchise and public-education grant fees to local outlets.
The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a 10-year, non-exclusive cable-franchise agreement with Comcast on March 26, allowing the company to continue using county right-of-way in the county’s populated areas.
Anna Lunde of Cowlitz County Public Works told commissioners the prior 10-year agreement had expired and staff recommended renewing a non-exclusive franchise. “In exchange for that, they pay us franchise fees and public education and grant fees to help support KLTB and a few other things,” Lunde said.
During the public hearing a resident questioned whether a 10-year term is too long given rapid technology changes. A member of the public asked what commitments accompany the franchise; staff said the company must follow the county’s utility accommodation policy, be a member of 811 for locates and coordinate placement of facilities to minimize road impacts.
County staff clarified the agreement is non-exclusive and that another carrier could obtain access to county right-of-way. Lunde said the county’s concern is infrastructure protection: “Our concern is strictly infrastructure related… protecting our roads and protecting the county’s tax dollars to minimize impacts.”
Following the hearing, a commissioner moved to approve the franchise; the board voted in favor by voice vote.
The franchise covers populated portions of Cowlitz County and obligates Comcast to comply with the county’s established right-of-way rules and locate requirements. The board closed the item and moved on to other business.
