Cowlitz County approves 10‑year non‑exclusive franchise for Comcast after public hearing

The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a 10‑year, non‑exclusive cable franchise with Comcast Cable Communications Management following a public hearing on the proposal.

Anna Lunde of Cowlitz County Public Works introduced the franchise, saying the agreement would allow Comcast to use county rights‑of‑way in populated areas and that the prior tenure agreement had expired. Lunde said the company’s obligations include paying franchise fees and providing public‑education and grant support to community media such as KTV.

During public comment, a resident asked whether a 10‑year term was too long given rapid technological change, saying, “10 years in today's technology is an awful long time.” Lunde and county staff responded that the contract is non‑exclusive, that Comcast must follow the county’s utility accommodation policy, and that the company participates in 811 locate services and other standard dig‑call procedures to protect roads and infrastructure.

A motion to approve the franchise was made and the board voted in favor; the motion carried. County staff said the franchise is non‑exclusive and that other carriers may seek similar agreements under the county’s accommodation rules.

The board’s action follows typical franchise practice in which right‑of‑way use is exchanged for fees and community support. The county indicated questions about service to unpopulated or forested areas would be handled through coordination between carriers, property owners and county infrastructure staff rather than through the franchise’s exclusivity terms.

The franchise vote was one of several routine actions taken during the board’s meeting, which also approved prior minutes and the consent agenda. The board recessed after the action to receive a separate briefing from the Washington State Department of Ecology.