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Skagit County approves nonexclusive telecom franchise with Upper Skagit Indian Tribe
Summary
The board approved a two-part action April 14 to authorize and execute a 10-year nonexclusive telecommunications franchise with the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe for fiber deployment along specified county roads; terms include permitting requirements, insurer obligations and a 6% franchise fee on gross revenues.
Skagit County commissioners on April 14 approved a resolution authorizing execution of a nonexclusive telecommunications franchise agreement with the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and then approved the franchise agreement itself.
Tory Nelson of the countyengineering division described the agreement as a 10-year contract that would permit the tribe to install fiber-optic network facilities within county rights-of-way in specified sections of the county (described in the staff map). "They wish to provide network services using fiber optic lines within the franchise area," Nelson said, and staff told the board the proposed agreement is consistent with the countys other telecommunication franchise arrangements.
Key contract terms Nelson highlighted include requirements that grantees obtain right-of-way permits before any work, meet county traffic-control and compaction standards, provide certificates of insurance and indemnification clauses, and pay a franchise fee of 6% on gross revenues. Nelson also said the franchise is nonexclusive and that grantees are responsible for relocating or removing facilities at their expense when required.
Commissioners asked whether the served area already had internet; Commissioner Browning noted existing service is often fragile and that fiber would bring higher speeds and greater capacity. Nelson said the tribes plan likely would tie into the Skagit Net backbone. Commissioners expressed concern about contractor restoration of private yards when companies trench in right-of-way; Nelson said the countys development-review team enforces restoration standards and right-of-way permits.
No public testimony was offered during the hearing. The board closed the public hearing and approved a resolution authorizing execution of the franchise and then the franchise agreement itself by voice votes.
The resolutions require the tribe to follow standard permitting procedures and allow the county to inspect work, review traffic-control plans and enforce restoration requirements. The franchise fee and insurance terms are intended to limit county financial exposure while enabling the tribe to deploy fiber to reservation lands and adjacent route segments.
