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Point Roberts PUD broadband project faces higher-than-expected make-ready cost; construction planned July 2025
Summary
A PUD broadband project for parts of Point Roberts has a March make-ready quote of about $1,100,000, county right-of-way permits are complete, a PSE pole-attachment permit is pending, and construction is targeted to begin in July 2025; a separate grant may cover roughly 400 additional homes pending May finalization.
The Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee received an update on the PUD broadband rollout on April 17, with committee member Jared reporting the project is 'underway' but that make-ready costs came in higher than expected.
Jared told the committee that the make-ready quote the team received in March is "about I think it was $1,100,000," and said right-of-way permitting from Whatcom County is complete. He said PSE must still process a pole-attachment permit application and that the project team hopes to begin construction in July 2025. The initial coverage area described includes the Johnson and Benson streets and the northeast corner of Point Roberts.
Committee members discussed whether the make-ready estimate included removal of derelict cables and whether third-party crews handling cable removal would affect the schedule or cost. Jared said several questions remain, including whether existing derelict-cable removal is counted in the make-ready cost and whether that would speed or delay the permitting process.
The committee also heard that the PUD has applied for a separate grant intended to serve the final area of roughly 400 residences; Jared said whether that grant will be available for construction will be known when the grant is finalized in May. The committee agreed to continue outreach and to post progress updates to public channels and the county website.
Next steps: the PUD and county staff will confirm whether derelict-cable removal is included in the make-ready cost and report back; construction planning remains targeted for July 2025.
