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Broadband build held up by USDA/tribal archaeological review and higher PSE make‑ready costs
Summary
WhitneyTel/Wintel and Port presenters said the Point Roberts broadband build is delayed by unresolved USDA–tribal issues tied to ground disturbance and by PSE make‑ready cost estimates that exceed early PUD assumptions; providers signaled interest but work awaits approvals.
Broadband engineers and local PUD/telecom representatives told the advisory council that the Point Roberts broadband project faces two primary obstacles: cultural‑resource/archaeological review tied to ground‑disturbing work and make‑ready work on PSE utility poles. Donna from the local carrier team said the project "is waiting for the USDA and the tribe to resolve the remaining differences" before underground construction can proceed, and the group has submitted a change request to shift from underground to aerial installation.
Make‑ready cost estimates are a further constraint. The PUD had budgeted roughly $500,000–$600,000 for make‑ready work; presenters said PSE's current assessment came in at about $1,200,000, creating a notable budget gap. Local providers (including a PointNet owner) offered to lease or temporarily light circuits to address immediate service gaps, but presenters asked that those conversations proceed offline while the USDA/tribe and PSE issues are resolved. "We are painfully aware of that," the carrier representative said about make‑ready costs, and urged continuing to pursue alternative approaches and funding.
