Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents say they were blindsided by 25‑year IRU; PUD says agreement is provisional
Summary
Residents raised alarm that a 25‑year IRU with Whitby/Whitbytel was not clearly disclosed; Whatcom County PUD Commissioner Atul Deshmani told the committee the IRU is provisional and contingent on approvals from state and federal reviewers.
Several residents told the Point Roberts advisory committee they felt blindsided after learning the PUD had entered a long‑term IRU with Whitby/Whitbytel; they said the community had not been informed and questioned the provider selection.
A resident asserted, "It is my understanding that it is a 25 year contract...no 1 in our community even knew that this contract went in front of the PUD," and asked how the committee and community could be better informed. Committee members asked the PUD commissioner about the term and conditions. Commissioner Atul Deshmani confirmed the PUD had signed a 25‑year IRU with Whitby/Whitbytel but emphasized the agreement is provisional and contingent on required approvals: "Yes. We did. We did. But it's obviously provisional and contingent on on these other approvals."
Committee members said transparency and earlier notice to the community would have helped conversation about provider selection and alternatives. Residents recommended the PUD present to the committee in person with technical staff and the wireless expert the commissioner proposed bringing in April. The committee did not take a formal vote on the IRU; members requested follow‑up details on the agreement's provisions and on what approvals remain outstanding.
