Board hears broadband progress, approves planning and small infrastructure grants; Port of Bellingham signals withdrawal

Department of Commerce staff told the board that the agency is moving into contracting for large-scale broadband awards tied to roughly $1.23 billion in federal NTIA funds and an additional approximate $300 million in state matching resources. Staff said contracting is being completed and the agency is working with NTIA to clarify how the remaining non-deployable funds can be used for permitting and other community support.

Staff reported a time-sensitive issue for one tribal project (Nisqually): because of procurement and contractor staffing problems the tribe is pursuing an extension with the U.S. Treasury for projects that had capital assets purchased but could not finish by the federal deadline. Staff also said the Port of Bellingham has notified CURB by email that it intends to withdraw from its project and to return about $2,000,000; staff said an official withdrawal will be brought back to the board.

The board approved multiple actions on planning and small-construction projects: a $75,000 planning grant to the Cowlitz Economic Authority for a strategic economic plan (matched with about $1.07 million in other funds); a $75,000 planning grant for the Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park first-building predevelopment work; and a $90,000 grant for a three-phase electrical upgrade at the Port of South Whidbey fairgrounds to support local businesses and a commissary kitchen. The board also approved staff recommendations to extend contract deadlines where remediation or utility studies require more time (Port of Illahee and Port of Skagit extensions were approved).