The Public Works Board (Board) Broadband program is authorized by state statute RCW 43.155.160. Rules are outlined in WAC 399.80.010. See sub-section 11 for Emergency program specific rules.
Eligible projects are emergency public works broadband projects that include construction, repair, reconstruction, replacement, rehabilitation, or improvement to existing broadband infrastructure made necessary by a natural disaster or damaged by unforeseen events.
The Board grants priority to emergency public works projects that replace existing infrastructure whose infrastructure was impacted by the unforeseen emergency. The Board does not award funding for a provider to overbuild the existing provider.
The maximum award is $1 million in state loan funding, and available until funds are exhausted.
Funds are available on a first come - first serve basis, until exhausted.
The PWB Broadband Emergency award may exceed $1 million (pending availability) in a situation meeting the definition of
catastrophic disaster as provided in the PWB Traditional Emergency Program and Use of Grants Policy.