County, Port boards slate joint meeting

County commissioners and Port of Whitman commissioners have booked a joint meeting for next Monday, Feb. 6.

The Port and county commissioners meet together from time-to-time to discuss matters of joint interest.

Maribeth Becker, clerk of the county board, said one item on the agenda is discussing legislation related to fiber optics.

“There’s some legislation that they want to talk to them about,” said Becker. “It’s legislation that’s in the works right now.”

The Port reported last week that it and the Washington Public Ports Association is working with Ninth District Representative Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, on legislation to refine telecommunications authority for ports statewide. Executive Director Joe Poiré said the bill, which was formally introduced in the House last week, could allow ports more authority to work more closely with public entities for fiber installation and potentially expand broadband access in rural communities. The bill was introduced as House Bill 1702 Jan. 26.

The joint meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday in the county commissioners’ chambers at the courthouse.