Port plans east county internet hut

The Port of Whitman County at its meeting last week discussed the installation of a communications hut in Garfield. The hut will allow for more homes to have access to fiber.

“It’s primarily for companies that are selling internet services,” said Joe Poiré, Port executive director, of the hut.

The 10x20 hut will be constructed on Third Street in Garfield, said Kara Riebold, Port staffer. She said Palouse River Rock has been contracted to do the foundation work for the hut at the cost of $10,715.

Poiré said an internet provider is ready to go in Garfield.

“One internet service provider is going to use the hut right away,” he said. “And he’ll sell his services out of the building.”

The internet provider is Cascades Computing.

“He’s in business now, but this enables him to use our fiber,” said Poiré.

Riebold said the Port will run the fiber, and Cascades Computing will lease it.

“They deliver the content,” she said.

At the Port meeting, Commissioner John Love asked what the return on investment was for this project.

“Right now, it’s not a big return,” said Riebold. “This is kind of the beginning of hopefully our growth in that area.”

Poiré said at the meeting that this is an opportunity for growth.

“The indirect is having the opportunity to breath some life into these towns again,” he said. “Picture a similar investment in Palouse, Rosalia, Colton and Uniontown.”

The Port already maintains communication huts in Oakesdale and Pullman, as well as Clarkston.

Poiré also gave an update on a bill – HB 1702 – currently in the House that would refine telecommunications authority for ports statewide. The updated authority would allow ports to have preferential contracts with one company for the installation of fiber-optic communication lines, as well as allow the ability to work directly with certain entities to lease fiber. As the legislation stands now, ports can only lease lines to telecommunication companies, but the refined authority would allow them to work with public entities, such as cities.

James Thompson, deputy director at the Washington Public Ports Association, said this would expand fiber access in communities.

“If the law isn’t clear, then these companies shy away from the investment,” he said. “Our goal is to get more broadband in your areas, in the rural communities.”

Poiré said there has not been recent progress on the bill.

“It’s sitting in the House, and we’re going to sit for a couple more weeks, or we’re dead,” he said. “It’s one or the other.”

HB 1702 last had a hearing on Feb. 7.

The Garfield communications hut project is expected to be finished within a month.