Port receives grant to expand internet

OLYMPIA — The Port of Whitman County is receiving $1.06 million to extend fiber optic internet.

“The project will bring Gig-speed broadband access to approximately 143 homes and businesses. It will also connect the Steptoe School District, Whitman County Fire District #11, Steptoe Grange Hall and Steptoe Post Office,” stated a spokesperson.

Construction is set to begin before June 2022 and conclude by December 2023.

The estimated total cost of the project is $1.3 million. St. John Telephone Company committed to providing a $267,500 grant match.

“St. John Telephone is thrilled to be working in collaboration with the Port of Whitman County to extend our infrastructure and provide much needed broadband to these rural communities in an open-access model,” said Russell Foreyt, manager of Colfax Cable.

The Washington State Broadband Office awarded $145 million in Infrastructure grants to provide broadband internet connections. The tax money is funding for 13 construction projects to deliver high-speed internet in 14 communities.

“The $145 million in broadband infrastructure acceleration grants move Washington another step closer to its ambitious goal of connecting all residents of the state to broadband infrastructure by 2028,” stated spokesperson Penny Thomas.

Most of the money is being used in Adams, Clallam, Island, Jefferson, King, Lincoln, Lewis, Mason, Snohomish, Whatcom, and Whitman counties.

The sovereign nations of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville, Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Spokane Tribe of Indians are receiving $27.7 million.

The funding was prioritized for projects that would deploy service in unserved areas, or areas lacking access to reliable service.

A King County project was selected despite the area having numerous internet options in existence.

Applicants requested more than $413 million for 36 different projects. Applications for a second round of grants to award an additional $120 million open later in the spring.

“From education and healthcare to e-commerce and community services, the daily essentials needed for people and our economy to thrive are increasingly found online,” said Washington Commerce Director Lisa Brown.