Washington invests $6 million in rural broadband access, clean energy infrastructure

Washington state announced a $6 million investment Monday in rural broadband internet and clean energy infrastructure in six counties.

The investment included $3.2 million in low-interest loans and $2.67 in grants for infrastructure projects that target rural broadband, business growth and job creation in Clallam, Kitsap, Mason, Whatcom and Yakima counties. It was approved by the Washington Community Economic Revitilization Board.

“CERB projects represent an important partnership between the state and local communities resulting in enhanced economic vitality.  The projects approved for funding represent the economic, cultural, and geographic diversity of our state. The board is pleased to collaborate with each of these communities to create permanent private sector jobs,” said CERB Chair Randy Hayden.

Four of the projects received funding under the Rural Broadband program, which was established with the 2017-19 capital budget to increase access to education, business, telemedicine and other development opportunities that rely on access to high-speed internet.

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