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KITTITAS COUNTY <br /> DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS <br /> PUBLIC WORKS—BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br /> STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT <br /> STUDY SESSION DATE: June 8, 2026 <br /> TOPIC: Broadband Project—Public Works Board <br /> ACTION REQUESTED: Approve Letters Regarding Broadband Project <br /> Permitting Support <br /> LEAD STAFF: <br /> Josh Fredrickson <br /> RECOMMENDATION: <br /> Direct staff to finalize proposed letters and provide the letters to the BOCC office for <br /> signature and distribution. <br /> BRIEFING SUMMARY: <br /> • Resolution 2023-072 adopted policy standards for broadband infrastructure <br /> expansion under the authority of the County. <br /> • Grant application was submitted to the Washington State Dept. of Commerce <br /> Public Works Board in October 2021 for funding to expand broadband services. <br /> • Resolution 2023-139 awarded the Design and Build project to Consolidated <br /> Communications Inc., which is now Lightcurve. <br /> • Project funding expands broadband services in the unincorporated areas of Thorp <br /> and Edgemont. <br /> • Project timelines have been impacted by obstacles obtaining the necessary BNSF <br /> right-of-way permits. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Kittitas County has been awarded broadband infrastructure grants through two <br /> Washington State Programs, each overseen by the Washington State Broadband Office. <br /> Construction is underway with the first grant, through the Public Works Board (PWB). <br /> Kittitas County contracted with Consolidated Communications, now Lightcurve, for the <br /> design, build and operation of these broadband networks. The first area under <br /> construction is in Edgemont, and the contractor is preparing to move into the Thorp <br /> unincorporated areas. Lightcurve has been attempting to obtain permits from BNSF for <br /> more than a year. <br />