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internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload while underserved BSL <br />are locations without access to internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 <br />Mbps upload. <br />Kittitas County received funding through the Washington State Public Works Board <br />Broadband Program. Funding is focused on servicing the communities of Thorp and <br />Edgemont (Exhibit 1). Statement of Qualifications were received from qualified service <br />providers and then scored. Lightcurve (formally Consolidated Communications of WA) <br />was awarded the professional service agreement for the work associated with this funded <br />project. <br />Kittitas County has also received grant funding to expand broadband through the <br />Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) Broadband Infrastructure Grant. A <br />statement of qualifications is currently advertised to qualify and select a service provider. <br />The anticipated service area is identified in Exhibit 2. <br />BEAD is expected to provide $42.45 billion nationwide to expand high-speed internet <br />access. Washington State will be allocated $1.2 billion for BEAD. Funding is for <br />planning and infrastructure deployment. The US Treasury released the Notice of <br />Financial Offering (NOFO) which states the national guidance for BEAD. The State of <br />Washington's guidance and final project areas are still pending; we expect those <br />documents in August. Funding through BEAD is being made available to internet <br />providers and public entities. BEAD funding will require a 25% match, with exceptions <br />for high -cost areas as determined by the NTIA. The State of Washington has made match <br />money available to public entities including Counties who are applying for BEAD funds <br />to build out broadband infrastructure in project areas. Exhibit 3 identifies possible BEAD <br />project areas. Washington is the only state currently which has made match money <br />available. Public Works is anticipating a partnership with a provider, allowing the County <br />to obtain match funding. The internet provider selected as a partner will need to <br />demonstrate how they are able to meet the specifications of the funding. Public Works <br />has developed a draft statement of qualification to select qualified service providers who <br />want to partner with the County to apply for BEAD project areas. <br />FISCAL IMPACT: <br />Grant funding has been received and additional funding will be requested. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Exhibit 1: Public Works Board Location Map <br />Exhibit 2: WSBO Location Map <br />Exhibit 3: Draft BEAD Project Areas <br />