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KITTITAS COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />AGENDA STAFF REPORT <br />AGENDA DATE: January 21, 2025 <br />ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Resolution authorizing applications for up to <br />seven project areas in Kittitas County to the Washington State <br />Broadband Office for the Broadband Equity Access Deployment <br />(BEAD) Grant program in the Total Amount of up to $90,000,000 <br />and Authorize the Public Works Director to submit the same. <br />BACKGROUND: Funding for deployment of broadband services to areas within the <br />County has been made available through the National <br />Telecommunications and information Administration (NTIA) <br />Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. BEAD <br />is administered by the Washington State Broadband Office within the <br />Department of Commerce. <br />In November 2024 a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was <br />posted by the NTIA for the BEAD project. Seven project areas have <br />been identified by the State Broadband Office within Kittitas County. <br />Each project area requires a separate BEAD application. <br />BEAD application submittals are robust, including the requirement <br />for a full network design and financial bonds supporting the design <br />and construction. These items are being developed by the providers <br />with Public Works input and support from our broadband consultant. <br />Projects require twenty-five (25) percent match. The Washington <br />State Legislature has approved funding to support match funding for <br />qualifying public projects. Projects within Kittitas County are eligible <br />to receive the state match funds. BEAD applications are due January <br />31, 2025. <br />INTERACTION: Public Works <br />RECOMMENDATION: Approve a Resolution authorizing applications for up to seven project <br />areas in Kittitas County to the Washington State Broadband Office for <br />the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) Grant program in <br />the Total Amount of up to $90,000,000 and Authorize the Public <br />Works Director to submit the same. <br />HANDLING: Return One original to Public Works <br />ATTACHMENTS: Resolution <br />LEAD STAFF: Josh Fredrickson, Director <br />