06.08.2026 PW SS Briefing - Laserfiche WebLink

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The costs being requested by BNSF appear disproportionate to the scope and public benefit of the project, particularly given the rural nature of the community and the limited number of customers served. Compounding these concerns, BNSF representatives have failed to attend the last two scheduled meetings intended to resolve these issues and move the permitting process forward. These delays are having a direct impact on rural residents and the ability to obtain high speed internet. Thorp, Washington is a small rural community west of Ellensburg with fewer than 190 broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) in the project area. Sixty-two of these locations are directly affected by the pending BNSF permits required to complete the project. The customers affected are rural residential households that currently lack adequate broadband access. We respectfully request your assistance in facilitating communication with BNSF Railway and helping convene a meeting that will allow the permitting process to move forward in a timely and transparent manner. Without prompt resolution, these publicly funded broadband projects risk missing grant deadlines and leaving rural residents without the reliable broadband access these programs were designed to provide. The primary BNSF contact Lightcurve has been working with is: Priscilla Richards Transaction Manager JLL - Rail Practice Group 2650 Lou Menk Drive, MOB2 Fort Worth, TX 76131 Phone: 817-352-6494 Email: Priscilla.Richards@BNSF.com The following BNSF permit numbers remain pending: -BNSF 25W-27332 -BNSF 25W-27341 Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of rural broadband deployment in Washington State. Sincerely, Cory Wright Brett Wachsmith Laura Osiadacz Chairman Vice Chair Commissioner Cc: Kittitas County Courthouse• 205 West 5t''Avenue,STE 108 •Ellensburg,WA 98926 (509)962-7508 -FAX(509)962-7679