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KITTI AS COUNTY <br />DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS <br />PUBLIC WotcS- <br />B01tD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />STUDY SESSION DATE: June 8, 2026 <br />TOPIC: Broadband Project — Public Works Board <br />ACTION REQUESTED0 <br />: Approve Letters Regarding Broadband Project <br />Permitting Support <br />LEAD STAFF9, <br />Josh Fredrickson <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Direct staff to finalize proposed letters and provide the letters to the B(-)CC office for <br />signature and distribution. <br />BRIEFING SUMMARY: <br />• Resolution 2'.023-072 adopted policy standards for broadband infrastructure <br />expansion under the authority of the CountN-1 <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 LI*ghtcurN.F e. <br />• Project funding expands broadband services in the unincorporated areas of Thorp <br />and Edgemont. <br />IP 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 bvthe Washington State Broadband Office. <br />Construction is underway with the first <br />Kittiotas County contracted with Consoll' <br />grant, through. the Public Works Board (I)WB). <br />dated 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. Li'ghtcurve has been attempting to obtain permits from BNSF for <br />more than a year. <br />