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KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA STAFF REPORT AGENDA DATE: May 6, 2025 ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Resolution authorizing applications for up to five project areas in Kittitas County to the Washington State Broadband Office for the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) Grant program in the Total Amount of up to $40,000,000 and Authorize the Public Works Director to submit the same. BACKGROUND: Funding for deployment of broadband services to areas within the County has been made available through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. BEAD is administered by the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) within the Department of Commerce. In November 2024 a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was posted by the NTIA for the BEAD project. WSBO has identified three rounds for applications to be submitted. During the first round two project areas received a provisional award. The remaining five project areas identified by the State Broadband Office within Kittitas County remain eligible for Round 2 applications. Each project area requires a separate BEAD application. Once all rounds of applications are complete, the State Broadband Office will create a package of potential awardees and send it to the federal government for final approval. Once final approval is received, formal awards will be announced and contracts provided. BEAD application submittals are robust, including the requirement for a full network design and financial bonds supporting the design and construction. These items are being developed by the providers with Public Works input and support from our broadband consultant. WSBO has provided additional requirements and information for applications submitted in Round 2. For example, a high cost threshold has been established. WSBO has also identified other technologies which can be eligible for use such as wireless. Projects require twenty-five (25) percent match. The Washington State Legislature has approved funding to support match funding for qualifying public projects. Projects within Kittitas County are eligible to receive the state match funds. Round 2 BEAD applications are due May 16, 2025.