Resolution_Broadband Application Authorization (2)

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KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA STAFF REPORT AGENDA DATE: July 15, 2025 ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Resolution authorizing applications for up to seven 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 $60,000,000 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 Washington State 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. Applications were submitted during the first and second round. Provisional awards were noticed by WSBO to the County. An updated NOFO was posted by NTIA in July, requiring all provisional awards to be rescinded and requiring new applications for project areas. The seven project areas identified by the State Broadband Office within Kittitas County remain eligible for Round 3 applications. Each project area requires a separate BEAD application. At the end of Round 3 WSBO will create a package of potential awardees to send 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. The current NOFO has identified multiple technologies which can be eligible for use such as wireless and low earth orbit satellites. 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 3 BEAD applications are due July 23, 2025.