Treasury Department Announces Approval of Federal Funds to Connect 33,000 in Washington State

The US Department of the Treasury approved $195.7 million for high-speed internet projects in Washington state from the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). The state estimates the support will help connect about 33,000 homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet. The plan approved by the Treasury Department represents 100% of the state’s total allocation under the CPF program. Washington will implement three competitive broadband infrastructure programs that aim to provide reliable internet access to households across the state.

1. Washington’s State Broadband Office (SBO) broadband grant program will prioritize the investment of $118.5 million to provide reliable internet in communities without internet service and then to those with internet speeds below 25/3 Mbps.
2. The state will also invest $43.7 million of its CPF award to the Public Works Board (PWB) Broadband Program – a program designed to provide high-speed internet in distressed rural counties, or areas identified as Indian country.
3. Washington will additionally invest $23.8 million towards the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Rural Broadband Program to expand last-mile broadband access in rural areas of the state without reliable internet.