Hello, this morning I spoke with our District 1 Port Commissioner, Michael Shepard. We talked about how the Port sees Public Fiber as a great catalyst for economic development and how there are still some laws on the books making it harder us in Bellingham and Whatcom County to expand, via the Port, than Skagit due to our non-rural status. Fortunately, there is a bill being considered by Representative Morris' Committee right now to lift that restriction. The Port is very serious about moving forward with this, especially if this bill passes. So please, call your Representatives in support of HB-2664. Here is some more info from Michael including a description of the bill. "We could use some help encouraging folks to contact 40th District Rep. Jeff Morris. His Technology & Economic Development committee will be hearing the bill on Tuesday and Morris specifically needs encouragement to allow a vote and send the bill to a full House vote. We want Whatcom County to have the same ability as Skagit to develop infrastructure for high speed, public and open broadband networks." -- Michael Shepard Contact Information Rep. Morris (360) 786-7970 https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/40/2 Bill info http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2664&Year=2017​ If you have the time, please also contact Representative Lytton as well. My past conversations with here about public broadband make me think she is supportive, but it would be best to be sure. Here is her contact info. (360) 786 - 7800 e-mail https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/40/1 One last note, Representative Morris is rumored to love the big telecoms. You will find the information I've provided here to be a good argument against the big telecoms and for public broadband.