I am very happy to say that I received the following press release from Port Commissioner Michael Shepard today about a joint effort between the PUD and the Port to address rural broadband concerns. I provided extensive information to Michael and PUD commissioner Atul Deshmane over the past 2 years or so. This, along with our efforts, helped solidify the argument to move forward with broadband via the Port and PUD. However, there is still a lot to do. This press release outlines a feasibility study of $50,000 (which makes you wonder how they city is spending $300,000 on their study) which will take some time to complete. So, overall, Good News! We are slowly but surely moving forward. That's why it's very important to elect candidates like Michael Shepard and Atul Deshmane. It's also very important to continue our efforts towards technological education in our communities.
The official press release reads:
PORT PARTNERS WITH PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 ON RURAL BROADBAND
Bellingham, WA (Tuesday, December 4, 2018)
The Port is teaming up with Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1 of Whatcom County to develop a strategic
plan for improving broadband coverage to underserved areas throughout the county.
“In Whatcom County, we have many rural communities who either do not have broadband
access or have it but the speed is inadequate” said Port Director of Economic Development Don
Goldberg. ”Like water, roads, and electricity, broadband is of fundamental importance to social and
economic development. Increasing capacity is essential to the economic growth of Whatcom County. It
will enable businesses in our mostly rural county to thrive and compete in an increasingly digital world“
Recognizing the Port and PUD have shared goals of community and economic growth, the two entities
have entered into an Interlocal Agreement to develop a strategic plan for improving broadband
connectivity throughout Whatcom County. The Port and PUD have committed $30,000 to help fund the
plan, and secured a $50,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce Community
Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to complete the Rural Broadband Feasibility Study.
“The PUD sees this new partnership with the Port as a great opportunity for both agencies” said PUD
General Manager Stephan Jilk. “Both the PUD and Port have county wide authority and common
interests in developing infrastructure to provide solutions to our community’s basic needs. Working
together on common goals provides a more effective and more efficient way to meet these goals.”
The Rural Broadband Feasibility Study will identify which areas in Whatcom County are unserved or
underserved by broadband, identify the most feasible path to extend broadband infrastructure to these
communities, and identify existing infrastructure and needed infrastructure to implement a countywide
broadband system.
The study will include:
* Need/demand assessment for broadband services
* An identified pathway to rural communities
* Current assets and mapping
* Broadband business and operating models
* Codes, permits and policies needed to implement a broadband network
* Estimated construction costs
The Port and PUD anticipate completing the strategic plan in 2019 and then pursuing grant funding for construction to improve broadband infrastructure throughout the county.
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Media Contacts:
Michael Hogan, Port Public Affairs Administrator, 360.676.2500
Gina Stark, Port Economic Development Specialist, 360.676.2500
Stephan Jilk, Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County General Manager, 360.384.4288