State Senate unanimously votes to create statewide broadband office

A statewide broadband office would be created under legislation passed by the Washington state Senate in a unanimous vote on March 6.

Senate Bill 5511 would establish the Governor’s Statewide Broadband Office, require the Public Works Board to create a grant and loan program, and modify the state Universal Communications Services Program, along with other changes.

The expansions to the Universal Communication Services Program would cost $5 million annually and if the money is not used in any given year the funds would rollover.

The Public Works Board grant and load program could be awarded to...