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Rural Health Information Hub

Washington Rural Broadband Program

This funding record is inactive. Please see the program website or contact the program sponsor to determine if this program is currently accepting applications or will open again in the future.

Sponsor
Washington State Department of Commerce
Deadlines
May 15, 2023
Contact

Janea Stark
360.252.0812
janea.stark@commerce.wa.gov

Barbara Smith
360.764.9820
barbara.smith@commerce.wa.gov

Purpose

The Washington State Department of Commerce provides low interest loan or loan/grant packages to build infrastructure to provide high-speed, open-access broadband service to rural underserved communities for the purpose of community economic development.

Eligible projects are those that encourage, foster, develop, and improve broadband in order to:

  • Drive job creation, promote innovation, and expand markets for local businesses
  • Serve the ongoing and growing needs of local education systems, healthcare systems, public safety systems, industries and businesses, governmental operations, and citizens
  • Improve accessibility for underserved communities and populations
Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

  • Cities and towns
  • Counties
  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Municipal corporations
  • Quasi-municipal corporations
  • Public port districts
  • Special purpose districts
Geographic coverage
Washington
Amount of funding

The loan maximum is $3,000,000 per project. Grants are available up to 25% of the total award, determined by the underwriting process and debt service coverage ratio.

Applicants must demonstrate feasibility with a supporting study and provide a cash match of 20% of the total project cost.

For loans:

  • Interest rates: 1-3%
  • Term: Up to 20 years
Application process

Links to additional guidance are available on the program website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Community Economic Revitalization Board meets every 2 months to consider projects and make funding decisions. Potential applicants must contact staff to discuss their project prior to receiving a link to the online application.

Tagged as
Broadband · Community and economic development · Infrastructure · Washington



For complete information about funding programs, including your application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes or monitor application status.