Gov. Gregoire announces broadband priority list to receive federal stimulus funding

For Immediate Release: October 15, 2009

OLYMPIA� Gov. Chris Gregoire today released Washington state's prioritized list of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) stimulus applicants.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act appropriated $7.2 billion in funding to expand broadband infrastructure and access across the United States. More than 2200 applications for this funding were received at the federal level. Each state's governor was given an opportunity to review and prioritize projects with an impact in their home state.

�I have prioritized applications which best meet the interests of Washington state,� Gregoire said. �These projects will help to create jobs and stimulate local economies. We are hopeful that these applicants will receive federal funds to help them jump start their efforts.�

The Washington State Department of Commerce first reviewed the applications for their potential to create sustainable jobs and stimulate economic growth. Next, the Governor�s Broadband Advisory Review Committee composed of senior technology experts determined which applications best met the federal program objectives and the recommendations described in the Governor's Broadband Advisory Council Report. Gregoire approved and submitted the committee�s list of preferred applications to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA):

� Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
� Grays Harbor Public Development Authority
� Mason County Public Utility District No. 3
� Northwest Open Access Network
� Public Utility District of Pend Oreille County
� Snohomish County
� Tacoma Housing Authority
� Tincan (Public Computer Center)
� Tincan (Broadband Adoption)
� Tri County Economic Development District

NTIA is conducting its own review, during which it will consider each state�s prioritization as part of its evaluation. NTIA is expected to announce which applicants will receive federal funding on a rolling basis beginning in November. It is anticipated that the rules for a second wave of BTOP funding will be released later this year.

For more information about broadband activities and efforts in Washington, please visit the Washington State Broadband website at www.broadband.dis.wa.gov.