NEWPORT, Wash. — People in parts of Pend Oreille County will soon have access to more reliable internet service after the local utility district received preliminary federal funding to expand broadband to thousands of homes.
Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County received preliminary approval for $12.4 million in federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which the State Broadband Office administers in Washington. The funding will be combined with $4.1 million in state matching dollars to support fiber broadband projects in three approved project areas.
“This represents a major step forward for our communities,” said Chris Jones, Pend Oreille PUD General Manager. “Reliable, affordable broadband is essential for education, health care, small business, and quality of life. This funding will help us make real progress toward closing the digital divide here in Pend Oreille County.”
The utility district applied for five project areas and received preliminary approval for three locations in the southern portion of Pend Oreille County. The awards are part of Washington’s $1.2 billion allocation from the BEAD program, a national initiative designed to expand broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas across the United States.
The State Broadband Office plans to submit its final proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration this month. Federal review of the proposal is expected to conclude later this year, and all awards remain preliminary until that review process is complete.
The fiber broadband projects funded through this award will provide high-speed internet access to areas that currently lack reliable service options. Fiber optic technology offers faster speeds and more reliable connections compared to older broadband technologies, making it particularly valuable for rural communities seeking to attract businesses and support remote work opportunities.
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