OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Broadband Office opened the application period for $1.2 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding intended to bridge the digital divide in Washington by bringing high-speed internet to everyone.
“These federal funds, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, recognize and boost the work Washington state has been doing for years to expand equitable access to high-speed internet,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Now the Department of Commerce is going to put these dollars to work connecting Washingtonians across the state to broadband, with all the opportunities this technology brings. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration, Secretary Raimondo, and our Congressional Delegation for these historic investments.”
The BEAD program is open to cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utilities, public utility districts and local and tribal governments.
The Broadband Office says projects must serve areas identified and approved through the BEAD process. Updated BEAD construction project area maps that detail unserved and underserved locations across the state that are eligible for funding can be found here.
"This is our generation’s big infrastructure moment. This is our opportunity to connect everyone in Washington and across America with the tools they need to thrive in the modern digital economy,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson. “With funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Washington is seizing this moment by beginning to select the providers who will build out high-speed Internet service throughout the state. Congratulations to the Washington State Broadband Office and state government on this milestone.”
The first 60-day round of applications closes in January 2025 and further application rounds may follow. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will review applications in May and June 2025. The Broadband Office is expected to announce Washington's BEAD projects following NTIA approval in the summer of 2025.
“Washington’s BEAD funding is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and social equity. By investing in broadband infrastructure, we're connecting communities and empowering individuals, fostering innovation and creating a more prosperous future for all,” said Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong.
Broadband Office Director Aaron Wheeler notes that the Department of Commerce will offer $300 million in state matching funds to local governments and tribes that apply.
"Today’s announcement marks an important step in unleashing BEAD’s historic investment in broadband infrastructure to connect rural towns, Tribal lands, and coastal communities that have been left behind. Bringing fast, reliable internet will empower all Washingtonians to participate in the 21st century economy," said Washington Senator Maria Cantwell.
Application information and training:
The agency is offering two training opportunities on using the grant application portal on Nov. 14 and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
Links to these trainings, the Notice of Funding Opportunity document, application portal link and more information about the BEAD program are all available on the Commerce Internet For All website.
