SPOKANE COUNTY, WA – Thursday, October 31, 2024, The USDA Rural Development fund awarded the Broadlinc Public Development Authority (PDA) in Spokane County a $4.54 million broadband funding award for the construction of a public benefit open access middle mile and fiber-to-the-home project that will serve approximately 380 Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) in North Spokane County. The project includes an innovative type of Digital Access and Navigation Community Center that will be funded by the grant for up to two (2) years.

“I am excited to see the continued impact of the Commissioner’s 2022 decision to establish Broadlinc as an engine for broadband expansion across our county. Access to, and use of, high-speed internet is vital for today’s communities—large and small,” shared Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney, also Broadlinc Governing Board Chair.

Since the pandemic, access to high-speed internet has become a key determination for vitality and resiliency for households, businesses and anchor institutions.

“Broadlinc is committed to bringing broadband solutions to Spokane County in a way that is affordable, sustainable and competitive for our rural communities in need of internet. This award is another step forward toward this goal,” states Broadlinc Executive Director Ariane Schmidt.

This project creates new fiber connections for residents and businesses to access services in government, education, health/mental/behavioral tele-care, remote job opportunity and personal connection in this portion of North Spokane County and serves as a base for additional expansion in the future.

About Broadlinc: Established in 2022 by the Spokane County Commissioners, Broadlinc serves as the Spokane Regional Broadband Development Authority. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration, Broadlinc is dedicated to promoting digital equity and fostering the development of broadband infrastructure across Spokane County.

If you’re interested in broadband expansion across Spokane County, we invite you to join the Spokane Broadband Action Team (BAT) which meets on the third Friday of each month at 10am. Internet service providers, CAIs, and other interested residents discuss the projects, opportunities, and challenges of connectivity across the county. Learn more and sign up for meeting reminders at broadlinc.org/bat.