Stimulus funds possible for fiber

EPHRATA — With a consultant’s help, Grant County PUD staff is researching whether or not to apply for more than $40 million in federal broadband stimulus funds.

If obtained, grant money from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program would be used to continue the utility’s fiber-optic buildout to homes and businesses.

During budget talks in October, Grant PUD Customer Service Director Tony Webb recommended the district remove $5 million from the wholesale fiber program and move the spending to 2013. 

The district originally planned to spend $10 million on the fiber program in 2010.

The budget hasn’t been approved by commissioners yet.

This week, Webb and Warren Miller, the district’s fiber business manager, spoke to commissioners about applying for the stimulus funds.

PUD staff selected a firm that helped Pend Oreille PUD receive a broadband stimulus grant.

The firm will do a “go/no go analysis,” on whether to apply for the funds. The consultant will be paid about $40,000, Webb said.

He explained there is a minimum fund matching requirement of 20 percent to participate.

Miller explained the firm has good staff and additional people will not have to be hired during the two months of work.

At the end of two months, the firm should have enough information to know if the PUD should apply for the grant.