Development County to study broadband

DAVENPORT – The Lincoln County Economic Development Council recently received a $50,000 grant to study broadband capabilities in Lincoln County with the hopes of bringing fiber internet to the area. The $50,000 was a combination of $37,500 in state development funds and $12,500 in matching funds from Lincoln County.

The study will determine how to bring fiber internet to residents in the eight towns in Lincoln County, eliminating coverage gaps in unincorporated areas and evaluate a management plan that would include a long term partnership with the county’s project consultant, Petrichor.

Petrichor, a new broadband cooperative of six Washington Port Districts, allows multiple Internet Service Providers to share the cost of fiber, lowering their cost of doing business. Lower overhead costs will attract more ISPs and that brings more options to Lincoln County citizens, according to the EDC.

Without an improved broadband system, Lincoln County residents will continue to have limited internet access through Century Tel or via satellite internet providers. Increasing the broadband internet capabilities in Lincoln County could help grow the county’s economy, said Lincoln County EDC Director Margie Hall.

“With increasing industrial development in west Spokane County and the expansion of the federal government cluster in Grand Coulee to the east, a high-speed Lincoln County would be the ideal location for commercial, industrial, and residential development,” she noted. “The Lincoln County Commissioners and the EDC have prioritized high-speed broadband for all. This study is a major milestone toward construction.”