Broadband, But...

The Washington State legislature has taken a tentative step to extend broadband access with its passage of HB 1701.

HB 1701 was written so that the state could capitalize on about $7.2 billion in the Stimulus Bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – ARRA) that is earmarked for broadband initiatives. The legislation says that if specific funding for the purposes of the act is not provided by June 30, 2009, in the omnibus appropriations act, the act is null and void.

Joining in the leadership effort was Sen. Jim Kastama, a recognized advocate in the state Senate for technology issues and technology-led economic development.