PUD board discusses broadband services, OK's tax plan for Island

The timeline is growing shorter for Wahkiakum County residents to have access to broadband data services, Wahkiakum PUD commissioners learned at Tuesday’s meeting.

Longview internet service provider (ISP) Cascade Networks President Brian Magnuson and Operations Manager Will Bartell attended the meeting and briefed the commissioners on broadband development in Wahkiakum County.

Over the past year NoaNet, a nonprofit company owned by 17 Washington PUDs, has used federal grant funding to install fiber optic cable through Wahkiakum County. The grant is intended to bring broadband data services to rural areas. NoaNet cannot sell to end users, said Magnuson, so they partner with ISPs like Cascade Networks. Rosburg’s Wahkiakum West will provide service in western Wahkiakum County, said Magnuson.

“How soon before you plan on developing your infrastructure in Wahkiakum County?” asked Commissioner Bob Jungers.

"Our negotiations with NoaNet are completed, said Magnuson.

“As soon as they’re done splicing, we’re ready to light it, “ said Bartell.

The commissioners urged Magnuson and Bartell to consider extending their fiber optic coverage to the 515 PUD customer households on Puget Island, possibly using conduit owned by Wahkiakum PUD along the Puget Island bridge.

Tramblie said he and Bartell are in communication about a pole contact agreement.

The commissioners approved Resolution 1160, which authorizes the PUD to implement a line item on Puget Island Water System billing statements identifying the 6 percent town utility tax calculated on water consumption.

Discussions about adding the line item began after the Cathlamet town council approved a three percent utility tax increase in December 2011. Previously, the utility tax had been embedded in the consumption rate.