VERLOT — More rural locations in East Snohomish County will soon have access to high-speed broadband internet.
On Wednesday, the Snohomish County Council approved contracts with Ziply Fiber for projects near Verlot and Index. The two projects will cost the county a little over $4.3 million. Ziply Fiber is investing slightly over $1.3 million in the project, as well.
This will bring service to about 1,000 locations that do not currently have access to broadband.
Outside of homes, internet will also go to “Community Anchor Institutions” such as libraries, fire stations and medical facilities.
“I appreciate the constructive partnership we have forged to improve broadband access across Snohomish County,” Executive Dave Somers said in a press release. “These investments will have a profound impact on families, businesses, and all of our communities, whether urban or rural. I appreciate Councilmembers Nehring and Low for helping make these projects a reality.”
The new projects follow a recent, larger investment along the Highway 530 corridor between Arlington and Darrington, an endeavor that received a $17 million grant from the Washington State Broadband Office.
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The projects are a partnership between Ziply Fiber and Snohomish County. Improving rural internet has been a priority for County Council members Nate Nehring and Sam Low, both of whom are part of the county’s Broadband Action Team along with Somers.
About $5 million from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds have been allocated for broadband efforts. Snohomish County received $160 million in ARPA money.
“As co-chair of the County Broadband Action Team I am proud of the collaborative work we are doing with our partners to bring broadband to underserved areas,” Low said in a press release. “As we saw firsthand during the Bolt Creek Fire, infrastructure is vital to our rural communities. I believe this is a great use of our county ARPA dollars.”
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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