News Flash

City of Washougal Latest News

Posted on: August 3, 2020

State Broadband Office needs you to help identify low or no high-speed internet service areas

speed survey iconWASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE — OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Broadband Office and state Public Works Board have launched a mapping initiative to identify gaps in high-speed internet service and areas of broadband infrastructure needs in order to advance the state’s goal to have universal broadband access in Washington by 2024.

The first step is for Washington residents to perform a one-minute access and speed survey found at broadband.wa.gov. Using the easy-to-follow instructions and a simple link, anyone can complete the speed test at home using any computer or mobile device.

Those with no internet access at their homes are encouraged to visit a local library or drive-in hotspot in their community, or use their mobile device to take the survey and check the “no available service” button to record their physical address. This simple access and speed survey will result in statistically valid data and mapping for decision makers to plot a course for Washington’s ambitious broadband expansion plans.

“Our State Broadband Office is leading the nation with this first-of-its-kind survey to collect broadband access and speed data at this level of detail,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “We encourage everyone to take the test and share the link. The data will provide the foundation for achieving our long-term goal to provide quality, high-speed broadband access to every Washingtonian.”

“Imagine your child can’t use the internet to do homework, or the nearest doctor is 40 miles away and there’s no reliable option to consult via teleconference, or a small business can’t sell products or provide services online – the need for broadband access in every community has never been clearer,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Bridging the digital divide is one of the most important tools we have for widespread economic development and individual prosperity.”

Washington businesses and institutions such as schools, libraries, hospitals and public safety facilities are also participating in the mapping project. Key partners with the State Broadband Office include mapping technology partner GEO Partners, LLC, Washington State Department of Commerce Information Services, Washington State University Extension, Washington State Library division of the Office of the Secretary of State, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The map data gathered through the survey will provide validated information for use by any community for broadband expansion projects and support pursuit of grant funding available from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state programs such as Public Works Board and Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) broadband financing.

“Solving broadband issues at the macro level is not an option – it requires micro-surgery,” said Russ Elliott, director of the Washington State Broadband Office. “We are in a time where we need the most precise data in order to make intelligent decisions with the limited state funds available. We need everyone to participate in these surveys so we have the highest quality data to make the best decisions for providing future-proof infrastructure to solve these issues not just for today, but for the next generation.”

Many rural communities are already engaged in broadband projects and planning. In conjunction with this Broadband Office access and speed survey, the Public Works Board is conducting a Planning Assessment Survey for local governments to assist in mapping and tracking these infrastructure projects across the state. The Board currently has $18 million available for low-interest loans and grants for broadband construction projects.

To learn more about the Washington State Broadband Office and its work to lead a multi-agency collaboration dedicated to providing access to affordable broadband to all Washington residents, visit www.broadband.wa.gov.

###

Contact

Media Center

Penny Thomas

Commerce Communications, (206) 256-6106 | Mobile/text: (360) 704-9489

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City of Washougal Latest News

2023 Water Meter Replacement

Posted on: May 31, 2023
Washougal-City-Hall-Closure-May-15-31

Washougal City Hall Closure May 15-31

Posted on: April 21, 2023

City of Washougal Earns WellCity Award

Posted on: February 28, 2023

City of Washougal Earns Clean Audit

Posted on: February 10, 2023
Fireworks

NYE Fireworks Limitations & Safety Tips

Posted on: December 28, 2022
RateStudy_Trench_5x5

Utility Rate Study

Posted on: November 1, 2022
David Stuebe

Washougal City Council Appoints New Mayor

Posted on: September 27, 2022

Chip/Fog Seal - September 14th and 16th

Posted on: September 12, 2022

Le Brun Road Closure - 8.19.22

Posted on: August 16, 2022

AR Chip Seal July 16-17

Posted on: July 8, 2022
Fireworks

NYE Fireworks Limitations & Safety Tips

Posted on: December 28, 2021
Skate with a Cop

Skate with a Cop This Friday

Posted on: December 15, 2021

COVID-19 Related Rental Assistance Update

Posted on: November 30, 2021
Rochelle Ramos Headshot

Rochelle Ramos Sworn in as Washougal Mayor

Posted on: November 23, 2021

COVID-19 Related Rental Assistance Update

Posted on: November 17, 2021

City of Washougal Earns Clean Audit

Posted on: September 28, 2021

9/11 20th Anniversary Commemoration

Posted on: September 13, 2021

9/11 20th Anniversary Commemoration

Posted on: September 7, 2021

2021 Chip and Fog Seal Begins 7/26

Posted on: July 23, 2021
Excessive-Heat-Warning

Excessive Heat Warning in Effect

Posted on: June 23, 2021
Recreational Burn Ban in Effect text

Recreational Burn Ban in Effect

Posted on: June 22, 2021

Cemetery Board Vacancy

Posted on: May 25, 2021

Water Meter Upgrade to Begin Soon

Posted on: April 22, 2021

Water Meter Upgrade to Begin

Posted on: January 19, 2021

November 16 Washougal City Council Meeting

Posted on: November 12, 2020

Park Board of Commissioners Vacancy

Posted on: October 14, 2020

Hamllik Park Redevelopment Survey

Posted on: September 28, 2020
Air-Quality-Index

Air Quality in Washougal

Posted on: September 14, 2020
Washougal Permit Center

City Opens New Permit Center

Posted on: July 15, 2020

Steamboat Landing Dock Re-Opened

Posted on: June 5, 2020

Sandy Swimming Hole Park Reopened

Posted on: May 29, 2020

Live Fire Training Burn Today

Posted on: March 13, 2020

2020 Utility Rates

Posted on: March 11, 2020

2019 Asphalt Grind/Inlay

Posted on: October 21, 2019

UPDATED DATES: 2019 Chip/Fog Seal

Posted on: September 17, 2019

2019 Slurry Seal Project (Completed)

Posted on: July 23, 2019

24th Street Closure

Posted on: July 9, 2019

20th Street Closure - May 2

Posted on: May 2, 2019

Washougal Earns WellCity Award

Posted on: May 8, 2018

Washougal Lights up with Holiday Event

Posted on: November 17, 2017

Columbia River Gorge Fire Update

Posted on: September 5, 2017