Clallam PUD Eyes Broadband Grant

Clallam PUD is applying for a grant through the Telecommunications and Information Administration to build broadband infrastructure.

If awarded, the $6.8 million ask will provide Clallum PUD the funds needed to construct a new fiber backbone of roughly 75 aerial fiber miles to extend service to areas currently unserved.

The infrastructure build will go from the PUD airport substation in Port Angeles to Forks.  Also included will be the western side of Port Angeles to west of Joyce, with connection to BPA infrastructure across backcountry, then to PUD infrastructure east of Beaver to Forks.

The project directly impacts  Forks and Beaver with potential future expansion to Neah Bay.

The western Olympic Peninsula currently lacks the infrastructure to develop and provide adequate access to high-speed broadband. The construction will help address limited access in those communities in Clallum County and will have additional capacity to provide future additional speeds when they are offered/become available.

The application will be submitted September 30th and the decision on the grant will come in March of 2023.