The Port’s Economic Development Division is submitting an application to Washington State’s Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) for a broadband construction grant to help make high-speed internet more accessible to unserved and underserved communities in Whatcom County.
If awarded, the grant will fund the first phase of construction of a publicly owned dark fiber open access mid-mile network throughout rural Whatcom County.
Broadband infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for community and economic development. Hospitals, schools, emergency services, and businesses all have ongoing and growing needs for high-speed internet services. If successful, the Port’s CERB application will support the extension of a high-speed, open access fiber optic network to rural areas of Whatcom County to the benefit of citizens and businesses.
This is the Public Notification of the Port of Bellingham's submittal for the CERB grant. For questions, please contact the Port’s Economic Development Division at (360) 676-2500. The Port will work with community partners and stakeholders throughout the rural broadband planning and construction process.
CERB is a state board focused on economic development through job creation in partnership with local governments.