Okanogan County and Colville Confederated Tribes Broadband Action Team
The Okanogan County and Colville Confederated Tribes Broadband Action Team (Ok Co CCT BAT) was created in February of 2019. Okanogan County, the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Economic Alliance, partnered together to apply for a Planning Grant through the WA State Community Economic Revitalization Board. The Ok Co CCT BAT conducted a Strategic Plan and Feasibility Study to understand the broadband needs in Okanogan County and the Colville Indian Reservation. The BAT is made up of representatives from the County, Cities, Tribe, WSU Extension, Community Based Organizations, Small Business, Internet Service Providers/Retail Service Providers, Utilities, Infrastructure Owners and Community Members.
As a core member of the Ok Co CCT BAT, WSU Okanogan County Extension provides support by hosting the monthly meetings, compiling agenda items and recording meeting minutes.
There are two documents that guide the work of the Ok Co CCT BAT- the Executive Summary and the Strategic Plan & Feasibility Study. Both documents can be found on the Okanogan County Economic Alliance website.
If you are interested in joining our BAT, email okanogan.county@wsu.edu and we will add you to our listserv!
Our Ok Co CCT BAT meets on the fourth Thursday of each month via Zoom at 2 pm. If you would like to join us, call the WSU Okanogan County Extension office at 509-422-7245 or email Okanogan.county@wsu.edu to receive the zoom link.
For more information on the Ok Co CCT BAT, to see the monthly agendas, and to review previous meeting minutes, visit the Economic Alliance website and choose the Ok Co CCT BAT link at the top right.
Background on Broadband in Washington State
State of Washington Information
The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), through consultation with other state agencies and extensive public engagement will develop a Five-Year Action Plan and a State Plan for universal, reliable, high-speed Internet. These two plans will establish eligibility for federal funding to deliver significant investments for the expansion of broadband access and to help close the digital divide in the state of Washington. Learn more about the Internet for All in Washington initiative and how to engage with the Broadband Office.
The BEAD program, as defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is “a program to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build infrastructure where we need it and to increase adoption of high-speed internet.” The program provides $42.45 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide.
Washington State Department of Commerce programs provide $2.75 billion in nationwide funding to promote digital literacy for all by engaging communities to build their capabilities in accessing and utilizing affordable, reliable high-speed Internet to meet their needs and improve their living standards.
For more information on BEAD and other broadband-related federal funding programs visit the federal government’s Internet for All website.
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported to your local Extension office:
WSU Okanogan County Extension
1234 S. 2nd Ave. S., Suite C
Okanogan, WA 99840
509-422-7245 or kayla.wells@wsu.edu.