Clallam Broadband Project Reaches 1,446 Locations as Astound Seeks More Funding

Construction of Clallam County’s rural fiber network is complete, but Astound Broadband is seeking another $477,613 to cover higher engineering and utility-pole costs under its agreement with the county.

Public Works staff recommend using unspent grant money to cover the increase. They expect the project’s final costs to remain about $2.2 million or more below the total grant awards, without another contribution from county funds.

Commissioners will discuss the request at their 9 a.m. work session Monday, Oct. 26. The proposed contract amendment is scheduled to return for regular-meeting consideration Nov. 3.

The network reaches 1,446 locations in parts of the rural area stretching from Lairds Corner, at U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 112, to west of Joyce. Construction finished in September. By mid-October, 116 customers were online and 75 more installations were pending, according to the Public Works report.

The county owns the network. Its March 2024 agreement gives Astound the right to use the infrastructure for 25 years.

Astound’s request would increase the contract’s contingency allowance, which covers unforeseen costs. Staff attribute the increase to engineering expenses and work needed to prepare utility poles for fiber attachments, including upgrading or replacing poles.

The agreement makes Astound responsible for costs above the agreed construction amounts and for further unforeseen expenses after the contingency is exhausted. The amendment would increase that allowance by $447,191.86 under the Washington State Broadband Office grant and $30,421.02 under the Public Works Board grant.

The project’s funding includes $16.07 million through the Broadband Office, $4.53 million through the Public Works Board and $1.79 million from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation. All three sources are federal funds, according to Public Works.

The department’s estimate that costs will finish below the combined grant awards remains a projection. If commissioners approve the amendment, Public Works plans to seek additional spending authority through a November budget amendment.

Tourism contracts include proposed Hurricane Ridge shuttle

Monday’s agenda also includes 13 proposed agreements totaling $1.86 million in 2027 lodging-tax funding, along with a separate $20,000 proposal for the Upper Left Outdoor Recreation Alliance.

Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing 2027 lodging-tax expenditures Oct. 20, according to draft minutes included in the following week’s packet. The individual agreements now before the board remain drafts, with regular-meeting consideration listed for Nov. 3.

The largest agreement would provide $900,000 to the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau for work that includes marketing outside the county, encouraging longer visits and attracting travelers during slower seasons. A $175,000 agreement with Field Arts and Events Hall would cover operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, communications and software.

Other agreements would provide $113,000 to Feiro Marine Life Center, $91,000 to the Peninsula Trails Coalition and $55,000 to the Forks Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s funding would support visitor-center staffing and the Forever Twilight in Forks festival.

The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Education Foundation would receive $88,034, including $66,374 toward a new winter operations and administrative director position and $21,660 toward a free winter shuttle.

The foundation proposes using a 28-seat vehicle on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays from January through March 2027, operating a total of 28 days. The service requires Olympic National Park approval, and the foundation is seeking the other half of its shuttle funding from the city of Port Angeles.

Bridge repairs planned for 2027

Commissioners also will review a $2.79 million project to clean, paint and make minor steel repairs to the Sol Duc River bridge on Quillayute Road.

Public Works identifies the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Local Programs as the funding source for the full project. The proposed schedule calls for bids to be due Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. and work to take place between May and September 2027.

Monday’s work session will be held in Room 160 of the county courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.