Governor Inslee to Visit Port of Skagit
Governor Jay Inslee will be visiting the Port of Skagit on Tuesday, May 28th to learn more about rural broadband projects in this region.
The Skagit Community Fiber Optic Network Project is a fiber optic backbone that will span 80 miles from Anacortes to Concrete, with branches to La Conner and Mount Vernon.
SkagitNet, an LLC formed between the Port of Skagit and Skagit PUD in 2018, is overseeing the construction of the fiber optic backbone. The sixth segment, which will
run from Hamilton to Concrete, is expected to be complete in early 2020.
Governor Inslee recently created a statewide Broadband Office to help facilitate partnerships that can replicate similar projects in rural areas throughout the state that have little or no internet access.
The Port of Skagit and many local community organizations partnered on a Community Fiber Optic Network Strategic Plan in 2017 to develop a countywide, carrier grade, open access fiber optic network that will deliver affordable high-speed internet access to citizens of Skagit County. Internet access is a critical component to the success of businesses and to the creation of family-wage jobs in our community.
The meeting will be held at 1:55pm in the Port Commission Hearing Room, 15400 Airport Drive, Burlington, WA 98233.