Kittitas County Public Works briefed the Board of County Commissioners on ongoing rural broadband expansion work and a serious permitting cost issue impacting the Edgemont and Thorp areas. BNSF-related permitting invoices to the broadband service provider reportedly jumped from about 50000 to about 450000 without explanation, creating a risk that roughly 60 parcels may lose service under what appears to be a grant-funded project because adequate documentation is required for reimbursement. To respond, staff requested and received Board approval to send letters to seek assistance in facilitating discussions around the permitting problem.This indicates the county is actively trying to keep the broadband build-out on track and compliant with grant requirements, rather than scaling it back. Vendors in broadband engineering, permitting, grant compliance, and construction management may find value in understanding the project’s constraints, documentation standards, and any potential scope changes that could arise if the permitting issue persists.

Project is described as rural broadband expansion, likely grant-funded; permitting documentation is critical for reimbursable grant expenses and could affect service to about 60 parcels near Edgemont and Thorp.