Columbia County Broadband Initiative
Project Overview
Columbia County, Oregon is actively pursuing a high-speed, fiber-based broadband network that aims to leverage Broadband Equity, Access, and
Deployment (BEAD) funding to deliver internet to unserved and underserved homes and businesses across the County.
An early, high-level estimate projected the county-wide network cost at between $30-40 million. In anticipation of a match requirement, the
County set aside $1M in ARPA funds and also plans to provide right-of-way easements, property access, facility use, and staff assistance as in-kind contributions. Additionally, the County will work with area businesses and agencies to obtain and include pledges for network use
Action Items
Columbia County invites:
- Utility partners to join the digital infrastructure initiative. Participation provides utilities with faster internet service available to their members and organizations, delivers essential network benefits to existing infrastructure, and positions utilities as central contributors to community progress.
- Community anchor institutions (schools, libraries, county and municipal offices, etc.) to tell us about their broadband service and future needs by taking the Economic Feasibility Assessment
Together, we can secure BEAD funding to extend high-speed connectivity throughout Columbia County. Please reach out to discuss how you can become a part of this critical broadband infrastructure project.
Key Findings to Date
- Over 5,500 premises estimated as eligible for BEAD funding
- Digital infrastructure cost estimate $30-40 million to connect BEAD eligible premises in Columbia County
- Open access digital infrastructure will connect more premises with faster, more reliable internet services at more competitive prices
Project Contact
Holly Miller
Columbia County IT Director
503-397-7240