In what marks a significant step towards digital inclusion for rural areas, Snohomish County just kicked off the SR-530 Broadband Project with a ceremonial shovel in the dirt. The new initiative aims to bring broadband connectivity to over 4,000 homes, business entities, and various community institutions. At the Darrington Fire District Station 38, where the event was held, public leaders gathered, acknowledging the current lack of broadband infrastructure in this part of Arlington, WA, which will now finally get the vital service it has been missing.

According to officials involved in the unveiling, the project represents a key collaboration between several parties, landing a substantial $17 million in funding by the state’s Infrastructure Acceleration Grant Program, with further financial backing from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Present at the groundbreaking event were Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Vice Chair Nate Nehring of the Snohomish County Council, Chief Marketing Officer Mike Doherty from Ziply Fiber, and Lois Langer Thompson, Executive Director for Sno-Isle Libraries, each championing the cause. Executive Somers told Snohomish County's official website, “By expanding broadband access to over 4,000 homes, businesses, and community institutions along SR-530, we are making significant progress on our goal to increase access. We are very grateful to our federal partners, the Washington state Department of Commerce, Ziply Fiber, and the Stilly Valley.”

Councilmember Nehring highlighted the project's significance not just for the county but as a suitable model for rural communities nationally, noting, “Our Broadband Action Team will continue to advocate for additional federal and state resources to bring this critical service to more parts of the county.” Ziply Fiber's Mike Doherty expressed the company's mandate to bridge the digital divide for smaller towns and regions often overlooked, saying, “From Darrington to Arlington and most places in between, we know people struggle with on-line access. Thankfully that’s no longer going to be the case as Ziply Fiber begins construction of a new fiber-optic network that will bring ultra-fast, reliable fiber internet to more than 4,300 homes from the edge of Arlington to the areas surrounding Darrington, as well as Bryant and Pilchuck north of Arlington,” as mentioned by Snohomish County's official website.

The outlined goals of the SR-530 Broadband Project are threefold: expanding broadband infrastructure in areas lacking service, increasing digital equity and affordability, and leveraging this new connectivity to support public safety, education, and economic growth. This pivotal shift was warmly welcomed by Congresswoman Schrier who, in her delight with Snohomish County's investment in broadband, “I am glad to have helped secure federal funding to expand broadband access, an effort that will greatly benefit this community's need for public safety, education, and healthcare."  Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo echoed the optimism, “Today’s announcement that connects thousands of homes to internet are a part of the Biden Administrations historic investments to unlock potential in every community across the country,” according to Snohomish County's official website.

Amid the fertile grounds of digital advancement, the effort does not stop with infrastructural enhancements. “I want to thank Snohomish County, the Snohomish County Broadband Action Team, State Broadband Office, and Ziply for launching this project. At Sno-Isle Libraries, we are committed to providing everyone with internet access through public Wi-Fi, and check out laptops and hotspots. At your public library you will always have access to the expansive internet and this project will connect residents at home too. We know digital access is critical for our communities to thrive, and our library staff are dedicated to digital inclusion and empowerment.” Executive Director Thompson stated.

State Representative and Broadband Action Team Co-Chair Sam Low also lauded the combined effort, affirming the county and state's commitment alongside partners in bringing broadband to areas thus far underserved.