WSR 19-15-089

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

(Public Works Board)

[Filed July 19, 2019, 3:14 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Modification to existing Title 399 WAC, Department of commerce (public works board); to include reference to new grant and loan opportunities associated with SB [2SSB] 5511 - Broadband internet service access. This bill requires the public works board (PWB), in collaboration with the new broadband office, to establish and administer a competitive grant and loan program to promote expanding access to broadband service in unserved areas of the state.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.155.040(5) adopt[s] rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: PWB has a new system: SB [2SSB] 5511 - Broadband internet service access, to the new chapter 399-80 WAC. In addition, to update WAC to include chapter 399-80 WAC, to include legislature updates on chapter 43.155 RCW that occurred during 2019.

Process for Developing New Rule: Following regular rule-making process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Connie Rivera, PWB Program Director, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-3088, email connie.rivera@commerce.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Written comments for consideration by the board should be submitted to Connie Rivera.

July 19, 2019

Leslie Wolff

Rules Coordinator