Colfax (January 20, 2022) — The Port of Whitman County has received a $1,062,000 grant from the Washington State Broadband Office to construct a last-mile fiber network in Steptoe and Diamond.

The project will bring Gig-speed broadband access to approximately 143 homes and businesses. It will also connect the Steptoe School District, Whitman County Fire District #11, Steptoe Grange Hall and Steptoe Post Office.

Washington State Broadband Office reported speed tests show internet users in these rural communities currently receive less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds. By contrast, 25 Mbps is the minimum standard for broadband according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

As the committed internet service provider and project partner, St. John Telephone Company will facilitate an open-access model to serve Steptoe and Diamond, utilizing portions of its existing infrastructure. 

“St. John Telephone is thrilled to be working in collaboration with the Port of Whitman County to extend our infrastructure and provide much-needed broadband to these rural communities in an open-access model,” said Russell Foreyt, Manager of Colfax Cable.

Construction is set to begin on or before June 2022 and conclude by December 2023.

The estimated total cost of the project is $1,329,500. St. John Telephone Company has committed to providing a $267,500 grant match. 

“Without this partnership and sharing of infrastructure, funding and expertise, this project would not be possible,” said Port Executive Director Kara Riebold. “The Port is grateful for St. John Telephone’s leadership in exploring a new model to serve rural Whitman County.”

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About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.