Telecommunications is the catalyst of regional integration and growth, supporting global economic drivers of education, research and development and entrepreneurship. The West Sound Technology Professionals Association (WSTPA) is attempting to make that vision a reality, and lay the foundation for an initiative which fills the gaps in infrastructure.

“Ideally, to bridge the divides in policy between different counties and certainly neighboring cities, guidance from the state level is critical,” says WSTPA President Dona Keating.

Permission to access public rights-of-way for the placement of conduit is obtained only after running a gauntlet of required approvals. After navigating this exhaustive process, the per-foot costs of construction can be staggering.

“The cost to install a single 4 inch conduit after the fact is approximately $9.18 per foot, or $48,470 per mile,” noted Keating. “When compared to $1.00 per foot in an already open trench, it becomes clear that coordinating conduit installation up-front during the planning phase of road projects (or pursuant to rights-of-way access) is warranted.”

Acting as both a catalyst and consumer of the open access conduit to be installed in these rights-of-way, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is perfectly positioned as the premier champion for this initiative,” Keating says.

To facilitate expanding telecom infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, WSTPA has authored two bills, H-3981.2 and H-3980.2, which are being sponsored by Representative Kathy Haigh (D-Shelton).

WSTPA is seeking public support for these bills. For more information, visit www.wstpa.org.