Specifications include, but are not limited to: A study to determine strategies for using highway right of way to improve broadband access in Washington. §7 of ESHB 1457 requires the study to include: • Overlay mapping of current broadband infrastructure gaps/underserved areas with state highway map including currently planned projects affording potential for adding broadband infrastructure; • Prioritizing broadband expansion opportunities in state highway right of way including finetuning a classification system for unserved and underserved areas; • Analyzing costs and value of providing broadband access; • Recommending role of WSDOT in a coordinated state agency approach to expanding broadband access; • Analysis of relevant planning and financing tools; • Potential for partnerships between WSDOT and broadband service providers that would also benefit the transportation system; • Identification of potential safety, operations, and highway preservation impacts and strategies for mitigating those impacts; • Approaches from other states and possible application in Washington; • Identifying state and federal laws and regulations relevant to broadband expansion via transportation infrastructure that might be a barrier to the above recommendations and suggested legislative modifications to any barriers.
