Port gets boost in funds for fiber

Chief Operating Officer Kara Riebold reported to Port of Whitman County commissioners Jan. 24 that the Community Economics Revitalization Board (CERB) has increased the Port’s loan and broadband grant.

The Department of Commerce CERB program can issue grants and/or loans for projects.

The Port last September had received a grant-loan from the CERB Rural Broadband Program for $1 million to fund fiberoptic networks at Garfield, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia and Tekoa.

Originally, the port received a $750,000 loan with an interest rate of 2.5 percent and a $250,000 grant.

Riebold received a phone c...