Leasing State Trust Lands for Communications Sites
Washington’s state trust lands provide many ideal locations for communications towers—hilltops and mountaintops throughout many parts of Washington State. Our Communication Site Program includes 100 wireless telecommunication sites and represents a diversity of prime locations serving the large population centers of the Puget Sound lowlands, Spokane and the Tri Cities. In addition, sites that provide ideal coverage for rural and urban populations are located across the state. The program leases sites for new communication facilities, and for co-locating within DNR-managed facilities. The 3 million acres of state trust lands managed by DNR represent many different types of opportunities for private and public entities to establish new communications sites as well as expand existing sites.
Seeking partnerships to gain stimulus funding for broadband in state
Federal communications agencies are working to provide more broadband service to the people in underserved areas across the United State.
Washington's Department of Natural Resources manages extensive state trust lands in rural and urban areas throughout the state. This provides the opportunity for expanding the current network of communications sites, which complements the goals of the National Broadband Stimulus Buildout.
We will be sending out a Request for Proposals (RFP) to wireless carriers, communication tower companies, and broadband providers with which to partner. This partnership will develop an infrastructure proposal to acquire funding through the NTIA and BTOP stimulus grants.
This DNR / private partnership will develop a grant proposal to provide broadband service to under-served and un-served communities across Washington State. Information about the Request for Proposals will be available here on the DNR webpage about mid June. Businesses Interested in receiving the RFP or additrional information may contact Walt Pulliam, 360-802-7032 or e-mail him at walter.pulliam@dnr.wa.gov
DNR comments and business plan addressing the federal Telecommunications Information Administration broadband buildout.
Communication Sites Listed By County
We publish a ‘Lease Rent Schedule’ each year that details facility and land lease rents, and lists DNR communications site managers for each of our regions, as well as site class and rent determination. Please contact us for information concerning DNR wireless communications sites opportunities and questions about our current program.
July 2009 - June 2010 Communications Site Lease Rent Schedule
July 2008 - June 2009 Communications Site Lease Rent Schedule - (1,069KB PDF)