The County Connection | Building Broadband from the Wheat Fields – Episode 216

About this episode

This episode features a discussion on rural broadband buildouts in Washington, highlighting Lincoln County's successful initiatives.

In this episode, Paul Jewell sits down with Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell for a deep dive into one of Washington’s most ambitious rural broadband buildouts. Commissioner Hutzel shares how a decade of groundwork, smart partnerships, and six successful grants turned a sparsely populated county into a model for fiber‑to‑the‑home connectivity. From the early planning days to securing nearly $30 million in funding, he walks through the strategy, grit, and local relationships that made it possible. A must‑listen for any county leader looking to bring high‑speed internet to rural communities. Recorded: February 20, 2026 ---------- County Connection is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties. ---------- Learn more at wsac.org Register on The Hub Follow us: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BSKY

People in this episode

Host: Paul Jewell

Guest: Scott Hutsell

Topics covered

• broadband
• rural connectivity
• local government
• infrastructure
• grants
• community development

Keywords

• broadband
• fiber-to-the-home
• Lincoln County
• high-speed internet
• rural communities
• funding
• grants

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington State Association of Counties

Places: Washington, Lincoln County

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