PENINSULA: Sappho Gap fiber-optic system plan endorsed

At an event last fall celebrating the arrival of a fiber-optic line from Silverdale to Joyce, Forks City Attorney Rod Fleck issued a challenge to complete the fiber-optic loop around the Olympic Peninsula this year.

It appears that challenge will be met.

On Thursday, a state board approved $1.7 million for the installation of fiber-optic cable to fill the “Sappho Gap.”‘

The gap — a 26-mile missing link between broadband communication networks on Clallam County’s west and east sides — is considered a barrier to business development on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Officials said completing the gap will be a major victory for economic development.

Of 29 applications for the $5 million fund, the state Community Economic Revitalization Board chose five projects Thursday.

The $1.7 million for Sappho Gap was the largest single project.

This full report appears in the Friday/Saturday Clallam County edition of the Peninsula Daily News, now on sale. Or click on “Subscribe” at left to order your copy via U.S. mail.

More in News

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
June Ward, 10, examines a wooden paddle she is decorating as her father, Jack Ward of Port Angeles, works on his own paddle during a craft-making session on Friday at the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center in Port Angeles. The paddles are among the thousands of gifts being created for participants in the 2025 Tribal Canoe Journey, hosted this year by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The event begins with the landing of dozens of native canoes at the mouth of the Elwha River on July 31 and continues with five days of celebration on the Lower Elwha reservation west of Port Angeles. As many as 10,000 indigenous peoples are expected to take part. The public is invited to help with giftmaking sessions, scheduled daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Center.
Canoe paddle crafts

June Ward, 10, examines a wooden paddle she is decorating as her… Continue reading

Ralph Henry Keil and Ginny Grimm.
Long lost sailor to be honored at graduation

An honorary diploma will be presented to the family of… Continue reading

Singers to workshop vocal instruments at Fort Worden

One hundred and fifty singers to join together in song

Jefferson County fire danger risk level to move to high

Designation will prohibit fireworks over Fourth of July weekend

Candidate forums to be presented next week

The League of Women Voters of Clallam County and… Continue reading

Port Townsend City Council candidate forum set for next month

The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County will… Continue reading

Jefferson County to host series of community conversations

Jefferson County will conduct a series of Community Conversations… Continue reading

Denise Thornton of Sequim deadheads roses on a flower display at the Sequim Botanical Garden at the Water Reuse Demonstration Park at Carrie Blake Park on Wednesday in Sequim. Thornton, a volunteer gardener, was taking part in a work party to maintain the beauty of the garden. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Rose display

Denise Thornton of Sequim deadheads roses on a flower display at the… Continue reading

Electric rates see big increase

Jefferson proposal approved for 4-year hike

Clallam Transit to receive $4M in grants

Agency to use funds on Strait Shot and other routes

Port Angeles council OKs sidewalk near park

Applicants to receive grant funding for one-third of total cost