Working with the Zayo Group to improve rural broadband and make affordable internet services available to underserved communities

Prineville to Reno Fiber Optic Network

When it comes to accessing the internet, rural communities need affordable, quality broadband services—and that means reliable fiber optic networks. In a bid to remedy this in Nevada, a 434-mile (698-kilometre) underground fiber optic network spanning three states will be constructed. Working with the Zayo Group, we led federal and state permitting efforts under the National Environmental Protection Act and California Environmental Quality Act.

Our team conducted botanical, wetlands, wildlife, and archaeological surveys for the route. We developed reports based on field survey results that met each agency’s specific requirements. Working closely with state agencies and local community members, we led informal Tribal consultations in Oregon and California to obtain required construction permits and plans. Reaching out to Tribes with interests along the route was important, and Zayo and our team worked with the Klamath Tribes, Fort Bidwell Indian Community, Burns Paiute Tribe, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Washoe Tribe, Susanville Rancheria, and Pitt River Tribe. Our archaeological survey involved intensive surveys, boundary delineations, and evaluations of over 200 cultural resources sites to determine National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility.  

To help bring reliable internet connectivity to underserved rural communities, construction is now underway and we’re coordinating field personnel across multiple technical teams working along the alignment.