Project Title:
Southwest Alaska Long-haul and Optical Network (SALMONet)
Funding Program:
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This Planning, Engineering, Feasibility, and Sustainability Studies project will allow SALMONet to hire experienced engineering, planning, and facilitation consultants to complete in depth feasibility studies, last-mile design, and construction cost estimates. Throughout the feasibility and design process, expert community planners and facilitators will gather stakeholder input to inform the plan and future grant applications. We will consult with financial experts to create a sustainable business plan for the tribally owned network. Extensive planning, community engagement, and regulatory compliance to ensure limited environmental impact across sensitive habitats will be required.
State(s):
-
$8,000,000.00Funding Amount
Project activities include:
The funding provided by NTIA will be used to complete the planning, design, stakeholder engagement, permitting, and NEPA process necessary for a shovel-ready project to serve 16 native Alaskan communities in Bristol Bay with high-speed, affordable broadband. Key activities include:
- Middle and Last-mile Feasibility Studies
- Network Sustainability Study
- Land Use Permitting and ROW Acquisition
- Last-mile Design
- Detailed Cost Estimate and Construction Planning
- Program Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Meeting Facilitation
- Regional Tribal Communications
- Environmental Studies
- NEPA Review and Draft Document (EA or EIS is TBD)
The project outcomes will result in a well-developed, “shovel-ready” project designed and vetted for future Broadband Infrastructure Deployment.
This project will benefit 16 communities in the Bristol Bay Region with a total population of 2,630 people, 1,923 Tribal members, 543 tribal households, approximately 157 community anchor institutions, and 328 businesses. Approximately 50% of Tribal members live below the 150% federal poverty line.