On September 30th, a 45-day public review period for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the Nevada County Broadband Program begins. Nevada County is conducting a countywide Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on broadband to meaningfully address challenges and remove barriers for project developers. The ultimate goal is to increase the feasibility of universal and accessible broadband throughout Nevada County by achieving compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The proposed Nevada County Broadband Program would expand access to broadband technology throughout Nevada County and the incorporated communities of Grass Valley, Nevada City, and the Town of Truckee but excludes federal lands and state highway rights-of-way. The countywide Nevada County Broadband EIR aims to achieve compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act for the program in advance so that individual fiber projects can take advantage of state and federal grant funding programs. Construction of individual fiber projects under the program could begin as early as spring 2023.
A printed copy of the Draft EIR is available for public review at the following locations during regular business hours:
- Nevada County Planning Department, 950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 170, Nevada City, CA 95959
- Madelyn Helling Library, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City, CA 95959
- Grass Valley Library – Royce Branch, 207 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- Bear River Library, 11130 Magnolia Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949
- Truckee Library, 10031 Levon Avenue, Truckee, CA 96161
All comments on the Draft EIR must be submitted on or before November 14th. Comments must be submitted in writing (email or hardcopy) and be directed to:
Brian Foss, Planning Director, Nevada County
950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 170
Nevada City, CA 95959
Email: Brian.Foss@nevadacountyca.gov (Subject Line: Broadband Program Draft EIR)
Broadband became a standalone Board Objective in 2021, seeing the benefits broadband will bring to support economic development, distance-learning, telework, telemedicine, and general quality of life in Nevada County. Residents can learn more about Nevada County’s broadband strategy at www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/Broadband. Those with questions, concerns, or opportunities to bring service to underserved areas should connect via email at broadband@co.nevada.ca.us.
