SALEM, OR — Stantec has spearheaded the crucial federal and state permitting efforts for Zayo Group to build an underground fiber optic middle-mile network between Oregon and Nevada. The 622-mile network will provide affordable broadband internet services to underserved rural areas.

Prior to Zayo breaking ground on the route, Stantec’s Environmental Services team worked to ensure that the project met permitting requirements under the National Environmental Protection Act and California Environmental Quality Act. Stantec’s environmental experts provided studies that included cultural, biological, botanical, and wetland technical reports. Stantec also led informal tribal consultation with tribes in Oregon and California, including permits and plans required for construction. Currently, Stantec provides comprehensive environmental compliance oversight for the ongoing construction efforts in Oregon and California.

In June 2023, Zayo was the only national provider awarded a $92.9 million federal grant under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Middle Mile Grant Program as part of a national effort to bridge the digital divide in rural America. The grant funds were allocated to three projects, including the Oregon-California-Nevada project.

“Reliable and affordable broadband is critical for rural communities in Oregon, California, and Nevada, and we’re proud to be able to provide the necessary permitting and technical assistance for Zayo,” said Sara Lindberg, Project Manager for Stantec. “These are complex projects that involve an array of experts in wildlife, wetlands, archaeology, and tribal relations.”

“Stantec has been an exceptional partner in our Oregon-California-Nevada middle-mile project,” said Troy Lupe, Chief Network Officer for Zayo. “Their expertise in navigating a complex permitting process has helped move the project along smoothly so we can bring broadband to communities across the three states.”

This is the fourth fiber optic project Stantec has provided its permitting expertise to Zayo. The other projects were in central Washington, western and northwestern Oregon, and in the Mount Hood National Forest.