Projects

Below is a list of the broadband projects and activities being undertaken by the County. They fall into two categories, pre-constructions and construction. Work thus far has been focused on preconstruction.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Broadband Road Map

An introduction to the broadband infrastructure opportunities and challenges. It is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 13, 2022. The plan was funded by a grant from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) that was awarded to a consortium of Central Sierra counties. Read the report.

Network Design

Developing broadband infrastructure projects is complex and time consuming. Tuolumne County has partnered with Golden State Connect Authority in a grant-funded effort to develop network designs for broadband infrastructure that prioritize unserved and underserved locations as part of commercially viable projects. The effort was funded by a Local Area Technology Assistance Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission and has three phases:

  • Conceptual Design: Produce a preliminary design that represents 100% wireline coverage of the occupiable structures within the County to provide a fiber network design and build cost metrics that will inform areas of interest that will drive the High-Level Design. (Download)
  • High-Level Design: Designs are broken down into Areas of Interest with individual cost estimates. (Download) 
  • Low-Level Design: Limited detailed designs for selected Areas of Interest (In Progress)

Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

The County is preparing an EIR for broadband projects in Tuolumne County in an effort to streamline the process of moving to the construction phase while protecting vital environmental and cultural resources. The effort was funded by a Local Area Technology Assistance Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission. A Notice of Preparation was filed with the State. The Draft Program EIR was posted for public comment on April 1, 2024. Approval of the final version is scheduled for Sept. 24, 2024 and includes the following documents:

  • Final Program EIR for Tuolumne County Broadband Project (Download)

Broadband Planning and Feasibility Study

This 250-page report is the definitive guide to the status of Tuolumne County's broadband infrastructure and opportunities for developing and promoting accessibility for residents and businesses. Funded by a grant from the EDA, through the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), an affiliate of Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) of which the county is a member. Read the study

Planning Policies

  • Dig once: A policy that guides the approach to including fiber any time a utility trench is dug. This has the potential to dramatically decrease the cost of construction for buried fiber infrastructure.
  • Streamline: Work is underway to examine policy changes that may streamline the permitting process.