American Dark Fiber MEN 101/MEN 20 Broadband
Summary
SCH Number
2025100667
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 1
(DOT)
Document Title
American Dark Fiber MEN 101/MEN 20 Broadband
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/15/2025
Document Description
American Dark Fiber, LLC (ADF), in coordination with the California Department of
Technology (CDT), proposes to install broadband infrastructure consisting of fiber optic cable, conduit and vaults on State Route (SR) 101 at post mile (PM) 30.795 in Mendocino County & State Route (SR) 20 from post mile (PM) 33.226 – 34.101 in Mendocino County.
Purpose: This Middle-Mile Broadband Network project will install the broadband infrastructure along the State Highway System (SHS) necessary to connect to a third-party operated Last Mile Broadband Network which will bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions.
Need: In July 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring high-speed broadband service to all Californians.
The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in connecting California’s communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network included in SB 156 is a foundational investment to ensure every Californian has access to broadband Internet service that meets the connectivity needs of today, and well into the future. This project intends to support providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to and increase the affordability of high-speed internet for all Californians.
Contact Information
Name
Cassie L Nichols
Agency Name
Caltrans
Job Title
Sr. Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
calpella
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Citywide, Countywide
State Highways
MEN101 PM 30.795 & MEN 20 PM 33.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC 21080.51
Reasons for Exemption
This project is a linear broadband deployment in the Caltrans right-of-way or right of way of a public road that meets all conditions of Section 21080.51, and the project is
statutorily exempt from CEQA. Environmental specialist reviews have occurred, and this project would not cause a significant impact to the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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