Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-25-6-BB-0397 for the CVIN, dba Vast Networks State Route 97 Middle-Mile Broadband Network Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026010204
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 2
(DOT)
Document Title
Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-25-6-BB-0397 for the CVIN, dba Vast Networks State Route 97 Middle-Mile Broadband Network Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/9/2026
Document Description
CVIN, dba Vast Networks, in coordination with the California Department of Technology and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), proposes to install broadband infrastructure consisting of conduit, fiber optic cable, and vaults on State Route 97 between post mile (PM) 51.24 and PM 52.375 in Siskiyou County.
This project would include the installation of approximately 10,000-miles of broadband infrastructure throughout California within the State Highway System, including Interstate routes.
Due to the varied topography and locations of the 10,000-mile broadband infrastructure across the State of California, the design would be dependent on project site features. Work would include the installation of subsurface broadband conduit and fiber, the installation of network repeater hubs at approximately 50-mile intervals, as well as the installation of vaults (Pull, Splice, and Buried) at various locations.
All work will take place within 30-feet of highway rights-of-way except where not feasible. The areas of project impact in most areas will be limited to the existing paved surfaces, disturbed shoulders, and maintained Caltrans right-of-way.
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.
Scope of Work
Work within the existing Caltrans right-of-way would include the following:
• Placement of temporary traffic control devices and signage.
• Removal of minor vegetation.
• Install approximately 6,747 linear feet of broadband conduit and fiber optic cable, generally consisting of two (2) 1 ½-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ducts, with a minimum depth of cover of 42 inches.
• Installation of underground fiber optic cable.
• Excavation of bore pits planned within project limits. Standard bore pits measure 3 feet wide by 5 feet long by 4 feet deep.
• Installation of four (4) standard polycrete vaults measuring approximately 3 feet wide by 5 feet long by 3 feet deep and installed flush with the ground, 1 inch above the surface in unpaved areas or buried up to 12 inches if requested by a permitting jurisdiction.
• Application of temporary and permanent erosion control, as needed.
Contact Information
Name
David DeMar
Agency Name
Caltrans District 2
Job Title
Branch Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Mike Stewart
Agency Name
Vast Networks / CVIN
Job Title
Director of Marketing and Business Development
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Dorris
Counties
Siskiyou
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
State Route 97 in Siskiyou County from post mile 51.24 to 52.375
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code Section 21080.51
Reasons for Exemption
Senate Bill 156 (chaptered July 21, 2021) added section 21080.51 to the California Public Resources Code (PRC) to exempt by statute Middle Mile Broadband Network projects. As such, Caltrans has determined that the project is exempt by statute in accordance with PRC Section 21080.51. The project would have no significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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