BLM opens public scoping for the Reno to Las Vegas Fiber Optic Project
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RENO, Nevada--- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District Office, has prepared a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA), Vero Fiber Networks Reno to Las Vegas Fiber Optic Project # DOI-BLM-NV-C000-2023-0003-EA (Vero Fiber Optic Project PEA). The proposed project would include the construction and operation of an approximately 450-mile-long underground fiber optic line, which would span from Reno to Las Vegas, Nevada and include in-line amplifier buildings along the proposed route. The BLM is requesting public input under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for the project. The BLM right-of-way file numbers for the proposed project are N‑100968/NVNV105856545 and N-100968-01/NVNV106240146.
This proposed buried fiber optic line, proposed by Vero Fiber Networks, would cross through Washoe, Lyon, Storey, Churchill, Mineral, Nye, Esmeralda, and Clark Counties in Nevada.
The proposed project would be located within existing highway rights-of-way that predominantly follow U.S. Highways 50 and 95; Nevada State Highways 160, 839, and 439; and County-maintained roads from Reno to Las Vegas.
"I encourage the public to participate in the public comment period process by submitting comments on the PEA to better inform the NEPA and decision processes for this project, " said Kim Dow, Carson City District Manager.
Comments will be accepted December 12, 2023, through January 10, 2024. Comments can be mailed to: BLM, attn: Katy Paiva, 5665 Morgan Mill Rd, Carson City, Nevada 89701, emailed to BLM_NV_RenotoLasVegasFiberOpticProject@blm.gov, or faxed to 775-885-6147. Mailed comments must be postmarked or received by 4:30 PM on or before January 10, 2024.
Comments will be accepted on the BLM National NEPA Register (“Participate Now” in left-hand margin) site (https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2024041/510), and via email, until 11:59 pm on January 10, 2024.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.