The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation aims to install underground and aerial fiber along U.S. 101 between the Oregon border and the Dr. Fine Bridge. | Map courtesy of the California Public Utilities Commission

The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation is poised to receive nearly $4.8 million in federal broadband dollars for a project that will bring internet access to roughly 286 individuals.

The Nation plans to install 10 miles of underground and aerial fiber along U.S. 101 between the Oregon state line and the Dr. Fine Bridge in Del Norte County. The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s FFA Broadband project project will connect to the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative — California’s statewide network that seeks to expand internet access to unserved and underserved communities.

It’s part of roughly $10.3 million that may be allocated to Del Norte County as part of the Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program, the California Public Utilities Commission announced Friday.

In addition to the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s project, the Yurok Telecommunications Corporation is set to receive a total of $19.6 million and plans to use about $5.5 million of that funding for broadband infrastructure in Del Norte County.

The Yurok Telecommunications Corporation's broadband infrastructure project spans both Del Norte and Humboldt counties. | Map courtesy of the CPUC

Both projects will go before CPUC commissioners for funding consideration at their Sept. 26 meeting. Commissioners will also consider awarding Last Mile Federal Funding grants to the Karuk Tribe as well as for other projects in Humboldt, Siskiyou, El Dorado and Santa Clara counties.

A total of $174.4 million is poised to be awarded for broadband projects in those counties, according to the CPUC.

The $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grants Program is administered by the CPUC and is used to fund broadband projects in underserved and unserved communities.

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