Permit Issued For Internet Project

Sonora, CA — Work will soon begin in Sonora on a regional project that will boost broadband internet connectivity.

In Summer of 2010, the Central Valley Independent Network Fiber Optic Project was awarded $46.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The federal money is designed to help rural regions catch up to urban areas when it comes to high speed internet infrastructure. The CVIN project covers 18 counties (including Tuolumne and Calaveras) and 39,530 square miles.

The project plans to connect via fiber to 18 county offices of education (Tuolumne and Calaveras), 14 community college sites (Columbia), 20 libraries (Tuolumne and Calaveras), and seven public safety sites that will anchor the new network infrastructure.

This week City of Sonora Engineer Jerry Fuccillo told the City Council that the main encroachment permit for the CVIN Fiber Optic Project has been issued by the city. Work is scheduled to take place this Spring and Summer, and involves the installation of underground fiber optics along 4 ½ miles of city streets. Construction will be taking place in various areas throughout the summer months. Work will also be noticeable in other communities throughout the Mother Lode.