GCI AU-Aleutian

DOWL provided comprehensive support to GCI for a project which placed approximately 800 miles of fiber optic cable on the ocean floor and extended broadband internet access to Unalaska, Akutan, Cold Bay, Sand Point, Chignik Bay, and Larsen Bay in Alaska. The lack of access to broadband service limits economic development as well as the efficiency of services by healthcare providers, schools, tribal entities, businesses, and residents. DOWL staff supported project development, worked with regulatory agencies through permitting processes, assisted with grant application preparation (which was successful), and then worked to quickly satisfy federal funding NEPA requirements for this project. Permits and authorizations (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404/10) included an approved Environmental Assessment for the USDA Reconnect Program, and consultation and research needed to comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act. Additionally, DOWL assisted with obtaining necessary land use authorizations, easements, and rights-of-way.

Link to GCI page: https://www.gci.com/aleutianfiberproject