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Silver Star Communications: Wyoming Loop Completion Project EA

Grand Teton National Park » Silver Star Communications: Wyoming Loop Completion Project EA » Document List

Silver Star Telephone Company, Inc., based in Freedom, Wyoming, was selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to install approximately 102 miles of buried high-speed broadband fiber optic cable under the provisions of two new programs: the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and the Agricultural Department's Rural Utility Service's Broadband Initiatives Program. The purpose of these projects is to improve overall broadband communications throughout Wyoming by filling several gaps in the current communications infrastructure. The award to Silver Star is tied to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, 2009).

Silver Star's installation will complete two fiber optic loops that provide service to a majority of the State of Wyoming and a portion of eastern Idaho, making a robust broadband network available to critical community facilities, community anchor institutions, public safety entities, internet service providers, voice and data providers, and for the transport of that information both within and outside the state. By filling the gaps of existing broadband service in Wyoming, vital services will be ensured even if lines are cut, damaged, or temporarily taken out of service for repair.

Because these proposed loops traverse multiple jurisdictions including federal land on three national forests (Bridger-Teton, Caribou-Targhee, and Shoshone) and Grand Teton National Park, as well as lands controlled or administered by Wyoming Department of Transportation, Town of Jackson, and Teton County, an environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared to disclose potential environmental impacts of the project.

The two primary components of the project, the Teton Pass Segment and the Togwotee Pass Segment, are described in detail in this EA for the Wyoming Loop Completion Projects. The Togwotee Pass Segment of this project is the only portion that falls within the Grand Teton National Park.

The NTIA, National Forest Service, and Grand Teton National Park completed separate decision documents. Attached is Grand Teton National Park's Finding of No Significant Impact.

Thank you for your interest in the project.

Contact Information

Margaret Wilson, Planner
(307)739-3390